Wokingham borough has been identified as the second-lowest area in the country for smoking.
Data from the UK Government has revealed that just 8.2% of the local population are recorded as smokers. In contrast, Kingston-upon-Hull was ranked as having the highest prevalence of smokers with more than one in four of its residents admitting to smoking.
Nearby Slough was ranked fifth in the country, with 21.3% of its residents referring to themselves as smokers.
In the UK, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) affects a staggering 1.2 million people, making it the second most common cause of emergency hospitalisations, and contributes to one in eight hospital admissions.
Smoking remains the primary cause of developing COPD, a condition which can lead to long-term damage to the lungs and airways from exposure to tobacco smoke and toxins in cigarettes.
With approximately 6 million smokers in the UK alone and an ageing population, COPD has become increasingly common, posing significant health challenges to individuals and a heavy strain on the healthcare system.
According to the Office of National Statistics, in 2016 smoking rates were notably higher among residents in the most deprived areas of England, with rates being more than four times higher compared to those living in more affluent areas.
In response to the increase in smoking-related diseases such as COPD, MAC Clinical Research is leading a trial to test a potential new treatment for exacerbations in people living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
This condition results in lung inflammation and damage, leading to symptoms like persistent cough, shortness of breath, and sputum production, which can worsen over time.
Dr Sandy Connell, medical director and lead on the COPD trial at MAC Clinical Research, said: “The COPD trial aims to evaluate a new study drug as a treatment for moderate to very severe COPD, associated with elevated blood eosinophils and frequent exacerbations.
“The study drug may offer hope for COPD patients with eosinophilic inflammation who are at risk of exacerbations by providing a potential adjunctive maintenance treatment to prevent the exacerbations.
Healthwatch Wokingham was approached for comment.
If you are interested in participating in the COPD trial conducted by MAC Clinical Research, you can view the criteria and register your interest at www.researchforyou.co.uk.
