From the Lung Association of Alberta and NWT

By Emily Keller

lung health

Lung Association launches COVID-19 information section for those with underlying conditions

Apr 21, 2020 | 1:04 PM

The Lung Association of Alberta and the Northwest Territories has launched a new COVID-19 information section about on their website for those with underlying respiratory or lung conditions.

Dr. Mohit Bhutani, a lung specialist and Professor of Medicine at the University of Alberta, says he and the Lung Association worked together to develop videos, the Ask the Expert section and other resources for the site.

“Giving the most up-to-date information about COVID-19 and having an underlying lung disease, so, it really was designed to make people aware, maybe dispel some of the myths that are out there, and then encouraging patients to figure out what they can do best for themselves if you do have an underlying lung disease.”

Dr. Bhutani says some of the most common lung diseases are asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but those with cystic fibrosis and other conditions can develop more serious complications from the virus. He says while the health recommendations for those with lung diseases are almost the same as those without, they are suggesting those with underlying conditions wear masks when going out in public.

He adds that those who smoke or use e-cigarettes are also at risk of more serious complications if they become infected.

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“It’s become pretty clear from the early reports from the outcomes of patients who have been admitted to hospital with (a) COVID infection and people that have had more severe diseases that smokers, active smokers, tend to represent a larger population.”

Dr. Bhutani says now may be a good time to consider smoking cessation, as sometimes smoking can be triggered by social situations, and that now many may have more time to wean themselves off the habit.

“Smoking is a vice for a lot of people with stress and anxiety, so, your journey is going to be your own journey, but if you’re already kind of in that mindset that you want to quit, this is maybe a really good opportunity.”

He recommends using the resources for quitting offered by Alberta Health Services and the Canadian Lung Association.