University of Calgary

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

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People suffering from COPD may not take symptoms seriously, Global TV, Edmonton, March 19, 2012, More>>

What is COPD?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (commonly known as COPD) is usually a combination of chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema (loss of lung tissue).  It is a lung disease that causes the airways to be inflamed and obstructed, which results in a decrease in the flow of air, both in and out of your lungs.  Many COPD sufferers may also have an asthma component. The disease has a slow, progressive course and is irreversible. If you smoke, quitting is the only way to stop COPD from getting worse.  COPD is currently the 4th leading cause of death. By 2020 it is estimated that it will become the 3rd.

It's believed that most of the cases of COPD are caused from smoking.  New evidence is also showing that pollution from certain occupations, air pollution in general, certain childhood illnesses and genes may have contributed to the development of this disease.  Then there's a rare cause of Alpha 1 Deficiency a gene deficiency which causes emphysema even if you've never smoked or been around second hand smoke.

Symptoms of COPD

Many COPD symptoms occur years before the flow of air into and out of the lungs declines. Not everyone who have these symptoms, has COPD and  not everyone who has COPD, have these symptoms.

  • An ongoing cough or a cough that produces large amounts of mucus (often called "smoker's cough")
  • Shortness of breath, especially with physical activity
  • Wheezing (a whistling or squeaky sound when you breathe)
  • Chest tightness

What triggers COPD?

Knowing what triggers you COPD will help you avoid them in order to keep your symptoms under control.  Click here to print a list of common COPD triggers, check off the triggers which affect your COPD symptoms.

 

COPD Medications

Click here for a list of COPD medications.

COPD Control

  • Stop smoking
  • Use medications regularly and properly
  • Exercise regularly
  • Prevent and treat infections early
  • Get vaccinated for influenza and pneumonia
  • Eat a healthy diet
  • Follow a COPD Action Plan - print a copy to bring with you to your next health care provider appointment

Device Illustrations

Click here to view COPD device illustrations for the Handihaler, MDI, Diskus and Turbuhaler.


How can CCAP help?

  • accept (and encourage) referrals from patients or their health care provider
  • see patients in 6 community locations across Calgary
  • conduct spirometry testing (breathing test) which is reviewed by a Respirologist
  • provide COPD education led by one of our certified respiratory educators
  • teach you about COPD and how to manage it
  • teach you how to use your medication properly to relieve symptoms
  • monitor your progress including assessing your symptoms and response to medication
  • help develop a personalized COPD Action Plan to prevent and minimize complications
  • help your increase your confidence with managing your COPD
  • smoking cessation support and resources
  • provide consistent follow up
  • offer participation in COPD research studies with Certified Respiratory Educators

For more information on CCAP, click here for our brochure.

COPD Resources

COPD Guidelines 2012 (full) and pocket size

COPD Action Plan:  Following a COPD action plan will help control your COPD.  Print a copy and bring with you to your next health care provider appointment.

Referral Form:  To see a Certified Respiratory Educator, patients or their physicians can print this form, complete it and fax it in.

COPD Fact Sheet:  Patient fact sheet from the Canadian Luing Association

Managing COPD Fact Sheet: prepared by the Canadian Luing Association

COPD Medications:  prepared by the Canadian Lung Association

COPD Websites

Breathe Well...Live well
Asthma, COPD, Smoking Cessation and Chronic Cough