Health and Social Services
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
COPD blocks and narrows the airways and inflames the lungs, obstructing the flow of air. Signs of COPD include shortness of breath and/or a cough lasting three or more months. It is believed that the majority of COPD cases are caused by smoking. There is also evidence that pollution can lead to COPD, as well as certain childhood illnesses and a genetic deficiency, which causes emphysema even if you’ve never been exposed to cigarette smoking.
While there is no cure for COPD, the symptoms can be managed and slowed with medicine and lifestyle changes.
World COPD Day : November 16 is World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Day. It's an opportunity to raise awareness about a chronic disease that affects almost 700 Yukoners. COPD includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
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The early signes of COPD are not always noticeable. Many people blame a cough or a decline in fitness on a smoker's cough or aging. If you are over 40 and currently smoke cigarettes, or have smoked in the past, you may be at risk for developing COPD. Take the Canadian Lung Associations Lung Health Test:
For information, contact:
Lucienne Wright
Manager
Chronic Disease Management
Health and Social Services
(867) 393-7487
Or if calling from outside Whitehorse: 1-800-661-0408, ext. 7487
SOME USEFUL LINKS:
- Canadian Lung Association:
http://www.lung.ca/diseases-maladies/copd-mpoc/what-quoi/index_e.php - The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD):
http://www.goldcopd.org/ - Take the COPD Quiz:
http://www.lung.ca/diseases-maladies/copd-mpoc/what-quoi/quiz-quiz_e.php
