Lung Diseases Program - Services

The Asthma Centre provides a dynamic therapeutic approach to asthma management. Bringing together allergists, respirologists and asthma educators, the centre provides diagnosis, assessment, care and education for patients with asthma, aged 16 years and older living in Southwestern Ontario.

 We offer a unique service for asthma patients including:

• Consultation by respirology and allergy specialists
• Diagnostic testing
• Assessment
• Education with a certified asthma educator
• Follow-up as necessary
• Accommodation of urgent referrals

What is COPD?

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is an umbrella term used for a group of progressive lung conditions which cause changes to the airways (“bronchi” or “bronchial tubes”) as well as tiny air sacs at the end of the airways (“alveoli”). These conditions often lead to shortness of breath, cough, and excess mucous production. Your lung is like an upside-down tree. The trunk is the windpipe or “trachea,” the branches are the “bronchi,” and the leaves are the air sacs or “alveoli.”

The three main conditions associated with COPD are:

1. Emphysema: Results from damage to the alveoli at the end of the airways, which does not allow oxygen to be exchanged in the blood, leading to shortness of breath. Emphysema is a lung disease that results from damage to the walls of the alveoli in your lungs. A blockage (obstruction) may develop, which traps air inside your lungs.
2. Chronic Bronchitis: Chronic bronchitis irritates your bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from your lungs. In response, the tubes swell and produce mucus (phlegm or “snot”) to build up along the lining. This buildup narrows the tube’s opening, making it harder for air to get int and out of your lungs, resulting in shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and/or chest tightness.
3. Chronic Asthma: Asthma is a common condition in which your airways narrow, swell, and produce extra mucus. Chronic asthma occurs when asthma symptoms remain uncontrolled for long periods of time, resulting in inflammation, narrowing of the airways, and airflow obstruction. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, a whistling sound (wheezing) when you breathe out, and shortness of breath.

What is pulmonary rehabilitation?

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a self-management program of education and exercise designed to increase awareness about your lungs and disease, and improve your confidence in self-management of your breathlessness. The skills and knowledge learned in the program will help you develop more confidence in managing your condition. You will learn to recognize the early signs of a flare-up and develop a plan to avoid or manage one, to reduce your risk of hospitalization. Our goal is to help improve your exercise tolerance, teach your body to use oxygen more efficiently so you can be more active and do the things you enjoy with your loved ones, all while making daily activities easier.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation is delivered by a knowledgeable interdisciplinary team of health care providers, which consist of a respirologist (lung doctor), nurse practitioner, registered respiratory therapist, registered dietitian, social worker, rehabilitation trainer, spiritual care worker, and registration clerk. Classes are offered in a group setting to allow the opportunity for you to meet others with your condition and offer a safe atmosphere to give and receive peer support. Individual appointments with team members are also available to review your health needs.

Ask your healthcare provider about how you can learn more about COPD and what you can do to improve your health, symptoms, and quality of life.

• Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program Fact Sheet

Find additional patient, family and provider resources

The Pulmonary Function Lab, located within the outpatient area for the general respirology, COPD and asthma programs, is an important service used to assess/diagnose St. Joseph's patients as well as patients of physicians in the community. It provides: 

• Full pulmonary function testing
• Before and after bronchodilator testing
• Bronchoprovocation testing
• Education and teaching opportunities for multidisciplinary care team members, respiratory therapy and nursing students, residents, and patients for improved self-management.

The test results assist in the diagnosis of lung function impairment and evaluation of the effectiveness of treatment. Patients are instructed in the correct technique for using inhaled medications.

Known for a commitment to excellence in testing and quality assurance, the lab is one of a select few sites in Canada to participate in world-wide research studies.

To access the services of the Pulmonary Function Lab, a family physician or specialist must complete our referral form.

Respirology clinics provide consultative services for patients who have respiratory disease.

Physicians support the diagnosis and management of chronic lung conditions in the Asthma Centre and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Rehabilitation Program.