Understanding COPD
1.5 million Canadians say they have been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to a recent report commissioned by The Lung Association and another 1.6 million Canadians have experienced symptoms of COPD but have yet to be diagnosed.
What is COPD?:
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive respiratory illness characterized by shortness of breath, cough, wheezing and increased mucus production. These symptoms, in particular breathlessness, can restrict a person’s ability to perform normal daily activities. As the disease progresses, lung function declines and physical activity becomes severely limited, disrupting the patient’s ability to lead a full life, interfering with everyday tasks, like participating in family routines and social interactions. Early diagnosis and treatment is important to help people remain independent, prevent complications and exacerbations, and improve quality of life.
What are the causes of COPD?:
Smoking is the predominant cause
of COPD, accounting for 80–90 % of the risk of developing chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease. But people who have a history of lung disease or who have
been exposed to a lot of pollution can also develop the disease.
