Your lung health is important to us. We have a specialized lung health program led by a respiratory therapist. We focus on asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and smoking cessation.
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic disease (long-term) that affects the airways in the lungs. The airways are tubes that carry air into and out of your lungs. If you have asthma, your airways can become swollen and narrowed at times which makes it harder to breathe. Common asthma symptoms are shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing or chest tightness.
What is COPD?
COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. COPD includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It is a long-term lung disease that makes it hard to breathe. Some of the symptoms of COPD are difficulty breathing with physical exertion, chest tightness, coughing or wheezing.
What is a spirometry test?
A spirometry test is a quick breathing test that is used to test your lungs.
You will be asked to take a big breath in and blow as hard as you can into a machine. The machine measures how much air you can blow out from your lungs and how fast you can blow it out.
If this is your first spirometry test you may be given a short acting medicine (inhaler) called Salbutamol (Ventolin) and then repeat the same test. This lets us check if your breathing improves after taking the medicine.
To learn more about this test, click here.
What to Expect
When you are referred to the lung health program, you will be seen by a Registered Respiratory Therapist/ Certified Respiratory Educator (CRE). The CRE will help you understand and manage your symptoms.
Our Lung Health Program supports people living with lung disease. Our program includes:
Initial respiratory assessment
Spirometry (breathing test)
Developing a patient-centered action plan
Follow-up care for patients with chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD and asthma)
We offer individual appointments that are specific to your lung health needs. Together, we’ll come up with a plan to help you manage your symptoms.
How Do I Register for the Lung Health Program?
If you are a patient with the Toronto Western Family Health Team and interested in this program, ask your primary health care provider to refer you. A referral from your health care provider is required for the Lung Health program.
Online Resources
Inhaler Technique - Need help learning to use an inhaler? Want to check if you are using your inhaler correctly?
Updated November 2024