COPD Exacerbation (Education and Action Plan)

picture of a woman having a COPD Exacerbation

COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is an umbrella term for various conditions that affect the lungs and breathing. Many things can exacerbate COPD, bringing about an array of challenging symptoms.  It’s essential you know what to do during a COPD exacerbation. In addition, understanding what to do can greatly help in the event of … Read more

Lack Of Sleep Causes Increased Risk Of COPD Exacerbations

Lack Of Sleep Causes Increased Risk Of COPD Exacerbations

Multiple factors can cause people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to lose out on a good night’s sleep. Medications and nighttime COPD symptoms are 2 factors that lead many COPD patients to experience insomnia and sleep disturbances.  Lack of sleep can lead to daytime sleepiness, chronic fatigue and diminished quality of life for people … Read more

5 Tips To Improve COPD Life Expectancy

Tips To Improve COPD Life Expectancy

For millions of Americans diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the first question to their doctor may be, “How long do I have?”  Coping with COPD symptoms and living well may seem nearly impossible. COPD causes shortness of breath, fatigue, wheezing and persistent coughing. Often, people with COPD need to use supplemental oxygen to ensure … Read more

Traveling With COPD: Your Travel Tips Guide

Traveling With COPD Guide

For people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), traveling may seem stressful and nearly impossible. Feeling worried about traveling with COPD is completely understandable. However, enjoying your favorite activities can help people with COPD live a fuller, more active lifestyle. Whether you use supplemental oxygen or not, you can enjoy taking a vacation. We’re here … Read more

5 COPD Caregiver FAQs

COPD Caregiver FAQs

Being a caregiver is tough work. Here are some COPD FAQs and a little support to get the job done without losing your hair. The daily physical and mental challenges can be overwhelming for those who care for loved ones with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). According to the Pew Research Center, there are currently … Read more

COPD vs Asthma: Understanding the Difference

COPD vs Asthma Understanding the Difference

When you develop a lung disease or infection such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), you are often required to make significant lifestyle modifications to make breathing easier. After diagnosis, it’s normal to have questions. For many people, the big question is: How can I breathe easier? The first step is getting the diagnosis straight. … Read more

COPD In Winter: Tips For Cold Weather

tips for dealing with COPD in the cold winter months

Cold weather can cause difficulties for anyone, but for people with COPD, changes in the weather can affect their health. Whether it is too hot or too cold, these changes can trigger symptoms. You must brave the cold for many reasons, such as going to work, walking to your car or enjoying the outdoors. Here are ways … Read more

History Of COPD

History Of COPD

Believe it or not, we can trace the history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) back to the mid-1600s. Our knowledge of COPD began to develop with the writings of the Swiss-born physician, Theophile Bonet, in the mid-17th century. Having performed over 3,000 autopsies on his patients, Bonet first described the effects of emphysema on the lungs. He … Read more

COPD Exacerbation Guidelines: What You Can Do

COPD Exacerbation Guidelines

COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a common lung condition that affects millions of people around the world. It causes inflammation in your lungs, narrowing the airway passages, and making breathing difficult. Symptoms include regular coughing or wheezing, shortness or breath and frequent lung infections. COPD flare-ups, or exacerbations, can be scary for anyone … Read more

COPD Management Plan: Taking Action For Better Health

COPD Management Plan

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a condition that affects about 24 million people in the United States. It is a progressive disease, meaning it gets worse in time, that causes shortness of breath and coughing. COPD is a condition in which your airways become inflamed, making it more difficult to breathe and also causing mucus build … Read more

Meditation And Its Effects On COPD

Meditation And Its Effects On COPD

Meditation enables us to focus on the present moment without thoughts of the unchangeable past or the uncertain future. Meditation can have positive benefits on your health. People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or other forms of lung disease who practice meditation have reported an improved sense of well-being and better mood. Here’s what you need … Read more

4 Tips For Eating Out With COPD

Tips For Eating Out With COPD

A few things to remember when you just don’t feel like cooking. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is a degenerative lung disease that slowly wears away a patient’s breathing ability and quality of life. Although difficulty breathing can often be the biggest concern for this group, the day-to-day fatigue that comes with it can be … Read more

Maximize Your COPD Treatment Plan In 5 Easy Steps

Maximize Your COPD Treatment Plan

People living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) understand the importance of following their COPD treatment plan. Some doctors recommend additional lifestyle modifications to help their patients maximize their COPD treatment plan. Here are five easy steps to help you gain the most out of your COPD treatment plan. How Do I Get Started to Maximize My COPD Treatment … Read more

COPD Vs. Pulmonary Fibrosis: The Difference Between These Respiratory Problems

COPD Vs. Pulmonary Fibrosis

Chronic pulmonary disease is associated with a litany of respiratory problems that can make it difficult to understand what you have and what to do to feel better. Perhaps the most common pulmonary condition is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, also known as COPD. However, pulmonary fibrosis is another common condition that sometimes gets overlooked in the shadow of … Read more

COPD Flare-Up: What It Is And What You Can Do

COPD Flare Up What It Is And What You Can Do

People living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) cope with a variety of symptoms, such as coughing, shortness of breath, fatigue and wheezing. Sometimes, COPD symptoms worsen suddenly or flare-up. To keep you as healthy as possible, here is what you need to know about a COPD flare-up and what to do about it. What Is a COPD Flare-Up? Simply put, … Read more

COPD Exacerbation Symptoms: What To Look For

COPD Exacerbation Symptoms What To Look For

People living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) understand the importance of taking care of their lungs, avoiding triggers and following a treatment plan to prevent COPD flare-ups. Sometimes, COPD flare-ups are called COPD exacerbations. When it comes to COPD exacerbation symptoms, here’s what to look for and what you can do. Typical COPD Symptoms Typically, COPD causes symptoms including … Read more

Caregivers And COPD: Finding A Support Group

Caregivers And COPD Finding A Support Group

When caregivers find support for themselves, they can better support their loved ones. Caregivers are special people. They take on the role of loving aid and advocate for the people they are helping. While having COPD is difficult for the person diagnosed with it, caring for a loved one with COPD is also challenging. Because caregivers spend … Read more

Can Music Treat COPD?

Can Music Treat COPD

Can music be used to improve your health? Music is arguably one of the only things that can be considered universally loved. Across culture and history, music has been an appreciated and celebrated form of entertainment for thousands of years. But can it affect your health? For those who suffer from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), … Read more

7 Things You Need To Know About Sleep And COPD

Things You Need To Know About Sleep And COPD

If you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), you know that difficulty breathing isn’t limited to daylight hours and often interferes with sleep. Effects of this loss of quality sleep can range from mild to chronic fatigue. People with COPD are more likely to develop insomnia, nightmares and daytime sleepiness than the general population. About 50% of COPD patients … Read more

4 Bad Habits To Break If You Have Lung Disease

Bad Habits To Break If You Have Lung Disease

Most of us know what our personal bad habits are, but it doesn’t hurt to hear gentle reminders about the effects of poor choices. The older we are, the more set in our ways we may become, but with some determination we can overcome bad habits and live a healthier life. And now, for those … Read more

4 Benefits Of Exercising With COPD

Benefits Of Exercising With COPD

Most of us already know that exercise is good for us. It makes our weight easier to control and can lower our risk of severe medical conditions like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, all while building our muscles and increasing our levels of endurance. When you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) though, it’s super … Read more

Quick COPD Recipes

Quick COPD Recipes

For people dealing with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), doing simple tasks can be difficult. Simple tasks such as standing or cooking for long periods of time can be strenuous, so having a few quick cooking recipes handy can be quite helpful for COPD sufferers. Each recipe below takes less than a half hour and relatively little energy to … Read more

7 Tips To Prevent COPD Flare-Ups

Tips To Prevent COPD Flare Ups

Are you struggling everyday to simply breathe? Are you feeling with each passing day that you are accomplishing fewer of your planned activities?  COPD flare-ups can limit your ability to complete daily tasks causing you to feel anxious, which can also lead to trouble sleeping. But did you know that there are a few simple lifestyle … Read more

Is COPD In Women More Common Than In Men?

Is COPD In Women More Common Than In Men

Quick question: Is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) more common in men or women? You may be surprised to hear that COPD in women is more common. In fact, women are 37 percent more likely to have COPD than men. Women also account for more than half of all deaths attributed to COPD in the United States. Therefore, women, … Read more

Is It Okay To Vape With COPD?

Is It Okay To Vape With COPD

Roughly 8.1 million U.S. adults regularly smoke e-cigarettes, a habit commonly referred to as “vaping” since the nicotine is delivered via vapors. Also 14.9% percent of the population admit to having at least tried them. While some insist that e-cigarettes are safer alternatives to regular cigarettes, what does science say? And specifically, what does it say for … Read more

Can Marijuana Help COPD?

Marijuana And COPD Can It Help

In this recent election, it seems as though marijuana may be here to stay. But, when it comes to marijuana and COPD, can it help? As states across the U.S. continue to push marijuana law reform, there are currently 37 states that have legalized marijuana in some form or another. For those who currently suffer … Read more

COPD and Seasonal Allergies

COPD and Seasonal Allergies

Have you ever had itchy, watery eyes and a stuffy nose? If you have experienced these symptoms, then there is a good chance that you have enjoyed the many side effects of seasonal allergies. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, an estimated 40 million Americans suffer from indoor and outdoor allergies every day. … Read more

Is There A Connection Between Weight Loss and COPD?

Connection Between Weight Loss and COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a lung disease that affects so much more than just your breathing. As symptoms worsen over time, COPD can majorly impact your daily life. You become fatigued more quickly, and small things like showering start to take a long time. You may not be able to move around quite as … Read more

Managing COPD Allergies

Managing COPD Allergies

Do You Suffer from COPD and Allergies? To the majority of the population, allergies are an inconvenience that can be dealt with through a trip to the doctor, maybe a shot, and a pack of tissues. For people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) — the third leading cause of death in the United States — allergies increase the likelihood of an exacerbation, … Read more

What Is The Connection Between Agent Orange And COPD?

Connection Between Agent Orange And COPD

Many of us associate the Vietnam War with horrific violence and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Another scar that long war left on American society is the result of a harmful herbicide known as agent orange.   The poisonous active ingredient of agent orange, dioxin, has been linked to many health conditions, diseases and cancer. But is there a connection between Agent … Read more

Does Alcohol Worsen COPD?

Does Alcohol Worsen COPD

As prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) continues to rise, many people have to reevaluate their lifestyle to make modifications. One of the questions brought up, especially for social settings, is “Does alcohol worsen COPD?” It has only been within the last several years that this answer has finally started to take shape. One of the biggest problems … Read more

What Is A Peak Flow Meter?

What Is A Peak Flow Meter

Spirometry is a type of lung function test that doctors use to measure a patient’s lung function. This test is commonly used to track the decrease in lung function of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Many doctors have their COPD patients do a spirometry test at least once a year.  A peak flow meter is often … Read more

Can A Plant-Based Diet Cure COPD?

Can A Plant Based Diet Cure COPD

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than 15 million Americans have been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Unfortunately, there is no current cure for COPD, and that includes eating a plant-based diet.  Plant-based diets encourage people to eat more healthy and organic foods, such as vegetables, berries, seeds and nuts. This diet … Read more

Are There Any Celebrities With COPD?

Celebrities With COPD

When faced with illnesses that disrupt our lives, it is helpful to know that you aren’t alone. Especially when well-known public figures or celebrities also suffer from these self-same conditions and illnesses. It would be helpful to identify with an individual in the limelight going through what you are facing day in and day out. … Read more

Smog Effects On COPD

Smog Effects On COPD

People living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) know that flare-ups can mean the difference between a good day and a terrible day. Life is more difficult when the symptoms of  lung disease are present. Knowing what triggers symptom flare-ups can greatly reduce the number of days that your life is debilitated by lung disease.  Smog effects on COPD can … Read more

5 Natural Supplements For COPD

Natural Supplements For COPD

Like the heart, the respiratory system is at work every moment of our lives. The lungs can also be the entry point for pollutants, irritants, dust, mold, fungus, harmful organisms, and other toxins. The constant onslaught of impurities can take a harsh toll on people with COPD. People want to ensure their lungs function at … Read more

Does Humidity Affect COPD?

Does Humidity Affect COPD

Most people assume that higher humidity levels are harder on people who suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). While this is generally true, humidity levels actually affect COPD sufferers in different ways. According to Dr. Phillip Factor, Chief of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City, “Many … Read more

Tai Chi And COPD

Tai Chi And COPD

Battling Stress With COPD Stress is an agonizing emotion that can manipulate your health. Chronic stress is a type of long term tension that can wear down your body causing you to feel worse than you should. Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) experience this first hand when it comes to managing with stress on top … Read more

Healthy COPD Recipes

Healthy COPD Recipes

Looking for something tasty that won’t add another notch to the belt? As we’ve mentioned before finding a recipe that is healthy for those who suffer from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease can be elusive. For those with COPD, there seems to be a grocery list of foods and ingredients that cause exacerbations (symptoms flare-up). Foods that fit within one’s diet while … Read more

Does Exercise Help COPD?

How Important Is Exercise For COPD Sufferers

If you are having difficulties breathing or catching your breath, your first instinct may be to avoid exercise and exertion. But did you know? It’s actually good for you to do some exercise. It sounds counterintuitive. If you’re having trouble breathing, as people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) do, you might think it best to rest. … Read more

The Relationship Between COPD And Heart Problems

Relationship Between COPD And Heart Problems

The number one cause of death in the United States is heart disease, and the second leading is cancer. However, what many people might not know is that the third leading cause of death is chronic lower respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD and heart problems, specifically heart failure, have one serious symptom in common—difficulty … Read more

Natural Vs. COPD Lung Function Decline

Natural Vs. COPD Lung Function Decline

Lung function naturally declines with age. Aging affects the entire body, including the lungs, and while the majority of the population can extend youthful function through healthy habits, smokers and those with lung diseases, such as COPD, experience the decline at an accelerated rate. Lung Function with COPD Some age-related changes in the lungs include: Decreases in peak … Read more

CT Masks For COPD

CT Masks For COPD

Whether you live in a colder climate year-round or you experience a couple months of cold weather yearly, if you have a chronic lung disease, you understand how changes in the weather can affect your health.  People with COPD, or another form of chronic lung disease such as pulmonary fibrosis, may experience worsened symptoms during cold weather because … Read more

First Day For Spring Allergies

First Day For Spring Allergies

Spring time is a delightful season! There is always something going on. Every year, you get to see the birds flying home, and the flowers blooming. You are able to breathe in the smell of fresh air, not cold or filled with ice, but warm with a hint of happiness. You bask in the light … Read more

Vitamins And COPD

Vitamins And COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive form of lung disease ranging from mild to severe. It is characterized by a restriction of airflow into and out of the lungs that makes breathing difficult. The term COPD encompasses emphysema and/or chronic bronchitis. As more people suffer from chronic lung disease and more studies are conducted to find ways … Read more

Living With Supplemental Oxygen And COPD

Living With Supplemental Oxygen And COPD

The prognosis for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be a devastating blow. Hearing from a doctor that you’ll need to use supplemental oxygen as part of your treatment, and the idea of being tethered to an oxygen tank, can take some time to get used to. Take courage – you’re not alone. With certain changes to … Read more

Beginner Exercises With Lung Disease

Beginner Exercises With Lung Disease

It seems like everyday we hear that exercise is key to better health, and it’s true. Unfortunately for a lot of us, it feels impossible to begin an exercise regimen. I mean where should we start? As a less-than-expert exerciser, it can be difficult to figure out how to break into the exercise world. Thankfully, … Read more

Can Acupuncture Be Used To Treat COPD?

can acupuncture help copd

Curious about acupuncture? Here’s the rundown. Despite the recent decline in U.S. smoking rates, more than 600 million people suffer from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease around the world. As respiratory illness has been with us as long as the practice of smoking, there have also been treatments addressing these diseases that have lasted millennia. Understandably, when many think of acupuncture … Read more

Developing A COPD Treatment Plan

COPD Treatment Plan

One of the many challenges of living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is finding the right treatment for COPD patients. COPD affects everyone differently and at varying rates of progression. COPD is a chronic, progressive disease, meaning it will worsen over time. When you’ve been diagnosed with COPD, you and your doctor will work together to … Read more

Herbs That Help COPD

Herbs That Help COPD

It can be hard to accept that a progressive and detrimental disease like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a condition with little to no options for successful treatment. As of now, most COPD patients are simply told to continue on a regimen of prescriptions and supplemental oxygen. These may help make the disease symptoms more comfortable, … Read more

COPD Medications: Inhalers And Other Treatments

COPD Medications Inhalers And Other Treatments

There are a lot of COPD medications out there. We’re here to help you find the right one for you. When it comes to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other chronic lung diseases, there’s a long list of COPD medications out there. The problem is determining whether these medications are ultimately helpful. In the realm of … Read more

Elevation And Its Effect On Lung Disease

Elevation And Its Effect On Lung Disease

From the lowest basins to the highest peaks, elevation can affect your breathing. Badwater Basin in Death Valley, California is the lowest point in the U.S. coming in at 282 feet below sea level. However, when it comes to low altitudes (below 4,000 feet), the negative and positive effects on health don’t begin until you … Read more

Why Are Morning Headaches Common With COPD?

Morning Headaches With COPD

Headaches can be caused by many different factors, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).  Headaches are typically classified by cause. Primary headaches are caused by over activity of or problems with pain-sensitive structures in your head. Primary headaches aren’t the symptom of an underlying disease. The chemical activity in your brain, the nerves or blood vessels surrounding your skull, the … Read more

BODE Index: Determining Your Stage Of COPD

BODE Index

If you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), you have probably heard about the COPD stages, which range from mild to very severe. In fact, you may have had certain types of tests or procedures to help your doctor gain valuable measurements and information about your COPD. These tests and measurements help your doctor determine your … Read more

What Do My Spirometry Results Mean?

spirometry test results

People living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, emphysema and other types of chronic lung diseases have had a spirometry test. Typically, doctors use spirometry to help them better understand the severity of your chronic lung disease symptoms and how they affect your life. Here we break down the key facts about a spirometry test and what your … Read more

Can You Run With COPD?

Can You Run With COPD

One of the challenges that you face living with COPD is getting enough oxygen into your body. COPD causes inflammation and irreversible damage to your lungs that cause air to get trapped, which prevents fresh air from getting in. This makes it difficult to breathe, especially exhaling. For this reason, people with COPD look for as many … Read more

5 Types Of Daily Meditation For COPD

Types Of Daily Meditation For COPD

Many people view meditating as a form of religious or spiritual practice, but in can also be performed for a variety of personal reasons and can have positive benefits on your health. Individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or other forms of lung disease that also practice meditation have reported an improved sense of well-being and … Read more

What Is FEV1? Here’s What You Need To Know

FEV1 spirometry test

What is FEV1? It is a critical measurement for those with lung disease. Find out why. People who have a lung disease like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis or emphysema know that FEV1 is an important factor in measuring their respiratory health. However, not everyone knows why. Although FEV1 is the standard unit of measurement used … Read more

5 Holistic COPD Treatments That Can Promote Healing

Holistic COPD Treatments That Can Promote Healing

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects your ability to breathe clearly and live out your daily life. As the disease advances, it causes loss of energy and can lead to more severe health problems, such as respiratory failure or heart failure. The disease is not curable, but thanks to modern treatments, including holistic COPD treatments, … Read more

How Can Fish Oil Benefit Chronic Lung Disease Patients?

fish oil benefits for COPD patients

Did you ever hear someone talk about taking cod liver oil when they were younger? It doesn’t really sound very tasty, but fish oil supplements have come a long way from the spoon of cod liver oil. In fact, fish oil can now be easily found in pill form, and it’s one of the more … Read more

COPD & Over-The-Counter Pain Meds

COPD Over The Counter Pain Meds

“Several studies have found high rates of pain medication use among COPD patients, and pain has also been an important determinant of overall health status and quality of life in COPD,” senior research associate, Melissa Roberts at the Lovelace Clinic Foundation in Albuquerque, NM, said in an American Thoracic Society news release. Researchers determined pain levels among study participants … Read more

COPD In Your 30s, 40s And 50s

COPD In Your 30s 40s And 50s

Managing COPD in your 30s, 40s and 50s presents ever-increasing challenges. The  National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) states that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third most common cause of death in the U.S. The NHLBI estimates that 12 million Americans have COPD, an additional 12 million suffer undiagnosed, and 120,000 people die every year … Read more

Is Ginger Good For People With COPD?

Is Ginger Good For People With COPD

Living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is difficult because it causes shortness of breath that can make even the simplest of tasks more physically demanding. There is no cure for COPD, but people with the disease can receive treatments that may help reduce the progression and severity of the disease. Since COPD makes life so challenging, most people … Read more

Oxygen Therapy For COPD

Oxygen Therapy For COPD

Oxygen therapy for COPD can be incredibly beneficial for some but not all. When it comes to the use of oxygen therapy for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) it can be a mixed bag. Although supplemental oxygen tanks are vital and universally recommended by pulmonologists and physicians alike, in truth they only … Read more

Oxygen And The Kidneys

Oxygen And The Kidneys

Many people with COPD experience problems with their kidneys. One of the characteristics of chronic lung diseases is low blood-oxygen levels, which can lead to other conditions. Here’s some information about oxygen and the kidneys. What is the role of the kidneys? The kidneys are bean-shaped and play an essential role. Kidneys are multi-functional, extracting waste from the blood, … Read more

Staying Hydrated With COPD

Staying Hydrated With COPD

For people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), staying properly hydrated can be challenging but is an important part of managing COPD. For example, many people with COPD experience increased mucus production. The excess mucus becomes thick, sticky and difficult to cough up. However, drinking enough water can thin mucus and make mucus easier to clear out from … Read more

COPD History: A Timeline Of Smoking And Why It’s Not Your Fault…

Timeline Of Smoking And COPD History

Smokers tend to get blamed for their habits. We believe there’s more to the story of COPD history. In a nation where smoking rates continue to decline every year, it’s no surprise that the popularity of smoking has declined with it. As laws prohibiting smoking in public areas lead to ostracizing the behavior further from … Read more

COPD-Friendly Foods You’ll Enjoy

COPD Friendly Foods You Will Enjoy

For people with chronic lung disease, finding nutritious foods can be challenging and discouraging. Many people want to enjoy eating their favorite foods while following their specific diets, avoiding options which could trigger symptom flare-ups. To aid in healthier lung function, we previously discussed foods you might want to avoid, but fear not — we have compiled … Read more

Foods To Avoid With COPD

Foods To Avoid With COPD

When someone is diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), many aspects of that person’s life change. Doctors will recommend several lifestyle modifications to help prevent symptoms flare-ups and other complications. One of the most important areas to modify is something most people do three times a day – eat. With your health in mind, here are … Read more

How To Create A Healthy COPD Diet In 5 Easy Steps

How To Create A Healthy COPD Diet

Diet is key in addressing COPD symptoms. Here’s how to set up a COPD diet plan that works. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can make life for those who have it very difficult. And in short, to say that the diseases’ symptoms can have a significant effect on the quality of life for a patient is … Read more

What Is A Pulmonary Function Test?

Pulmonary Function Test

For people living with a chronic lung disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, chronic bronchitis or pulmonary fibrosis, having your lungs tested is a critical part of your treatment plan. If your doctor suspects certain lung problems or wants to monitor how effective your treatment is, he or she may order a pulmonary function … Read more

Benefits Of Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Benefits Of Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Next to your skin, your lungs are the largest organs in your body by size, and just like all of your organs, they need to be healthy to perform critical tasks. Your lungs act almost like muscles; they need to be trained through exercise and provided the proper diet to take on the work needed … Read more

What Is Pulmonary Rehabilitation?

What is pulmonary rehabilitation

For people with a chronic lung disease like pulmonary fibrosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary rehabilitation can serve as part of the treatment routine. The benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation are far reaching and can help improve your lung function.  However, it’s important to consider the facts when deciding whether to begin pulmonary rehabilitation. With that … Read more

6 Minute Walk Test For COPD

6 Minute Walk Test For COPD

For people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), undergoing lung function testing, such as pulmonary function tests, is a typical occurrence. Part of your treatment plan may include pulmonary rehabilitation—a program that combines exercise, education and support to help people learn to breathe and function at the highest level possible. During pulmonary rehabilitation, a 6-minute walk test is typically … Read more

COPD And Knowing Your Safe Oxygen Levels

COPD And Knowing Your Safe Oxygen Levels

For people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis and other chronic lung diseases, keeping a close eye on their blood oxygen level is often part of the daily routine. However, for people living with COPD and other chronic lung conditions, receiving enough oxygen can be challenging. Every cell, organ and tissue in … Read more

Traditional Vs. Natural COPD Treatment

Traditional Vs. Natural COPD Treatment

When you’re living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), you’ve probably heard of and tried a lot of different COPD treatments. It can be confusing to keep track of all of your COPD treatment options. To help you better understand your COPD treatment options, we’ve broken them down into traditional COPD treatments versus natural COPD treatments. … Read more

Stage 1 COPD: Mild Stage COPD And You

Stage 1 COPD

Hopefully, you already know the general information about the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and the COPD stages, prognosis and life expectancy; it’s important to understand how each stage is broken down. Each COPD stage differs in the severity of symptoms, spirometry, and COPD screening results, and how COPD affects your life. In this article, we’ll focus on … Read more

6 Homeopathic Remedies For COPD To Try Right Now

Homeopathic Remedies For COPD

When traditional medication fails, it may be time to consider something a bit more natural… Living with a lung disease like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, or emphysema can make one’s daily routine inherently difficult. Causing fits of coughing, difficulty breathing, and lower energy levels, many suffering from chronic lung disease are simply looking … Read more

Best (And Worst) Weather For COPD

Best And Worst Weather For COPD

What’s the best weather for COPD when heat, cold, altitude and humidity are all things to consider? Living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be difficult enough without disease symptoms being further aggregated by poor weather conditions. For those living with the disease, a drop in temperature can mean the difference between breathing easier and having … Read more

Stage 3 COPD: Severe Stage COPD And You

Stage 3 COPD

As you know, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects everyone differently and at varying rates of progression.  Stage 1 COPD, or mild stage COPD, is categorized by a forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) of about 80 percent or more of normal lung capacity based on the GOLD System, and stage 2 COPD is categorized with a … Read more

Is A Humidifier Good For COPD?

Is A Humidifier Good For COPD

Yes, humidifiers are good for people with COPD and can be critical to better breathing indoors. Here’s why. It should come as no surprise that air quality is one of the most significant factors affecting those who live with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). As poor air quality (such as areas of heavy smoke, pollution or … Read more

5 Drugs To Avoid When You Have COPD

Drugs To Avoid When You Have COPD

Popping a pill is often the first line of defense when you’re not feeling well. Got a headache? Take some aspirin or ibuprofen. Are allergies bothering you? An antihistamine will likely help. Though medications like these may effectively relieve the symptoms they’ve been created to treat, and sometimes they have unintended consequences. In the case … Read more

Best Breathing Exercises For COPD

Best Breathing Exercises For COPD

People living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often have trouble breathing every day. Many people describe the shortness of breath associated with COPD as air hunger. You avoid the activities that make you feel breathless when you feel breathless. As you avoid activities, you do less, your muscles weaken, and breathlessness often worsens. As shortness of breath worsens, … Read more

How COPD Affects Oxygen Saturation Levels

How COPD Affects Oxygen Saturation Levels

For those people living with a chronic lung disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), there are many factors when measuring one’s health. These factors can include various sets of metrics that help the patient better understand the current state of their health. One of these metrics is oxygen saturation levels. Oxygen saturation is one … Read more

Sleeping Positions With COPD

Sleeping Positions With COPD

Do you ever wake up in the middle of the night struggling for breath? Does it ever feel like the agonizing pain will never go away? Having a good night’s sleep is vital to maintaining good health. Without sufficient sleep, the body cannot begin to heal itself, which weakens the immune system. It can also lead … Read more

5 Essential Oils That Can Help With COPD

Essential Oils That Can Help With COPD

When you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), there are times when you’d do just about anything to breathe a little bit easier. Though finding this type of relief generally involves taking medications or undergoing some type of medical procedure, there are a few things you can do to promote a natural healing response. One … Read more

Lung Infection And COPD: Signs And Symptoms

Lung Infection And COPD Signs And Symptoms

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive form of lung disease ranging from mild to severe. It is characterized by obstructing airflow into and out of the lungs, making breathing difficult. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis both fall under the category of COPD. Lung infection and COPD go hand in hand. A person with COPD … Read more

The 4 COPD GOLD Stages Explained

The 4 COPD GOLD Stages Explained

If you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), you’ve probably heard your doctor or pulmonologist talk about the GOLD COPD stages. Because the GOLD system is a way for doctors to categorize COPD stages, it’s often used to understand the severity of symptoms better. While COPD is a chronic, progressive disease, meaning it will worsen over time, … Read more

CBD For COPD? The Truth You Need To Know

CBD for COPD

You’ve probably noticed that more and more media attention has been focused on a substance called cannabidiol (CBD), and there are claims that this substance can do miraculous things like control the spread of cancer. CBD is undergoing the same type of scrutiny and claims that revolve around vaping. CPD does offer some potential benefits, but … Read more

Best Natural Remedies For COPD (Home Treatments)

Best Natural Treatments For COPD

When you’re living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), you understand how challenging it can be to do your favorite activities, get enough nutrition and feel like yourself. Sometimes trying something different helps people improve. To help you get back to your favorite activities and to help you breathe easier, here are some of the best natural … Read more

Stage 4 COPD: End-Stage COPD And You

Stage 4 COPD

As you know, there are four total stages of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), ranging from mild to very severe.  Stage 1 COPD is also known as mild COPD, and stage 2 COPD is the moderate stage at which recognizable symptoms often first appear. As COPD progresses, your COPD stage will also change to reflect the severity of your … Read more

Stage 2 COPD: Moderate Stage COPD And You

Stage 2 COPD

After learning information about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the COPD stages, prognosis and life expectancy, and specifics about stage 1 COPD, it’s time to go in-depth in the next COPD stage: moderate COPD or stage 2 COPD. Because each stage of COPD differs in symptom severity, rate of progression, and how COPD affects your life, having a good understanding … Read more

COPD Life Expectancy (Understanding, Prognosis, and Extending)

COPD Stages Prognosis And Life Expectancy

With all of the numbers, facts, and information you have to remember about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), you may have many questions. One common question is, “how long can I expect to live with COPD?” The life expectancy of people diagnosed with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) reduces significantly over time. The period varies by gender, … Read more

Stages Of COPD: Mild Through End-Stage COPD

Stages Of COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a complex and progressive chronic lung disease. Typically, COPD includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. COPD is characterized by the restriction of airflow into and out of the lungs. The obstruction of airflow makes breathing difficult. The causes of COPD include smoking, long-term exposure to air pollutants, and a rare genetic … Read more

5 Tips To Reduce Chest Tightness From COPD

Reduce Chest Tightness From COPD

Chest tightness can be a real problem for those with lung disease. Here are a few tips for relief. For those living with lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a common symptom of the disease can be chest tightness. As a symptom, chest tightness is typically associated with a continuing pain inside the chest, … Read more

Salt Therapy For COPD To Ease Symptoms

salt therapy treatment for copd

Some people have found salt therapy to be an effective option for relieving symptoms of lung disease, resulting in easier breathing. Different treatments have proven to be successful for different patients. Perhaps salt therapy is the right option for you. What is COPD? Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a debilitating and degenerative lung disease characterized by restricting … Read more