COPD CANADA
Addressing the needs of the Canadian COPD patient
World COPD Day 2024
Know Your Lung Function
In recognition of World COPD Day, COPD Canada is pleased to present My COPD Checklist. The checklist is a tool that you can use when having discussions with your health care provider. Keep this checklist and your med-list handy to review with your health care provider to improve the management of your COPD. You can download the checklist, print it, keep it in your wallet, save it to the home screen of your phone or stick it to your fridge as a reminder.
Testing for COPD
There are several tests that can be used to diagnose chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Spirometry: This test measures how much air a person can inhale and exhale and how quickly they can exhale.
- Lung function tests: These tests measure how well the lungs are working and can include tests such as diffusion capacity and arterial blood gases.
- Chest X-ray: This test can show if there is any damage to the lungs or if there are any other conditions that may be causing symptoms similar to COPD.
- CT scan: A CT scan can provide more detailed images of the lungs and can help to identify specific areas of damage or other conditions.
- Pulse oximetry: A simple test that measure the level of oxygen in your blood.
- Alpha-1 blood test: Testing for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) typically involves a combination of blood tests and genetic testing. The initial test is to measure the level of alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) in the blood. A low level of AAT suggests a deficiency. A deficiency of alpha-1 antitrypsin allows these proteases to damage the lung tissue, which can lead to various lung problems, including emphysema. AATD can result in early-onset and more severe forms of these lung conditions, often in individuals who are non-smokers.
A combination of tests may be used to confirm the diagnosis of COPD. Your doctor will also take into account your symptoms and medical history to determine the best course of action. Learn more:
In younger adults, prevention is key. Although chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is less common in the young, it’s never too early to protect the lungs. The most important way to prevent COPD is to not smoke cigarettes, don't vape and avoid exposure to second-hand smoke, air pollution, chemical fumes, or dust from the environment or workplace. If you suspect that your breathing is restricted or laboured, experience bouts of breathlessness, you should ask your doctor for a lung function test. You need to be aware of the early stages of COPD and be proactive. Know your lung function.
Click here to view a video on: Spirometry testing
The global state of COPD
Driving change to tackle a lung health crisis
This report was developed to shed light on current responses to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) around the world, and highlight key opportunities for policy action and system change by showcasing promising initiatives that are already taking place:
COPD Canada
A National COPD Patient's Advocacy Association
COPD Canada is a non-profit patient advocacy association that was established in 2005 and operates independently. Our association is dedicated to providing educational materials to individuals in Canada who are affected by Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
At the core of COPD Canada lies our commitment to building, advocating for, and maintaining a national community of patients burdened with COPD. We strive to enhance public awareness and visibility of this condition throughout the nation. To achieve this, we offer various educational resources in different formats, employing diverse delivery methods.
If you wish to join COPD Canada, we invite you to click on the following link: MEMBERSHIP. It is important to note that membership is free-of-charge and available to individuals diagnosed with COPD or their caregivers. As a valued member of COPD Canada, you will receive complimentary printed copies of our community newsletter, titled "LIVING WITH COPD."
COPD Canada diligently reviews and interprets the latest scientific and medical advancements related to emphysema and chronic bronchitis from reputable sources worldwide. Through these efforts, we ensure that up-to-date information, presented in easily understandable language, is readily accessible to Canadians coping with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
We also monitor the latest scientific and medical abstracts related to COPD that are published in PubMed. The abstracts that we deem noteworthy are condensed into digest format. Our clinical editors then comment on these abstracts. The results are published in a sponsored clinical newsletter known as "The COPD Digest." This valuable resource is distributed exclusively to all Canadian respirologists as well as a select members of the Canadian medical profession (GP/FMs) and government agencies.
For any inquiries, please feel free to contact us at:
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Association (COPD Canada)
1460 The Queensway, Suite 212 Etobicoke, ON M8Z 1S4
Tel: 416-916-2476 ext. 104 Cell: 416-456-0459
Email: exec.copdcanada@gmail.com
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This website is supported in part by an educaional grant from AstraZeneca Canada Inc.
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