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Lungs are very fragile organs that can be progressively and permanently damaged by certain factors. Uniprix-affiliated pharmacist-owners care about your lung health, which is why many of them host a Spirometry Day in their pharmacies every fall. To learn more about lung health, read this article or drop by for a chat with your family pharmacist on Spirometry Day.
For the list of participating pharmacies, click here.
What is COPD?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) involves shortness of breath, a chronic cough and an increased production of mucus. It includes several lung diseases, such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. As COPD progresses, it causes more and more breathing difficulties, which limit activities, reduce quality of life and may lead to premature death. It is the 4th leading cause of mortality in the country.
In nearly 90 percent of cases, smoking is the main cause of COPD. Other risk factors include:
Spirometry is a simple, effective test commonly used to diagnose COPD. It involves blowing, as hard and as long as you can, into a small tube attached to a machine, several times in a row. The results are then used to assess lung function (volume and capacity).
The test can be done at your doctor’s office or the hospital. Several years ago, many Uniprix Group-affiliated pharmacies joined forces with the Quebec Lung Association to offer a Spirometry Day every fall, in partnership with inhalation therapists. Ask your family pharmacist about this service.
There are things you can do to lower your risk of developing COPD:
COPD cannot be cured, but it can be treated to enhance the quality of life of people with COPD and slow the progression of their disease. As part of their treatment, they may be asked to:
Your healthcare team will teach you how to manage and cope with your COPD. As part of this team, your family pharmacist can give you information on nicotine replacement therapies, if you choose to quit smoking, and the various types of medications to treat COPD symptoms.
Do you have questions on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease? Want to learn more about the annual Spirometry Day held at some of our affiliated sales locations? Looking for advice on smoking cessation aids to help you quit? Talk to your family pharmacist for more information.
[UNIPRIX] - The information contained herein is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide complete information on the subject matter or to replace the advice of a health professional. This information does not constitute medical consultation, diagnosis or opinion and should not be interpreted as such. Please consult your health care provider if you have any questions about your health, medications or treatment.