63-year-old Dominic McCourt arrives at Lagan Valley Hospital for his routine respiratory appointment, carrying what looks like a discreet lunch pack. But inside is something far more vital, his portable oxygen supply, a lifeline he has relied on since being diagnosed with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).
A former heavy smoker, Dominic received his COPD diagnosis in August 2022 and continues to manage his routine and independence through the education and support of the South Eastern Trust’s Respiratory Team, despite the challenges of living with chronic lung disease.
There are currently between 40,000 – 50,000 people living with COPD in Northern Ireland, a debilitating condition that occurs when the lungs become inflamed, damaged and narrowed. COPD is associated with long-term exposure to irritants and in the majority of cases, smoking is the cause.
The theme for World COPD Day, which is acknowledged on Wednesday 19 November 2025 is, ‘Short of Breath, Think COPD’.
From Belfast and a bricklayer by trade, Dominic explained how he began to experience breathlessness working across building sites. “I remember I would be bending down to lift a breeze block or a brick. At the time, I was given an inhaler for my breathing. I was at a family wedding and I remember my sister saying that my breathing was bad.”
Dominic recalled how he took ill and was admitted to the Royal Victoria Hospital for breathing difficulties. “The Doctors asked me how long I had COPD. This was the first I had ever heard of the condition, up until that that time I did not know what it was,” said Dominic.
“The Doctor explained to me it was as if you are blowing up a balloon and then you release the air out. You can only blow it out so much and then the skin of the balloon wrinkles, that is the way my lungs are.
“Hearing the diagnosis stopped me working as a bricklayer. So I started as a Taxi Driver as I always had a taxi licence. The fumes from sitting in the traffic did not do me any good and I was catching my breath too much, so I had to retire.”
Dominic stopped smoking when he received the diagnosis of COPD. He commented on how a typical day for him starts with his inhalers. “I take a fluid tablet to stop the swelling in my legs which causes me to go to the bathroom more and I have to go up and down the stairs. My wife Jacqueline and I go for our shopping and I push the trolley as it acts as an aid for me, it is something to push and hold onto to.”
Since his diagnosis, Dominic has been attending Lagan Valley Hospital’s Respiratory Team to help manage his condition. “The Team in Lagan Valley Hospital has been fantastic. I have been working closely with Specialist Respiratory Physiotherapist, Ciara Finnegan who has taught me breathing exercises to stop me from panicking. I have enjoyed the Pulmonary Rehabilitation exercises classes which are in Lagan Valley Leisure Centre. Each exercise station is set out for you as to what you can manage and that you are not fighting for a breath.”
Dominic continued, “The rehabilitation classes are not a competition. Everybody is at different levels, but I know what the man beside me is going through and he knows what I am going through with our diagnosis. You cannot really explain this condition to someone who has not suffered from it. It is hard to explain that you are fighting for breath.”
Dominic’s advice to anyone who may be experiencing signs or symptoms of shortness of breath is to seek help through their GP. “My breathing deteriorated pretty quickly, so get help instantly and please do not smoke.
“People would ask me, ‘how did you stop smoking?’ I said it was fear that made me give up cigarettes. When you do not get that breath the first time, you do not want to experience it for the second time.”
Ciara Finnegan stated, “If you start to experience the symptoms associated with COPD, it is so important to seek help as early as you can so that treatment can be started to stop it progressing quickly. Our Team will offer patients the advice and support they need including that of our Smoking Cessation Team.”
Ciara added how the Team can visit patients in their home, “We try to empower the patient and encourage self-management as much as possible. Our Team will also manage a patient’s oxygen by either bringing them to clinic or visiting in their home. We organise the Pulmonary Rehabilitation classes to improve the patient’s exercise tolerance and their quality of life.”
Dominic McCourt and South Eastern Trust Specialist Respiratory Physiotherapist Ciara Finnegan