According to Statistics Canada, over 4% of Canadians have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a condition which affects the lungs. Do you suspect you might have COPD?
Or perhaps you’ve noticed symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing in a loved one? COPD is under-diagnosed, which means that many people don’t even know they have it.
Learn about causes, risk factors, symptoms, and treatment for COPD.
Our collection of COPD resources is always growing. Bookmark this page and check back often to learn more about the latest COPD research and treatment.
COPD Signs & Symptoms Plus When to See a Doctor
COPD Signs & Symptoms Plus When to See a DoctorAre you experiencin
g symptoms of COPD? Some people mistake signs of COPD as a normal part of getting older. But coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, fatigue, and tightness in the chest are not normal parts of aging. Though early symptoms may be mild, it’s important to consult a health professional as soon as possible if you have symptoms…
Click here to read more about the most common signs and symptoms of COPD and when it’s time to consult a physician.
What is COPD, Are You at Risk? And Other Facts
What is COPD, Are You at Risk? And Other FactsChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects approximately 1.5 million Canadians, though just as many people affected by COPD may be living without a diagnosis. Some people simply aren’t aware that their symptoms are part of a health condition with a name. Though there is no cure for COPD, treatment can alleviate symptoms and slow the progression of the disease…
Click to learn the answers to the most common questions about COPD.
COPD Guidelines: 11 Ways to Manage COPD at Home
COPD Guidelines: 11 Ways to Manage COPD at Home Have you been diagnosed with COPD? Symptoms of COPD, such as shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing, don’t have to stop you from leading an active life. There are a number of steps you can take to alleviate symptoms right in your own home. From ditching the cigarettes to improving air quality…
Click here to identify 11 simple things you can do to manage COPD and its symptoms in your home.
Diaphragmatic Breathing, And Other Exercises for COPD
Diaphragmatic Breathing, And Other Exercises for COPDExercise is imperative for COPD patients. Strengthening the lungs and muscles slows down the progression of symptoms of COPD. Knowing the proper breathing techniques and maintaining a workout routine will help to improve your quality of life…
Click here to get some tips on how to exercise safely when you have COPD.
Causes of COPD and Methods to Help Prevent It
Causes of COPD and Methods to Help Prevent ItIn Canada, smoking is the main cause of COPD. Inhaling tobacco smoke damages the lungs, and it can trigger conditions such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis over time. There are a number of ways to reduce your risk of developing COPD. The first step is to speak to a healthcare professional about quitting smoking…
Click here to learn what you can do to prevent COPD before it starts or, if you already have COPD, to slow the disease’s progress.
Trusted Resources
- 10 Signs of a COPD Exacerbation (http://www.webmd.com/lung/10-signs-copd-exacerbation)
- 11 Ways to Live Better with COPD (http://www.everydayhealth.com/hs/healthier-living-with-copd/live-better-with-copd/)
- Controlled Coughing (http://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/controlled-coughing)
- COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) — Treatment Overview (http://www.webmd.com/lung/copd/tc/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-copd-treatment-overview)
- COPD and Exercise: Breathing and Exercise Programs for COPD
- COPD: Am I At Risk? (https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/copd/am-i-at-risk/)
- COPD: Are You At Risk? (https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/files/docs/public/lung/copd-atrisk.pdf)
- COPD: Diagnosis (https://www.nationaljewish.org/conditions/copd-chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease/diagnosis)
- COPD: FAQ (https://www.nationaljewish.org/conditions/copd-chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease/overview/faq)
- COPD vs. Emphysema: Is There a Difference? (http://www.healthline.com/health/copd-vs-emphysema#Overview1)
- Early COPD Symptoms (http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/copd-symptoms#8)
- Everything You Need to Know About Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) (http://www.healthline.com/health/copd)
- How Can COPD Be Prevented? (https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/copd/prevention)
- How Controlled Coughing Helps COPD (https://www.verywell.com/coughing-as-an-airway-clearance-technique-914980)
- Lifestyle Changes to Help Manage COPD (http://www.healthline.com/health/copd/lifestyle-changes-help-manage#2)
- Living with COPD (https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/copd/livingwith)
- Managing COPD: Creating a COPD-Friendly Home (http://www.healthline.com/health/copd/managing-at-home#1)
- Mayo Clinic: COPD (http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/copd/home/ovc-20204882)
- Slideshow: 10 Smart Exercises for People With COPD (http://www.webmd.com/lung/copd/ss/slideshow-copd-exercises)
- Staying Healthy With COPD (http://www.everydayhealth.com/copd-photos/easy-exercises-for-copd-patients.aspx#01)
- What Are the Signs & Symptoms of COPD? (https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/copd/signs)
COPD is a progressive lung disease that affects millions of Canadians, many of whom don’t even know they have it. But through awareness of symptoms, risk factors, causes, and treatments, you can help to prevent or manage COPD. Use this site to learn more about COPD and be sure to check back frequently to access information about disease management and prevention.
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