At present, over 6 million Canadians with asthma and COPD and are challenged everyday with the simple task of breathing. A large number of Canadians with COPD and asthma also remain undiagnosed.
Overall, chronic lung disease accounts for more than 6% of annual health-care costs in Canada, and COPD is the leading cause of hospitalization. Although there is no cure of asthma and COPD, people can lead healthy active life styles when their disease in under control.
- Be in control, get an asthma or COPD action plan with your health care provider.
- Take your asthma or COPD medication as prescribed by your doctor, and make sure you are using your inhaler properly
- Quit smoking and avoid second-hand smoke to reduce the severity and frequency of your symptoms.
- Exercise to strengthen your breathing muscles and boost your immune system. The key to exercising safely is to make sure your symptoms are under control before you start be sure to discuss with your health care provider.
- Get the flu shot. Virus infections are a common cause of asthma and COPD symptom flare ups. To avoid viral infections, get the flu shot annually and wash your hands properly and often. Make sure you are well rested and pay attention to your symptoms when you have a cold or the flu.
Useful Links:
- BREATHE – The Lung Association: https://www.lung.ca/lung-health
- COPD CANADA: http://www.copdcanada.ca/
- Asthma CANADA: https://www.asthma.ca/
- The American Thoracic Society: http://www.thoracic.org/