Feb 25 2007
COPD: disabling lung disease on the rise in Canada
Most of us take the simple act of breathing for granted. However, for the many Canadians living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), every breath can feel like a gift.
COPD is a serious and disabling respiratory disease that causes the airways of the lungs to become obstructed or blocked, making it hard for the body to take in and exhale oxygen. COPD, which may include chronic bronchitis or emphysema, slowly damages the airways. As the disease progresses it has a profound impact on sufferers’ lung function and quality of life.
People with COPD get tired very easily and need to adjust their daily activities to accommodate their energy level. Everyday activities such as getting dressed, climbing the stairs or carrying on a conversation while walking become difficult.
COPD is one of the only fatal diseases with a climbing rate of premature death. Since 1965, the death rate from COPD has increased by 163 per cent. By contrast, the death rates from heart disease and stroke have both declined by approximately 59 per cent. At least 714,000 Canadians are currently living with COPD, however it is estimated that over 50 per cent of people with COPD remain undiagnosed.
Causes and symptoms of COPD
Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of COPD. Second-hand smoke, air pollution and heredity factors can also cause COPD. Symptoms include shortness of breath, chronic cough, wheezing, reduced ability to go about daily activities and fatigue. People with COPD face the risk of exacerbations or flare-ups, which are a worsening of the disease and its symptoms. The more flare-ups a person experiences, the greater the likelihood the overall lung function and quality of life will deteriorate, leading to premature death.
“I make sure I take my medications properly and contact my doctor the moment I start to feel sick,” says Mary Layton, founder of COPD Canada and a COPD patient. “Flare-ups and trips to the hospital are not only alarming, but I know that they can worsen my COPD permanently.”
Living with COPD
While COPD cannot be cured, it can be treated. The goals of COPD management include preventing disease progression and improving symptoms, activity levels and quality of life. COPD management uses medicines to open the airways and reduce inflammation, and exercise training to keep the lungs active. To date, smoking cessation remains the single-most effective way to reduce the risk of COPD and slow its progression.
Tips for staying healthy include eating a balanced diet, getting plenty of exercise and rest, and avoiding cigarette smoke, air pollution and people who are ill. As well, people with COPD should get an annual flu shot.
More information is available online at www.copd.ws.
Credit: www.newscanada.com
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