Shortness of breath can be a symptom of COPD.
Get all the facts.
What is COPD?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the name for a group of lung diseases where people have difficulty breathing because their airways have been narrowed. It includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
It is estimated that 1.6 million Canadians live with it – yet it is believed that almost as many have COPD and don’t know it.
If you’re living with COPD, we’re here to help! We provide people living with COPD programs and resources to keep them out of hospital, so they can live their lives to the fullest.
Causes of COPD
- Cigarette smoking is the most common risk factor, causing 80-90% of COPD cases
- Other types of tobacco (pipe, cigar, water pipe), second-hand smoke, and cannabis are also risk factors
- Workplace exposure to dusts, chemical agents and fumes account for approximately 10-15% of all COPD
- Examples of occupations with an increased risk include farmers, welders, painters, railroad workers, miners, carpenters, metal workers, construction workers, and cement factory workers
- Air pollution is linked to a decrease in lung function
- Severe lung infections during childhood
- Genetics/family history
- e.g., Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency is a rare genetic disorder that increases the chance of developing emphysema
- If one sibling has COPD, another sibling who smokes has a higher risk of developing COPD
- Asthma/bronchial hyperreactivity:
- Asthma may be a risk factor for the development of COPD
- Bronchial hyperreactivity (overly sensitive airways) can exist without a diagnosis of asthma and has been shown to increase the risk of COPD
- Lower socioeconomic status is a risk factor for COPD
- Cooking and heating with biomass (e.g., wood, coal, crop waste) in homes with inadequate ventilation (this is more of a risk in developing countries but is also a risk in some parts of Canada due to wood burning)
Smoking is a common risk factor for COPD. Learn from Dr. Samir Gupta why now is the perfect time to quit!
Symptoms of COPD
Coughing</h3 >
A cough longer than 3+ months or a cough with mucous
Shortness of breath</h3 >
Feeling short of breath while doing everyday activities
Respiratory infection</h3 >
Lung infections that last a long time
Wheezing</h3 >
Fatigue</h3 >
Weight loss</h3 >
Losing weight without making a conscious effort to
How COPD is Diagnosed
SpirometrySpirometry is a simple breathing test that measures the speed and the amount of air you are able to blow out of your lungs. Your healthcare provider may also refer you for other pulmonary function testsChest X-RayA chest x-ray may be useful to show some signs of COPD and to rule out other disorders, but should not be used to confirm the diagnosis of COPD.OximetryA chest x-ray may be useful to show some signs of COPD and to rule out other disorders, but should not be used to confirm the diagnosis of COPD.
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COPD Treatment Options
Although there is no cure for COPD, there are many ways to help you manage it. COPD severity ranges from mild to very severe. What is needed to manage COPD is different from one person to the next. Here are some of the strategies that can help you take control:
Work With Your Healthcare Provider</h3 >
Work with your healthcare provider on finding the right treatments for you.
Ask your healthcare provider to fill out a COPD action plan for you. An action plan can help you decide what to do if you think you might be having a COPD flare-up or lung attack (exacerbation).
Review your COPD action plan with your healthcare provider at every visit.
Ask your healthcare provider for a referral to a local COPD education program, pulmonary rehabilitation program, or support program.
Schedule regular follow-up visits with your healthcare provider
Live a Smoke-Free Life</h3 >
If you smoke, quitting is the most important step you can take to slow the progression of the disease.
Take Your Medications as Prescribed</h3 >
Take your COPD medications as prescribed
Learn how to use your inhalers properly and check that you are using them correctly at every visit to your healthcare provider
If you have been prescribed oxygen therapy, use it as directed
Reduce Your Risk of a COPD Flare-Up</h3 >
Get a flu vaccine every year and ask your healthcare provider about getting a pneumonia vaccine
Use a proper hand-washing technique to reduce the risk of getting an infection
Stay away from people who are sick with a cold, flu, or other infection
Try to avoid irritants and allergens that can cause your symptoms to worsen
Stay Active</h3 >
Daily exercise is important for everyone including people with COPD. Even if you have severe COPD, you can still exercise – exercise within your limits, and take plenty of breaks.
Ask your healthcare provider for advice on developing a regular exercise routine.
Ask to be referred to a pulmonary rehabilitation program.
COPD Checklist
Living with COPD Resource
Support we provide for patients and caretakers
Lung Health Help LineFree, expert advice from a certified respiratory educator on managing lung disease like asthma or COPD, how to use inhalers, medication guidance and more. Our lung health help line is available Monday – Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm ET.Learn MoreOnline Support GroupsWe realize that a diagnosis of lung disease brings endless questions and concerns. We welcome you to join our first telephone based lung health support group. This opportunity is ideal for people who do not have a support group in their community or who may be unable to attend an in-person meeting. We provide support for patients and caretakers alike.Learn MoreResource LibraryOur free downloadable resources connect you with the knowledge you need to protect your lungs and breathe your best. Simply download and go!Download ResourcesFitness for BreathOur Fitness for Breath partners at the Abilities Centre have created these simple home exercises curtailed to lung health patients.Get Active
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Fitness for Breath testimonials
Fitness for Breath is an exercise maintenance program and support group for people living with chronic lung conditions. Learn more about our participants!
Fitness for Breath
3 Videos
Sudesh – Fitness for Breath Participant
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Ron – Fitness for Breath
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Marilyn – Fitness for Breath
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Breathing Techniques
The Lung Health Foundation is committed to supporting those affected by this progressive but treatable disease to live their best life. Here you can find the ‘need to know’ info on COPD, including what causes flare-ups, treatment and management.
Have questions about COPD?
Our Lung Health Line is a free, confidential service offered between 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Monday to Friday. To speak with a Certified Respiratory Educator (a healthcare professional with special training in COPD) call 1-888-344-LUNG (5864) or email at info@lunghealth.ca.