Dr.Laura Sinclair

12/05/2024

12/03/2024

Lung cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, making it the leading cause of cancer death in Canada.
Catching it early and starting treatment right away can make all the difference.

12/03/2024

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, has long been associated with older, male smokers.
But recent research has highlighted that, although the number of women and men who die of COPD in Canada each year is about equal:
➡️ COPD is likely underdiagnosed in women
➡️ women experience more severe symptoms, have earlier disease onset and are more likely to have never smoked ci******es

11/30/2024

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic progressive lung disease that is typically caused by long-term exposure to harmful substances, primarily affecting the airways and leading to breathing difficulties. The causes of COPD can be divided into the following categories:

1. Smoking (Primary Cause)
Smoking is the leading cause of COPD. Long-term smoking irritates and damages the airways in the lungs, leading to the destruction of the alveolar walls, which in turn causes airway inflammation and narrowing. This chronic inflammation and damage restrict airflow in the lungs, resulting in breathing difficulties.
Smoking is not only a direct cause of COPD; secondhand smoke (passive smoking) also increases the risk of developing the disease.
2. Air Pollution
Long-term exposure to air pollution, industrial fumes, dust, or chemicals also increases the risk of COPD. For example, people living in highly polluted cities or working in environments like mines or construction sites are at higher risk due to prolonged inhalation of harmful gases and particles, which can damage the lungs.
Indoor air pollution, such as prolonged use of coal, wood, or other solid fuels for heating or cooking, is also linked to the risk of COPD, especially in some developing countries.
3. Occupational Exposure
Exposure to chemicals, dust, and gases in certain occupations, such as asbestos on construction sites, coal dust in mines, or pesticides and fertilizers on farms, can lead to COPD.
The risk is particularly high for workers who are exposed to high concentrations of occupational dust for prolonged periods.
4. Genetic Factors (Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency)
In rare cases, COPD can be linked to genetic factors, particularly alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. This genetic disorder leads to a deficiency of a protein that protects the lungs from damage, increasing the risk of lung damage, especially in smokers.
If there is a family history of COPD, the risk of developing the disease may be higher.
5. Chronic Airway Inflammation or Recurrent Infections
Repeated respiratory infections, especially during childhood, may increase the risk of developing COPD later in life. Chronic airway inflammation can also contribute to the development of COPD over time.
6. Age and Gender
As people age, lung function naturally declines, which increases the incidence of COPD, especially in older age groups.
Additionally, increasing smoking rates among women, as well as their heightened sensitivity to air pollution, may make women more susceptible to COPD.
7. Other Factors
In some cases, early lung development issues or chronic respiratory diseases (such as asthma) may increase the risk of COPD.
Poor lifestyle habits, such as an unhealthy diet and lack of physical exercise, may also indirectly affect lung health and increase the risk of developing COPD.

11/02/2024

Lung disease doesn’t play favourites. It affects men, women, children, smokers, non-smokers and individuals who have never smoked. If lung disease is taking your breath away, you don't have to deal with it alone. We're here to help.

11/02/2024

Lung diseases can be caused by various factors, including smoking, air pollution, occupational exposure to harmful substances, infections, allergies, genetic factors, and other systemic diseases. Common symptoms include persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing up blood, fatigue, and fever. If any of these symptoms occur, it’s important to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Asthma
Asthma is a chronic disease that makes your lungs very sensitive and can make it hard to breathe. Asthma can’t be cured, but with proper treatment, people with asthma can lead normal, active lives.
Certain things can make your airways become swollen and filled with mucus. The swelling and mucus makes your airways narrower, so it is hard for air to pass through.
Asthma may also cause your airways to become small and tight. This makes your airways narrower and makes it hard for air to pass through.
chronic cough
A cough that lasts less than three weeks and goes away on its own is called an acute cough. A sub-acute cough lasts more than three weeks, but less than eight weeks. This type of cough is also usually caused by an infection. It may go away by itself, however respiratory infections should be assessed by your healthcare provider and you may require treatment to get rid of your cough.
A persistent cough lasting eight weeks or more is considered a chronic cough. A chronic cough can affect you physically and socially and can disrupt your life. It is estimated that chronic cough affects about 16% of Canadians between the ages of 45 and 85.
Chronic cough can be caused by many different things; it's not always the sign of a serious health issue. The most common causes of chronic cough are: respiratory infection,asthma,postnasal drip,
to***co use,gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ora side effect of certain medications.
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a chronic (long-term) lung disease caused by breathing in asbestos fibers. Asbestos is a heat-resistant mineral that used to be common in insulation, vinyl floor tiles, cement, brake linings and other products.
COPD
COPD is a chronic progressive lung disease that causes the airways in the lungs to become swollen and blocked. Shortness of breath and increasing difficulty with everyday activities are two of the most common signs of COPD. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the two conditions that contribute to COPD in most cases.
COPD affects more than 2 million people living in Canada. It is the second-leading cause of hospitalization in this country.