By BREATHE - The Lung Association

protect yourself

Help for persons with Lung & Respiratory Disease during COVID-19

Apr 18, 2020 | 2:57 PM

Approximately six million Canadians, including adults and children, have a respiratory problem such as asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis or other lung issues. COVID-19 is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease, particularly if contracted by these individuals. They need to protect themselves and to be protected.

To assist these most vulnerable individuals in preventing and managing the virus, The Lung Association of Alberta and the Northwest Territories has launched a new information section on its website regarding COVID-19 and its specific impact on Albertans with lung disease and other respiratory problems. The website also includes an Ask the Expert section featuring Alberta lung specialist Dr. Mohit Bhutani.

Said Leigh Allard, Lung Association President & CEO, “Given the fact that Albertans with lung disease are especially vulnerable to serious, life-threatening illness should they contract COVID-19, we felt it essential to address some of the specific questions that they have regarding COVID-19 as it relates to their illness.”

The information, located on the Lung Association’s website at www.ab.lung.ca features a series of videos by Dr. Bhutani, answering key questions that have been posed by those with lung and breathing issues, and allows Albertans to submit additional questions to Dr. Bhutani. It also contains fact sheets on topics such as COVID-19 and asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis, sleep apnea, lung transplants, pulmonary fibrosis and smoking and vaping. The site as well hosts personal videos from Albertans with lung and breathing issues, encouraging Albertans to help prevent the spread of the virus.

Dr. Mohit Bhutani’s achievements in the clinical, research and educational aspects of respiratory diseases have contributed to his recognition as a leading member of the respiratory community. He completed his medical degree and residency at the University of Saskatchewan, followed by fellowships in pulmonary and critical care medicine at the University of Western Ontario. He joined the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry at the University of Alberta as Assistant Professor in the Division of Pulmonary Medicine in 2005 and promoted to Professor of Medicine in 2019.

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“Lung disease is the third leading cause of death among Canadians and COVID-19 can be devastating in its attack on the respiratory system of these more vulnerable people.,” said Dr. Bhutani. “It is important that they have accurate and up-to-date information about the relationship between COVID-19 and their health, and steps they can take to prevent contracting the virus, or deal with it should they contract it, while managing their ongoing health issues.”

In the meantime, the Lung Association encourages all Canadians to do their part in preventing the spread of COVID-19 by washing their hands frequently, staying home as much as possible, and exercising social/physical distancing when out taking care of essential needs.

Concluded Allard, “It is important that we do everything we can to protect people with lung and breathing issues from this terrible respiratory virus. Do it for them. Do it for everybody.”