Asthma & Airways Clinic saved Barbara Martin’s life.
Like so many women over 50, Barbara Martin developed Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD, a serious condition where restricted airways can lead to slow death. Constantly short of breath and fighting coughs and colds, Barbara had no appetite and was depressed and tired. “I was frightened,” she says. “It was a vicious circle I couldn’t break on my own.”
All that is behind her now. The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Clinic at Toronto Western Hospitals’ Asthma and Airway Centre helped her quit smoking in six weeks and introduced her to the benefits of exercise. At 59, she’s joined a gym, is traveling for the first time in years and is enjoying her four young grandchildren. “Life is good,” says Barbara. “Instead of dreading retirement I look forward to every day.”
TWH was the first hospital in Canada to create a centre devoted to the treatment and research of asthma. Today, the Asthma and Airway Centre is a national referral centre of surgical and research excellence.
Of growing concern is COPD – a narrowing of the lung passageways due to long-term exposure to smoke. By focusing on early diagnosis, smoking cessation programs, and respiratory rehabilitation, the Centre helps patients manage this life-threatening disease.
