Health education · BreathingSaint‑Hyacinthe
COPD: symptoms, screening and follow-up in Saint-Hyacinthe
Shortness of breath that has increased over the years, a persistent cough, sputum or a reduced ability to exert yourself? These symptoms may be associated with several conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, known as COPD.
At Clinique IPS du Palais in Saint-Hyacinthe, our team can support you with the assessment of respiratory symptoms, the follow-up of known COPD, education about your inhalers and spirometry when it is indicated.
Understanding
What is COPD?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic respiratory disease that causes persistent obstruction of the airways.1
Over time, it becomes harder for air to flow through the lungs.
The disease can progress gradually, which explains why some people get used to their shortness of breath and adapt their activities without necessarily realizing that their breathing capacity is decreasing.
COPD includes, among others:
- chronic bronchitis;
- emphysema.
When they are associated with airway obstruction.1
Possible symptoms
What are the possible symptoms?
Symptoms can vary from person to person and with the progression of the disease. Common manifestations include:1
Chronic cough
Regular production of phlegm
Reduced exercise tolerance
Wheezing in some people
More difficulty breathing than before
At first, shortness of breath may mainly appear during greater exertion. As the disease progresses, activities that used to be easy can become more difficult.
Day to day
COPD is not simply “getting short of breath as you age”
A gradual decrease in breathing capacity should not automatically be attributed to aging.
A person who constantly adapts their activities because they are short of breath may sometimes not realize how significant their symptoms are.
It may be appropriate to see a health professional when shortness of breath is new, gradually worsening, out of proportion to the effort or limiting daily activities.
Some people notice difficulty:
- climbing stairs;
- walking quickly;
- carrying bags;
- doing physical work;
- keeping up with other people of the same age.
COPD in Quebec
COPD is a common disease in Quebec. According to the most recent data from the Institut national de santé publique du Québec (2024-2025), more than half a million people are living with COPD.3
Its frequency increases with age: it affects just under a quarter of people aged 75 and over.3
COPD may also be underdiagnosed, since its symptoms can develop slowly over several years.
Can COPD progress without you noticing?
Yes. The progression can be slow.
A person may gradually:
- walk more slowly;
- avoid stairs;
- reduce their activities;
- take more breaks;
- avoid certain kinds of exertion.
These adaptations can sometimes mask a real decrease in breathing capacity. That is why it is worth talking about it during a consultation.
Risk factors
What are the main risk factors?
Smoking
Smoking is one of the main factors associated with the development of COPD.1 The risk increases especially with the amount and duration of tobacco exposure.
A person who has quit smoking may nevertheless have developed COPD because of past exposures.
Second-hand smoke and other inhaled substances
Repeated exposure to irritating substances can also contribute to respiratory problems: second-hand smoke, dust, vapours, fumes or certain chemicals.
Occupational exposures
Some occupations can expose workers for several years to dust, fumes, gases or irritating substances.1 Occupational history is therefore one of the elements that may be discussed during a respiratory assessment.
Air pollution
People with a chronic respiratory disease may be more sensitive to episodes of poor air quality.4
In Quebec, smoke, particularly from forest fires, and smog episodes can contribute to an increase in certain respiratory symptoms.4
Assessment
How is possible COPD assessed?
The assessment begins with the history of symptoms and risk factors. A physical examination can then complete the assessment.
When COPD is suspected, spirometry plays a central role in confirming the diagnosis.1
The professional may look for, among other things:
- the presence of shortness of breath;
- a persistent cough;
- the production of phlegm;
- a decrease in physical capacity;
- repeated episodes of respiratory infection or worsening;
- current or past smoking;
- exposure to second-hand smoke;
- occupational exposures;
- respiratory treatments already used;
- other health problems.
Lung function test
Spirometry and COPD
To assess possible COPD, spirometry may be performed before and after the administration of a bronchodilator. The results allow the health professional to assess whether there is persistent airway obstruction.1
We offer spirometry in Saint-Hyacinthe as one of our diagnostic tests.
- VolumeThe volume of air a person can breathe out.
- First secondThe amount of air breathed out during the first second (FEV₁).
- SpeedHow fast the air leaves the lungs.
Why are symptoms alone not enough?
Shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing can have several causes: respiratory, cardiovascular or infectious diseases, or other conditions.
The presence of symptoms and a history of smoking is therefore not enough on its own to confirm COPD.
When COPD is suspected, spirometry provides an objective measurement of lung function.
COPD or asthma: what is the difference?
COPD and asthma can both cause coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing or chest tightness. However, they are different diseases.
Asthma is generally characterized by greater variability in symptoms and airway obstruction. COPD is instead characterized by persistent airway obstruction, usually associated with respiratory exposures over the years.
However, a person may have complex features requiring an individualized assessment.
What is a COPD exacerbation?
An exacerbation is a significant worsening of the usual respiratory symptoms.2 It may show up, among other things, as:
- increased shortness of breath;
- increased coughing;
- a change or increase in sputum;
- a reduced ability to carry out usual activities.
Certain respiratory infections can help trigger an exacerbation. A significant or unusual worsening of symptoms warrants an assessment.
COPD and smoking
For a person who smokes, quitting smoking is a particularly important part of respiratory care.1 A person who has already quit smoking may nevertheless have COPD.
It is therefore important to tell the health professional:
- if you currently smoke;
- if you have smoked in the past;
- for how many years;
- the approximate amount smoked;
- your other respiratory exposures.
Inhalers
Using your inhalers properly
Several treatments used for COPD are given by inhalation. There are different types of inhalers and the way they are used can vary.
The effectiveness of treatment depends on factors such as the device used, the inhalation technique, the ability to handle the device correctly and regular use of the treatment when it is prescribed.1
Practical tip: bring your inhalers to your appointment.
Our team can then see the devices you use and review how to use them with you.
During a follow-up, it may be useful to check:
- how the inhaler is prepared;
- the inhalation technique;
- the coordination required;
- the ability to activate or handle the device;
- care of the device;
- understanding of the treatment.
COPD and physical activity
Shortness of breath can lead a person to gradually reduce their activity level. However, this reduction can contribute to a loss of physical fitness, which can make certain kinds of exertion even more difficult.
The overall management of COPD is therefore not based solely on medication. Depending on the situation, it may also include interventions aimed at maintaining physical abilities and independence.
What is pulmonary rehabilitation?
Pulmonary rehabilitation is a structured approach intended for certain people living with a chronic respiratory disease.1 It may include:
- adapted physical activity;
- education;
- self-management strategies;
- support for maintaining an active lifestyle.
Depending on the situation and the severity of the disease, a professional may refer a person to the appropriate resources.
COPD and air quality in Quebec
People with chronic bronchitis, emphysema or another form of COPD are among the groups that may be more vulnerable to the effects of air pollution.4
During an episode of poor air quality or wildfire smoke, some people may experience more coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing or breathing discomfort.
It is advisable to follow Quebec's official recommendations during these episodes.
Why is COPD follow-up important?
Follow-up makes it possible, among other things, to review:
- how shortness of breath is changing;
- activities that have become more difficult;
- exacerbations;
- the treatments used;
- inhaler technique;
- risk factors;
- lung function when necessary;
- other diseases that may affect symptoms.
The goal is to preserve quality of life and functional abilities as much as possible.
Seeking care
When to seek care?
A consultation may be appropriate when a person has any of the following.
- persistent or progressive shortness of breath;
- a chronic cough;
- frequent sputum;
- a gradual decline in exercise capacity;
- a significant smoking history combined with respiratory symptoms;
- known COPD whose symptoms seem less well controlled;
- repeated respiratory exacerbations.
When should you seek care quickly?
A significant or unusual increase in respiratory symptoms warrants prompt assessment. For example:
- shortness of breath much worse than usual;
- significant worsening of cough;
- significant change in sputum;
- marked decrease in the ability to carry out usual activities.
When is it an emergency?
Severe difficulty breathing is an urgent situation. If a person is in respiratory distress, if their life seems to be in danger or if they have severe difficulty breathing, call 911 or go to the emergency department.
For a non-urgent situation when you don't know which resource to consult, Info-Santé 811, option 1, lets you speak with a nurse.5
How can Clinique IPS du Palais support you?
Depending on your situation, our team can, among other things:
- assess shortness of breath or a persistent cough;
- look for COPD risk factors;
- review COPD that has already been diagnosed;
- assess how symptoms are changing;
- review your inhalers;
- check your inhaler technique;
- provide education;
- perform spirometry when indicated;
- provide clinical follow-up;
- refer you to another resource when necessary.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Do all smokers develop COPD?
No. However, smoking is one of the main risk factors for COPD.
Can I have COPD even if I have quit smoking?
Yes. Significant past exposure to tobacco may have contributed to the development of the disease.
Can I have COPD without having smoked?
Yes. Other respiratory exposures may be involved. However, smoking remains a major factor.
Does a chronic cough mean I have COPD?
No. A persistent cough can have several causes. It should be assessed according to the context.
Is shortness of breath normal with age?
A gradual decrease in breathing capacity should not automatically be considered normal. Shortness of breath that persists or gets worse warrants an assessment.
How is COPD confirmed?
Spirometry plays an important role in confirming the diagnosis when COPD is suspected.
Are COPD and emphysema the same thing?
Emphysema is one of the diseases grouped under the term COPD.
Is chronic bronchitis part of COPD?
Yes. COPD includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, among others, when they are associated with airway obstruction.
Should I bring my inhalers to my appointment?
Yes, when possible. This allows us, among other things, to check your devices and how you use them.
Can COPD get temporarily worse?
Yes. A significant worsening of the usual symptoms is called an exacerbation and may require an assessment.
Sources
- Institut national d’excellence en santé et en services sociaux (INESSS). Maladie pulmonaire obstructive chronique : guide d’usage optimal, outil d’interprétation spirométrique en soutien au diagnostic et rapport sur l’administration d’une spirométrie pré/postbronchodilatateur. Publication updated September 14, 2026, accessed October 6, 2026. inesss.qc.ca
- INESSS. Exacerbation aigüe de la maladie pulmonaire obstructive chronique (EAMPOC), guide d’usage optimal. April 2026, accessed October 6, 2026. inesss.qc.ca
- Institut national de santé publique du Québec (INSPQ). Prévalence de la maladie pulmonaire obstructive chronique (MPOC). 2024-2025 data, accessed October 6, 2026. inspq.qc.ca
- Gouvernement du Québec. Effets de la pollution de l’air sur la santé. Updated April 29, 2025, accessed October 6, 2026. quebec.ca
- Gouvernement du Québec. Info-Santé 811. Updated December 7, 2022, accessed October 6, 2026. quebec.ca
This page provides general information and does not replace an assessment by a health professional.