WHEN Janet Morrison was told she had a chronic lung condition she could hardly believe it.

She was just 36 years old and had given up smoking years before in a bid to stay healthy. Even her GP was shocked.

The 62-year-old, Wentworth Road, Southend, is now speaking out in a bid to warn others to look out for the danger signs and get themselves checked out.

She said: “I often wonder if passive smoking contributed to my condition. I worked in the bar at Southend dog stadium for 10 years, and was also employed at the Royal Naval Association.

“Both were smoking environments, at the time.

“I also had a job as a cashier, employed in a small foggy office where both colleagues smoked.”

Mrs Morrison was diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Condition (COPD)- the name used to describe a number of conditions including emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

Next month, the British Lung Foundation (BLF) will support World COPD day in order to raise awareness of the condition.

The charity estimates that millions of people across the UK have COPD – but don’t even know it.

About 115,000 people are diagnosed each year – equivalent to one every five minutes.

Mrs Morrison said her experience highlights that the air we breathe can have an impact on our lung health and can affect us at any age.

She said: “When there were fewer restrictions on smoking, you knew when you were breathing in nicotine fumes. But today’s air pollution, from the likes of traffic exhaust emissions, is an invisible poison.

“None of us know how our lungs are suffering every day. That’s why I support the British Lung Foundation in its message.

“If you’re feeling breathless doing everyday tasks, visit your doctor. Don’t put it off, your lung health could depend on it.”

Mrs Morrison is now secretary of the British Lung Foundation’s Breathe Easy Group in Southend, providing support and information for others living with lung conditions, and for those who look after them.

Members take part in singing classes, designed to help their breathing, as well as social activities, such as quiz nights and a boat trip.

The BLF is encouraging anyone who gets out of breath doing everyday tasks, such as walking up the stairs, to take their lung health seriously.

It is also calling on the government to set up a respiratory taskforce to develop a new five year strategy to improve lung health.

Dr Penny Woods, chief executive of the British Lung Foundation, says: “COPD isn’t just a smokers’ disease. People with long-term asthma, or those exposed to air pollution and fumes are also vulnerable – that could be anyone.

“We’re aware of 1.2 million diagnosed with the condition but that’s the tip of the iceberg. Millions have this life-limiting lung disease, and they don’t even know it.”

The charity has set up a simple online breath test at blf.org.uk/breathtest and wants people to take the test and if advised to, seek advice from their GP.