News Releases - 2006

November 13, 2006

Patients Can Take Early Action Against Respiratory Disease
Self-Management of COPD is key to
keeping patients out of Emergency Rooms

Toronto (Novv. 13, 2006) – When Gordon Luckie feels the first signs of an oncoming attack of his respiratory disease, he begins a pattern of action that keeps him from panicking and helps him avoid a trip to a crowded hospital emergency room.

“At one time I used to panic, but now I recognize it, seize that moment, and focus on controlling my breathing,” says the Toronto man with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). “I will do a mechanical check first, to make sure my oxygen tubes aren’t pinched and everything is functioning fine.”

November 15th is World COPD Day, raising awareness of the fourth leading cause of death in Canada. An estimated 1.6 million Canadians suffer from COPD, which represents a combination of several respiratory conditions including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It is characterized by shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing. There is no cure and the disease gets progressively worse.

“Recognizing the warning signs of an acute exacerbation, such as fatigue and shortness of breath, is important to effectively self-manage this debilitating disease,” says Dr. Roger Goldstein, a Respirologist at West Park Healthcare Centre and expert in COPD. “Following a simple action plan, patients can often self-manage this disease and avoid trips to the emergency room.”

“The more we do for ourselves to manage the symptoms of this diseases, the better our quality of life,”says Luckie. “You don’t want to feel dependent.”

A recent study he co-authored was the first to examine the patient’s perspective of a COPD action plan. It concluded the need to individualize the action plan with the unique signs and symptoms that will warn a patient of an imminent attack. Half the patients in the study said they would benefit from a clear, simple and concise written action plan for them to follow.

“Patients diagnosed with COPD should consult with their physician to develop an action plan tailored to their specific respiratory condition,” says Dr. Goldstein. “It can make a dramatic difference in their quality of life.”

An individual’s action plan can be as simple as listing a series of steps to follow such as checking equipment such as a ventilator, starting specific breathing techniques, or taking medication.

The study, published in the October issue of the Canadian Respirology Journal was also authored by S. Costi and Dr. Dina Brooks.

West Park Healthcare Centre provides specialized rehabilitation, complex continuing care and long term care services, helping people overcome their health barriers to live the fullest lives possible after the onset of an illness or injury. The centre is also recognized internationally for its expertise and research in respiratory medicine, its rehabilitation services for those with emphysema and chronic bronchitis (known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD) and its care of those with tuberculosis.

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For more information, please contact:

Vince Rice, Director, Public Relations
Phone: (416) 243-3730
Pager: (416) 372-2915
Email: vice.rice@westpark.org