Why 1.2 Million Lung Disease Patients Are More Vulnerable

A scientific study has confirmed that people with lung disease are more at risk of falling ill with coronavirus if overweight and obese.

- Chris Riches

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) includes a group of lung conditions causing breathing difficulties, such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. There are more than 1.2million sufferers in the UK.

A University of Manchester study examined the lung tissue of 37 COPD patients.

A lung-coated enzyme called Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (or ACE2) is a receptor for the virus and allows Covid-19 to gain entry into the body.

The university team has found higher levels of ACE2 in those with COPD who are overweight.