Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) causes shortness of breath, coughs and sputum production. COPD can also be referred to as chronic bronchitis and emphysema, which are both linked to and most commonly caused by cigarette smoking. As the disease progresses, people with COPD experience a reduced quality of life and limited activity levels caused by severe shortness of breath.

COPD is a common and serious health problem among seniors in Canada. More than 750,000 Canadians have been diagnosed with COPD while hundreds of thousands more suffer the effects but haven't been diagnosed.

The number of individuals with COPD may increase in the near future because of Canada's aging population. But with a reduction in smoking rates in Canada, the incidence of COPD should decrease in the long term. While cigarette smoking is the main cause of COPD, outdoor air pollution may contribute to the development or the aggravation of COPD. Studies show there are more emergency room visits related to COPD when air quality is poor.

Does poor air quality cause COPD?

There are some studies that suggest that poor air quality can cause COPD and is a contributing factor in hospitalizations for COPD. Studies also show that exposure to poor air quality combined with intense exercise may aggravate COPD.

Stopping COPD

Never starting to smoke or deciding to quit are the best ways to prevent COPD. Reducing exposure to second-hand smoke is also important. And reducing exposure to air pollution is also an important step.

Related links:

• Go Smoke Free!