What is the Community Lung Health East Program – Intake and Referral?
This program receives and directs referrals from health care providers for people living with asthma, bronchiectasis, COPD, and interstitial lung disease (ILD) in the Champlain area. This program also directs public inquiries to community lung health programs offering services for chronic lung disease in the Champlain area. Normally, referrals are sent to us by your healthcare provider. Please contact our program if you have questions.
How can I access services?
Ask your healthcare provider to refer you using our Ocean eReferral or fax referral form (fax referral form is under revision for updates).
If you do not have a healthcare provider call 613-238-3722 (Toll-free: 1-833-338-3722).
Where are services located?
Services are located throughout the Champlain area in the counties of Lanark, Leeds and Grenville, Renfrew Counties, Prescott-Russell, Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry, as well as in Cornwall and Ottawa.
Services vary by location; click here for locations and services.
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic (long-term) lung disease that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways. Asthma symptoms can include shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness. Symptoms may come and go and can be triggered by allergies, exercise, cold air, smoke, or respiratory infections.
Asthma can be treated and managed over time with medication, avoiding triggers, and regular follow-up care.
What is Bronchiectasis?
Bronchiectasis is a chronic (long-term) lung condition where the airways become widened and damaged, making it difficult to clear mucus from the lungs. This can lead to frequent chest infections, coughing, mucus production, and shortness of breath.
Bronchiectasis can have many causes, including previous lung infections, immune system conditions, or other lung diseases. With treatment and ongoing management, symptoms and flare-ups can often be improved.
What is COPD?
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is a chronic (long-term) lung disease that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. COPD can be treated and managed over time.
The main symptom of COPD is shortness of breath with activity. The main cause of COPD is smoking but some non-smokers also get COPD.
What can I expect at COPD Education?
Services provided may include:
- Assessment
- Spirometry (breathing test)
- Education
- Development of an action plan
- Follow up care
- Exercise component (pulmonary rehabilitation) with an exercise specialist
Once registered with the program, you will be seen by a team of Certified Respiratory Educators (CRE), such as a Nurse Practitioner (NP) and/or Registered Respiratory Therapist. The CRE will help you understand and manage your symptoms. One way of doing this is through a COPD Action Plan.
COPD Action plans help explain what to do if your symptoms get worse and may prevent emergency room visits and hospital admissions.
What topics will I learn about?
Topics may include:
- When to seek help
- COPD Action Plans
- Inhalers/puffers
- Smoking cessation
- Nutrition & physical activity
- Reducing anxiety & stress
- Advance care planning
What is Interstitial Lung Disease?
Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) refers to a group of lung diseases that cause inflammation and scarring of the lungs. This scarring can make it harder for the lungs to work properly and can lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath and a dry cough.
There are many different types of ILD, and causes can include autoimmune diseases, environmental exposures, medications, or unknown causes. While some forms of ILD may worsen over time, treatment and monitoring can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
What is Pulmonary Rehab?
Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a supervised exercise program designed for people with COPD.
Participating in a PR program can decrease shortness of breath and improve your ability to function in daily life e.g. walking up stairs.
Three main components of PR program:
- Exercise
- Education
- Self-management
What can I expect at Pulmonary Rehab?
- You will meet with the Pulmonary Rehabilitation team to assess your symptoms and current fitness level.
- They will work with you to develop an exercise program to meet your goals.
- You will attend exercise classes 2-3 times each week for 8 weeks.
- Exercise classes are offered in a safe environment for people with COPD including people on home oxygen.
What is Maintenance Pulmonary Rehab?
Maintenance Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) is a supervised exercise program designed for COPD clients who have recently graduated (within the past year) from a recognized PR program, including programs at The Ottawa Hospital, Pembroke Regional Hospital and Montfort Hospital.
What is Spirometry?
A simple breathing test that measures how well your lungs are working. It measures how much air you inhale, and how much/how quickly you exhale. Spirometry is the only way to diagnose COPD, and is used to monitor how well treatment is working and the progression of your lung disease.
What services does the NP provide?
The Nurse Practitioner (NP) provides assessment, diagnosis and treatment for clients with lung health issues, and ongoing management for clients with COPD who have frequent exacerbations and/or emergency visits. Please note that only some locations offer NP services.