What are the goals of the Asthma/ COPD program?

To assist in a diagnosis of Asthma and help you to better manage your asthma.

To assist in the diagnosis of COPD and to help you to better manage it. If you are a smoker quitting smoking will be recommended.

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic (long-term) disease that makes it hard to breathe. Asthma can't be cured, but it can be managed. If you have asthma, your airways (breathing passages) are extra sensitive.

What are the signs and symptoms of asthma?

People with asthma often have one or more these symptoms:

• Wheezing
• Chest tightness
• Coughing
• Feeling short of breath

Breathing problems can be caused by different conditions. If you have these signs and symptoms, or if you think you might have asthma, see your doctor. It's important for you to go to the doctor for a full investigation of your symptoms. Once your doctor has all the facts, he or she will be able to make a diagnosis. Then your condition can be properly treated.

This information is from the Canadian Lung Association.

What is COPD?

COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. COPD is a long-term lung disease usually caused by smoking. COPD includes a few lung diseases: the most common are chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Many people with COPD have both of these diseases. COPD symptoms include shortness of breath, increased mucus and coughing. Some people with COPD say it feels like they're breathing through a straw.

COPD can't be cured, but it can be treated. With the right treatment, people with COPD can lead active lives and live for many years. People can learn strategies for living with COPD.

People with COPD usually have a combination of these symptoms:

• Feeling short of breath
• A barrel-shaped chest
• Wheezing
• Frequent, long-lasting lung infections (the flu, pneumonia, etc.)
• Feeling tired (fatigue)
• Losing weight without trying

People might think that feeling short of breath is a normal sign of aging- but it's not. If you have these signs and symptoms, see your doctor. Ask for spirometry, a simple test that measures how much air you move out of your lungs.

The sooner you see the doctor, the sooner you can get proper treatment for your COPD.

If you are over 40 and currently smoke cigarettes, or have smoked in the past, you may be at risk for COPD. This information is from the Canadian Lung Association.

Who would benefit from the RDPCN Asthma and COPD program?

• People who have asthma or COPD
• Smokers
• NOTE: This is not for emergencies

How does the RDPCN Asthma/ COPD program work?

Your family doctor will send a referral to a respiratory therapist (RT) for a breathing test called spirometry, education about a new diagnosis, or assistance with the management of the disease, including smoking cessation.

Initial Appointment:

You will receive a phone call from the respiratory department at the Red Deer Regional Heath Centre to arrange an initial meeting. You will have a quick test to measure how much air you have in your lungs and how fast you can blow it out. These results will be sent back to your doctor to help him/her determine the most effective course of treatment. In most cases one appointment is all that is necessary, but each situation will be assessed on an individual basis and offer ongoing assistance if necessary.

Resources

Canadian Lung Assocation