Lung health

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of diseases that cause breathing problems.

COPD includes emphysema, chronic bronchitis and in some cases, asthma, and it is usually caused by smoking. Quitting smoking is the most important first step you can take to treat COPD. Avoiding secondhand smoke and making other lifestyle changes is also important.

Our lung program is designed to help you breathe easier, stay more active and slow the progress of the disease. Our Certified Respiratory Educators can examine you and teach you how to correctly use respiratory inhalers and medications. You can also join a variety of group physical activity programs led by our registered kinesiologists.

Together with the University of Ottawa Heart Institute and its Ottawa Model for Smoking Cessation, we can also help you reduce or quit smoking.

You don’t need a referral from your doctor to participate in our program, but in order to receive a breathing test, we will need to contact your physician for approval.