The fact that Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the fourth leading cause of death in Canada is a focus of World COPD Day in Canada on November 18.
COPD, the new term for emphysema and chronic bronchitis, is on the rise in Canada. The lung problems are growing in prevalence among younger Canadian baby boomers and is emerging as a leading health issue for women. Research by The Lung Association highlights that one in seven Canadians aged 45 to 49 may currently be living with COPD, and many more may be unaware they even have it.
COPD is a serious respiratory disease that causes lung damage and obstructs, or blocks the airways. The main symptoms of COPD are shortness of breath and having a hard time doing regular activities. COPD is sometimes referred to as emphysema or chronic bronchitis and is primarily caused by smoking; however, about 10 to 20 per cent of COPD cases are caused by other factors (air pollution, lung infections and genetic disorders). COPD is a progressive disease, which means it gets worse over time. People living with COPD experience flare-ups – times when symptoms get significantly worse. These flare-ups, or “lung attacks” are just as deadly as heart attacks.
