THE SIGNS OF COPD
SHORTNESS
OF
BREATH
COPD is a life-threatening illness that drastically affects many New Brunswickers' quality of life by damaging their lungs – making it more and more difficult to breathe.
WHEEZING
CHRONIC
COUGH
FREQUENT
COLDS
Shortness of breath, especially during physical activities (getting dressed, walking up steps, etc.)
Wheezing and chest
tightness while breathing
A cough that won’t go away and can sometimes cause you to cough up mucus (phlegm) that may be clear, white, yellow or greenish
Frequent colds that
tend to last longer
than other people's
IF YOU HAVE ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS:
>> Take the quick COPD Test
>> See your family physician
>> Call Tele-Care by dialing 811
>> Contact one of Horizon Health Network or Vitalité Health Network's respiratory clinics in your area
EARLY DETECTION
can drastically reduce the effects of COPD.
WHAT IS
COPD?
CHRONIC
OBSTRUCTIVE
PULMONARY
DISEASE
COPD is a life-threatening illness that drastically affects many New Brunswickers' quality of life by damaging their lungs –making it more and more difficult to breathe.
COPD shows up in two main ways:
Chronic bronchitis – Traps air in the lungs. The person coughs, produces a lot of mucus (phlegm), and easily gets short of breath.
-
The main airways swell (bronchi).
-
The lungs make a lot of mucus (phlegm).
-
It’s harder to breathe.
Emphysema – Destroys lung tissue and makes it harder to breathe.
-
Air does not enter the body like it should.
-
Breathing gets harder to do.
-
The person gets less air (oxygen) and is always short of breath.
-
The airways get partially blocked.
There is hope.
Horizon Health Network and Vitalité Health Network's health-care teams can help you protect your lungs and help you manage your symptoms. Start by getting checked for COPD so you can get the help you need as soon as possible.
1 IN 10
NEW BRUNSWICKERS HAS COPD
and doesn't even know it.
MANAGING
COPD
Horizon Health Network and Vitalité Health Network have a network of Respiratory Clinics throughout the province that can help.
COPD cannot be cured, but
we can help you manage your symptoms and feel better.
Vaccination: People with COPD and those around them should get the flu shot in the fall. People with COPD should also be vaccinated for pneumonia.
Medications: Some medications can help with shortness of breath.
Physical activity: Regular exercise and active living can help you feel better and do more.
Rehab: Support, exercise, and tips to make breathing easier.
Oxygen: People with COPD sometimes find that being on oxygen helps them breathe.
Smoking and COPD
Smoking is the leading cause of COPD. But you don’t have to smoke to have it. Not smoking and quitting smoking helps COPD from getting worse.
If you want to quit smoking and are not sure where or how to start... it's never too late.