{"id":11871,"date":"2020-04-20T16:45:33","date_gmt":"2020-04-20T20:45:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.getmaple.ca\/?post_type=mpl_conditions&p=11871"},"modified":"2026-01-14T16:08:49","modified_gmt":"2026-01-14T21:08:49","slug":"copd-treatment","status":"publish","type":"mpl_conditions","link":"https:\/\/www.getmaple.ca\/conditions\/copd-treatment\/","title":{"rendered":"Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","acf":{"hero_headline":"COPD treatment, diagnosis & prescriptions","meta_description":"Suffering from COPD? Get advice and treatment options from the comfort of your home. Talk to a doctor online now.","condition_tabs":[{"tab_content":[{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion","accordion_title":"Can a doctor treat COPD on Maple?","accordion_intro":"

Yes, a Maple doctor can present you with a range of COPD treatment options. After asking you questions about your symptoms, the doctor can send you for x-rays and other tests to assist with making a diagnosis. Afterwards, the doctor will talk to you about your treatment options, and prescribe medications like puffers for ongoing management. In Ontario, Maple also works with respirologists<\/a>, who are experts in COPD management.<\/p>\n","accordion_content":"","accordion_more_text":"See more","accordion_less_text":"See less"},{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion","accordion_title":"Can I get a prescription on Maple?","accordion_intro":"

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Yes, our physicians can prescribe medications online during your consultation. Once you accept a prescription, you\u2019ll have the option to pick it up from any pharmacy or to have it delivered right to your door at no additional cost.<\/p>\n

You can visit our How it Works<\/a> page to learn more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","accordion_content":"","accordion_more_text":"See more","accordion_less_text":"See less"},{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion","accordion_title":"What is COPD?","accordion_intro":"

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic disease affecting the lungs that causes coughing, shortness of breath and sputum production. COPD causes inflammation and blockage of the lungs as well. In North America, it\u2019s usually caused by prolonged exposure to chemicals that harm the lungs, like those found in cigarettes.<\/p>\n

COPD is a general term. Most often, COPD stems from two types of respiratory conditions: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It affects over 2 million Canadians over 35, and can significantly decrease mobility, and inhibit daily life.<\/p>\n

Chronic bronchitis is a long-term inflammation of bronchi, which are the main passageways to the lungs. It also causes the overproduction of mucus, which further blocks air from traveling in and out of the lungs.<\/p>\n

Emphysema is a progressive lung disease that damages the lung\u2019s alveoli (air sacs), causing them to weaken and break. Healthy lungs have many small air sacs, whereas lungs affected by emphysema have large air sacs, because the walls between the small sacs have ruptured from damage. This makes it harder to push air out, causing fatigue and difficulty breathing.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s no cure for COPD, but the condition can be managed with proper care.<\/p>\n","accordion_content":"","accordion_more_text":"See more","accordion_less_text":"See less"},{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion","accordion_title":"What are the symptoms of COPD?","accordion_intro":"

COPD doesn\u2019t cause immediate symptoms. Signs of COPD develop over time, and as the lungs sustain more damage, complications begin to arise. At that point, symptoms include:<\/p>\n