We are proud to announce the launch of a new campaign to raise awareness about the importance of breathing tests for those with suspected asthma or COPD.
Asthma and COPD are among the most common chronic diseases in Canada. In fact, almost 4 million Canadians have a label of asthma, and over 2 million have a label of COPD. People who are diagnosed with asthma or COPD are usually prescribed inhalers (also known as puffers), but rarely recommended pulmonary function testing to confirm the diagnosis.
But did you know that some people on puffers do not actually have asthma or COPD? Studies show that more than 30% of Canadians diagnosed with asthma or COPD do not actually have the condition when formally tested.
A new campaign led by Choosing Wisely Canada, the College of Family Physicians of Canada, and the Canadian Thoracic Society, with support from multiple other organizations, aims to encourage thoughtful conversations between clinicians and patients who have received a diagnosis of asthma or COPD. The goal of the campaign is to avoid unnecessary treatment and misdiagnosis that can occur without a proper breathing test.
To help get these conversations started, the following resources have been developed:
- Patient Pamphlet – Treating Breathing Issues: Asthma
- Patient Pamphlet – Treating Breathing Issues: COPD
- Animated Explainer Video: Asthma
To learn more about these efforts, visit: www.ChoosingWiselyCanada.org/Airways
