20
NOV
2024
WORLD COPD DAY
Chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) is a prevalent lung condition traditionally associated with cigarette smoking that usually remains underdiagnosed or is diagnosed in advanced stages of the disease process. Most patients are diagnosed in the sixth or seventh decade of life when symptoms are bothersome, or exacerbations appear. It is estimated that COPD affects 11.8% of adults 40 years and older of the general population. The mean age of the COPD population is 65 years, an age when structural and functional changes in the lungs and other organs affected by the presence of COPD are mostly irreversible. For this reason, it is believed that we should look for COPD earlier.
Could it be COPD is a simple question that you can ask yourself or your healthcare provider. The earlier COPD is detected, the better the results of the treatment. Here are some simple questions to find out if you might have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease:
- Do you cough several times most days?
- Do you bring up phlegm or mucus most days?
- Do you get out of breath more easily than others your age?
- Are you older than 40 years of age?
- Are you a current or ex-smoker?
If you answered yes to three or more of these questions, ask your doctor if you might have COPD. If COPD is suspected you should also ask to have your COPD diagnosis confirmed by taking a simple breathing test called Spirometry.
To download: COULD IT BE COPD
For more information on Spirometry Testing: https://www.copdcanada.info/spirometry-testing/
World COPD Day
November 20, 2024
World COPD Day is organized by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) in collaboration with health care professionals and patient groups throughout the world. COPD Canada is proud to be a participant this year's international COPD awareness campaign. Each year GOLD chooses a theme and coordinates preparation and distribution of World COPD Day materials and resources with organizations in each participating country. This years' theme: Know your lung function
Know Your Lung Function
The earlier COPD is detected, the better the outcome
Stated simply, we are arriving late to initiate a disease-modifying therapy for COPD or a preventive measure such as smoking cessation. 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 your breathing is restricted or laboured, you 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"
This year's theme highlights the importance of being aware of your lung health, the importance of early diagnosis, and the benefits of early interventions on your health and quality of life.
Could it be COPD? This is a simple question that you can ask yourself or your healthcare provider. The earlier COPD is detected, the better the results.
Learn more: Could it be COPD?
Also, don't forget to download: My COPD Checklist to discuss with your doctor
World COPD Day - November 20th, 2024
World COPD Day
(Learn more)
World COPD Day is organized by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) in collaboration with health care professionals and patient groups throughout the world.
COPD Canada is proud to be a participant this year's international COPD awareness campaign.
Lung Health Month
November 2024
If COPD is suspected you should ask to have your COPD diagnosis confirmed by taking a simple breathing test called Spirometry.
Learn more: Spirometry
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