The petitions committee takes evidence on home management for interstitial lung disease
Extensive coverage of FMQs from noon
An SNP MSP celebrates Kilmarnock FC's 150th anniversary
MSPs debate the Management of Offenders (Scotland) Bill at stage 1
James MacLachlan says there are many people who have had terrible difficulties with GPs in getting a diagnosis.
A simple chest examination will give a "simple crackle" sound for the GP to diagnose the condition, explains the petitioner.
Ms Watson agrees that hearing that crackle will lead to specific treatment that helps.
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Image source, bbcJean Watson
Jean Watson says she was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and this led to her having to retire.
Ms Watson explains neither she nor her family had ever heard of IPF and the condition can be hard to identify.
She says many people put up with their health problems thinking they are just getting older.
The petitioner says there is considerable need to raise awareness of ILD to help diagnosis.
Image source, British Lung FoundationBack in 2015 we reported that incurable lung disease was claiming lives because of a lack of funding and research, according to a charity.
The British Lung Foundation, external said IPF (idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis) kills about 5,000 people a year, and was on the rise, but there is low awareness of the condition.
In 2013 the government invested only £600,000 in research, said the charity.
There are estimated to be about 15,000 people living with IPF in the UK.
Image source, bbcJames MacLachlan from the West of Scotland ILD Support Group
James MacLachlan from the West of Scotland ILD Support Group says he and fellow petitioners Jean and Ivy all suffer from ILD and Ivy unfortunately cannot attend today due to ill health.
"There seems to be a complete lack of awareness of Interstitial Lung Disease."
This leads to delays in treatment which is completely unacceptable, says Mr MacLachlan.
He suggests over 60 year olds should have an automatic chest examination to help diagnose ILD.
The petitioner calls for ILD to be brought "out of the shadows" and for the benefits of home management to be recognised.
The petitioners are calling for provision of funding to raise awareness of Interstitial Lung Disease and home management.
Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) is a term which encompasses a number of different conditions that result in scarring (fibrosis) and stiffening of the interstitium in the lungs.
The interstitium is a lace-like network of tissue that supports the alveoli (air sacs). Fibrosis causes the lungs to thicken and scar and this impedes the transfer of oxygen.
As a result, the main symptom of ILD is shortness of breath, but people may also experience a cough, tiredness and weight loss.
There are many conditions which cause ILD but the main causes include idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and sarcoidosis.
Public Petitions Committee convener Johann Lamont introduces:
The Public Petitions Committee begins shortly.
MSPs will take evidence on PE1714, external on interstitial lung disease and home management from James MacLachlan and Jean Watson from the West of Scotland ILD Support Group.
Image source, DU CANE MEDICAL IMAGING LTD/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARYThe committee will then consider PE1715, external on Closed-Containment for Salmon Farms in Scotland.
MSPs will finally consider the following continued petitions:
Image source, BBC/PAWelcome to Holyrood Live on Thursday 7 February 2019.
The Public Petitions Committee will take evidence on a petition on interstitial lung disease and home management.
After general questions, we'll provide extensive coverage of first minister's questions at noon.
After that, SNP MSP Willie Coffey celebrates Kilmarnock FC's 150th anniversary with a member's debate.
Finally, MSPs debate the Management of Offenders (Scotland) Bill at stage 1.