COPD is a chronic lung disease usually caused by smoking. COPD includes several lung diseases, and the most common are chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Many people with COPD have both of these diseases.

Chronic bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis is an inflammation of the airways that makes them narrow and become clogged with mucus. If you have chronic bronchitis, you will cough a lot to get rid of these secretions. Inflammation may become permanent, and over time your lungs may have trouble getting enough air. Chronic bronchitis represents 85% of cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Emphysema

A less common disease, emphysema causes the alveoli in the lungs (where gases are exchanged) to lose their elasticity and become deformed or destroyed. When the alveoli are destroyed or damaged, the lack of elasticity makes it impossible for the lungs to easily get rid of air. The tissue starts to develop many holes, which reduces the lungs’ ability to exchange gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide). Breathing then becomes more difficult and ineffective. This creates a lasting feeling of shortness of breath.

COPD services

COPD education group
This program helps users and their families get the information and skills they need to start and maintain behaviour changes to manage COPD on a daily basis. Self-management of the disease is a key part of the program. The education is done in a group format. “Living Well with COPD” is a scientifically validated Quebec program that has 8 modules on different aspects of the disease.
For more information, see your doctor. 

RESPIR program (outpatient network for people with respiratory failure)
This program provides long-term support (with a medical referral) for people with moderate or severe COPD who meet the eligibility criteria. A history of hospitalization for COPD complications is the main RESPIR referral criteria. A nurse clinician will provide you with long-term telephone follow-up at specific intervals based on the severity of your medical and psychological condition and social situation. Notes on your health are regularly updated and given to you. You can also get in touch with the RESPIR program nurse clinician, who acts as your case manager.
For more information, see your doctor.

COPD signs and symptoms

Some people with COPD en/home/glossary/detail/?tx_dpnglossary_glossarydetail[controller]=Term&tx_dpnglossary_glossarydetail[action]=show&tx_dpnglossary_glossarydetail[term]=34&tx_dpnglossary_glossarydetail[pageUid]=1142&cHash=b067500a4828d4ef01dc264843f0b54bsay that it feels like they are breathing through a straw. COPD symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath
• Cough
• Abundant mucus

Risk factors

Overall, 90% of COPD cases are caused by smoking. Other causes include:

• Heredity.
• Second-hand smoke.
• Pollution in the air, at the workplace and in the environment (dust or chemicals).
• History of childhood lung infections.

Prevent COPD

COPD is generally preventable. Since it is usually caused by smoking, you can prevent it by not smoking. If you are a smoker, you can reduce your risk of developing COPD by quitting smoking as soon as possible. It’s never too late to quit!

Recovery and support

Unfortunately, COPD can’t be cured. However, you can slow its progression by quitting smoking. This is the best way to start feeling better. 

Other COPD resources

 Canadian Lung Association
 Quebec Asthma and COPD Network
 Réseau québécois d’éducation en santé respiratoire

Centre d'abandon du tabagisme (CAT)