July 23, 2012

The facts are in. The rate of lung disease is increasing.

That’s why Women’s College Hospital (WCH) took part in World Spirometry Day on June 27 – to acknowledge the international campaign raising awareness of lung health and lung function testing.

To mark World Spirometry Day, WCH hosted education sessions for health-care providers, a grand rounds presentation and walk-in spirometry testing for patients.

“People lined up throughout the afternoon seeking a spirometry test,” said Kathleen Frame, respiratory therapist. “This is the first year Women’s College Hospital has participated and it was a huge success; we’re already looking forward to next year.”

Grand rounds featured Dr. Reza Maleki-Yazdi, respirologist, who noted the significant increase in women living with lung conditions and the value spirometry testing can provide to catch the effects of disease early and ultimately save lives.

“The earlier we are able to accurately diagnose lung disease in a patient, the more treatment options we have to offer,” says Dr. Anna Day, respirologist. “Too often we see patients with advanced lung disease because spirometry was not available to them. This simple test could dramatically improve patients’ clinical outcomes and quality of life.”

Virginia Collins, billing co-ordinator and research assistant, WCRI, dropped by the pulmonary lab to have her lungs tested.

“My spirometry test was very easy,” she said. “I learned things about lung health that I didn’t know before. Hopefully spirometry will become well-known so that others will learn about their lung function and how to stay healthy.”

If you are interested in a spirometry test please contact 416-323-6202 to schedule an appointment.

For more information about respirology at WCH please click here.