What is COPD?

Ask the Pharmacist

By Mark Skrine, Manager, Thrifty Foods Pharmacy James Bay

COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It includes chronic bronchitis and pneumonia. It is a chronic condition usually caused by smoking but sometimes caused by air pollution or genetics. The main symptoms are shortness of breath, cough with mucus production, wheezing and frequent chest colds. Unfortunately, many people go undiagnosed because they attribute their symptoms to getting older or simply being out of shape. If you are a smoker or former smoker over the age of 40, answer the following questions:

Do you cough regularly?
Do you cough up phlegm regularly?
Do even simple chores make you feel out of breath?
Do you wheeze when you exert yourself, or at night?
Do you get frequent colds that persist longer than those of other people you know?

If you answered yes to any of those questions, talk to your doctor about COPD.

I've been diagnosed with COPD, what can I do?

The best thing you can do, if you haven't already, is quit smoking. It's going to take willpower and the support of family and friends. There are lots of tools available to help you quit and some of them are covered by Pharmacare. Even if you've tried unsuccessfully in the past, there is no harm in trying again - this could be the time you kick the habit for good. Have a conversation with your doctor or pharmacist. Quitting is the only intervention shown to actually reverse the progression of COPD.

I've quit smoking, but I'm still suffering. Now what?

There are a number of medications used to decrease the symptoms of COPD. They help open up your airways, allowing you to breathe easier. There are several different types of inhaler devices on the market, and each requires a slightly different technique to get the maximum benefit. Your pharmacist will sit down with you anytime to review technique.

Besides improving my technique, what else can I do to get better results from my medication?

A spacer is an inexpensive plastic cylinder which attaches to your puffer. Studies have shown that using a spacer can greatly increase the proportion of medication that reaches the lungs where it provides benefit. Without a spacer, a significant fraction of any given dose simply hits the back of the throat where it may cause irritation or even lead to a mild infection. A spacer also eliminates the need for coordinated timing between device activation and inhalation, which some people have trouble with.

What do I do if I have a flare-up of my COPD?

COPD patients may have acute exacerbations (or flare-ups) of their condition. They may experience a worsening of their shortness of breath, cough, and mucus production. During an exacerbation, patients often need to use their inhalers more frequently and in some cases require antibiotics and oral prednisone. It's important for patients to have an action plan in place with their doctor and pharmacy to prevent complications of a flare-up and avoid a possible hospital stay.

Do you have a question?

Don't hesitate to ask your pharmacist.