World Spirometry Day
Press Release
Lung Association of Nova Scotia says “Look Who’s Getting Tested!”
The earlier respiratory diseases such as COPD are diagnosed, the easier they are to treat and manage
(October 7, 2010 - Halifax, NS) – The Lung Association of Nova Scotia is celebrating the launch of World
Spirometry day by asking local celebrities to join them in encouraging Nova Scotians to get spirometry
testing. “Spirometry is so quick and easy, and is so essential to ensuring good health, and yet most
people aren’t being tested,” says Mike Cowie, Halifax’s renowned trumpet player. “I’m joining the Lung
Association’s challenge to have all Nova Scotians tested, by getting the test myself.”
Mike Cowie is helping the Lung Association get the word out about the importance of spirometry testing
to help diagnose respiratory diseases such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Spirometry consists of a simple test that measures how much air you can hold and move out of your
lungs. Spirometry is a simple, effective, non-invasive and relatively inexpensive way to test for COPD and
asthma. Spirometry testing is performed by breathing fully into a machine, and as a result, lung function
can be measuredi. The earlier the test is performed, the earlier lung disease can be detected and
treated.
“Too many people have lung disease and do not know it, and they suffer when they don’t have to
suffer. The goal of World Spirometry Day is to promote the early diagnosis of lung conditions,
encourage people to get their lungs tested when appropriate, and to raise awareness about lung
health,” says Dr. Darcy Marciniuk, a professor of medicine at the University of Saskatchewan and Chair
of the Canadian Thoracic Society COPD Committee.
An example of a serious respiratory disease is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). COPD is
still on the rise in Canada and has been severely under diagnosed in Nova Scotia. While 70% of
physicians in Atlantic Canada report access to spirometry, only 10% report having used spirometry to
diagnose COPD or screen for other lung-related diseases. This is the lowest rate in Canada and of great
concern considering it is the most accurate test used to screen for lung diseases such as asthma and
COPD ii.
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World Spirometry Day
Press Release
About Spirometry
Spirometry is the most efficient way to accurately diagnose respiratory diseases such as COPD. It is a
simple breathing test that calculates the amount of air the patient’s lungs can hold, and the rate at
which the air can be expelled. Spirometry testing is performed by taking in a big breath, and then
blowing as hard and long as you can into a machine that measures lung function. The earlier spirometry
is performed, the earlier lung disease can be detected and treated, improving day to day life, and
preventing the respiratory disease from worsening. Watch a video about spirometry at www.lung.ca
About COPD
COPD is a serious respiratory disease that causes lung damage and obstructs, or blocks the airways. The
main symptoms of COPD are shortness of breath, persistent cough and having a hard time doing regular
activities. COPD is sometimes referred to as emphysema or chronic bronchitis and is primarily caused by
smoking; however, about 10-20 % of COPD cases are caused by other factors e.g. air pollution, lung
infections and genetic disorder. It is a progressive disease, which means it gets worse over time.
About The Nova Scotia Lung Association
Established in the early 1900s, The Lung Association of Nova Scotia is a volunteer-driven charitable
health organization whose mission is to improve quality of life by controlling and preventing lung
disease through research, advocacy, patient services and education.
Canadian Respiratory Health Professionals (CRHP)
The Canadian Respiratory Health Professionals (CRHP) is the Lung Association's multidisciplinary allied
health professional section. The CRHP welcomes nurses, respiratory therapists, cardio-pulmonary
physiotherapists, pharmacists, and other allied health professional working in the respiratory field.
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World Spirometry Day
Press Release
For more information, please contact:
Natalie Owens
Louis Brill
Manger of Communications
President & CEO
The Lung Association of Nova Scotia
The Lung Association of Nova Scotia
Tel: 1-902-443-8141 ext. 29
Tel: 1-902-443-8141 ext. 22
natalieowens@ns.lung.ca
louisbrill@ns.lung.ca
i
Diagnosis Canadian Lung Association website. Accessed on October 1. Available at http://www.lung.ca/diseasesmaladies/copd-mpoc/signs-signes/diagnosis-diagnostique_e.php
ii
Canadian Lung Association. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A National Report Card. 2005.
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