COPD Lexicon: Medicine Terms To KnowWhen referring to COPD medicines, we often refer to big terms. Some of you may know what they mean, while others do not. So, if you already know this, you... By John Bottrell, RRT3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
COPD Stages: How Are They Helpful?So you’re diagnosed with COPD. Now what? Well, your doctor will determine what stage you are in. So, what are the COPD stages? How can knowing what stage you are... By John Bottrell, RRT4 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments4 comments
The Early Stages Of COPD: What To KnowA majority of people with COPD are in the early stages of the disease. And they probably don’t even know it. Here’s what to know. The Global Initiative for Obstructive... By John Bottrell, RRT3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Five Things to Ask Your Doctor About at Your Next AppointmentWhile we know that those with COPD can live normal, healthy lives, proper management for the disease is important to maintaining the life you want. This includes having open and... By American Lung Association1 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments5 comments
Top 12 COPD ComorbiditiesCOPD is generally considered a disease associated with emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Often overlooked are the other chronic conditions sometimes associated with it. These are often referred to as COPD... By John Bottrell, RRT4 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments4 comments
What Is A Chronic Cough?Chronic Bronchitis is often defined as a chronic cough. So, what is a cough anyway? What causes it to become chronic? Here’s what to know. Lining your respiratory tract are... By John Bottrell, RRT3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments1 comments
Tests and Diagnosis Part 2This is Part 2 of Tests and Diagnosis. Here you will learn about the PFT, FEV and more. Part 1 can be found here. A PET scan is an imaging... By Janet Plank4 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
What COPD Is NotThere are diseases that may mimic COPD. A wrong diagnosis may lead to the wrong treatment. So, here is what COPD is not. It’s not… It certainly can mimic COPD... By John Bottrell, RRT3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
Is COPD Risk Determined During Childhood?There is no question that tobacco smoking is the biggest risk factor in the development of COPD. However, two new retrospective studies published in the Lancet medical journal have found that... By Kathi MacNaughton2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Is COPD A Systemic Disorder?Most of us think of COPD as a lung disorder. And for the most part, it is. It’s associated with emphysema and chronic bronchitis. But, there is increasing evidence that... By John Bottrell, RRT2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
Lung Cancer: What To KnowCOPDers are at an increased risk of developing lung cancer. Most people with COPD will not develop. Still, researchers are aware of the increased risk. They are working hard to... By John Bottrell, RRT3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments3 comments
Coping With Depression When You Have COPDDo you ever feel sad, blue or down in the dumps when you think about living with COPD? If so, you're certainly not alone! At least 1 out of every... By Kathi MacNaughton2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments7 comments
Breathing Treatments: Your Questions AnsweredSo, I get lots of questions about breathing treatments. Here are some of the most common ones, followed by my pithy answers. I think the average treatment lasts about 10... By John Bottrell, RRT3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments24 comments
Airway Tree Variations - Another Clue to COPD RiskCOPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S. and affects 16 million people. Additional millions have the disease, but have not yet been officially diagnosed. So, a... By Kathi MacNaughton3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
COPD Lexicon: What’s a Breathing Treatment?So, what is a breathing treatment? Who needs them? How do they work? Here’s what to know. Actually, here's some basic terms associated with breathing treatments. It’s a small, handheld... By John Bottrell, RRT3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
COPD Inhalers vs. Nebulizers: Which Is Right for You?COPD is best treated with inhaled medicine. However, there are 2 ways of delivering this medication: There are pros and cons to both methods and no one right answer for... By Kathi MacNaughton4 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments6 comments
What is Airflow Limitation?You hear the term bandied around. It’s described by the GOLD COPD guidelines as a key component of COPD. If you have it, and it’s always there to some degree... By John Bottrell, RRT3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
COPD Lexicon: Hospital Terms DefinedSo, you happen to be sitting in an emergency room. Here are some of the things you might hear or see. Scrubs. Comfortable, pajama-like uniforms worn by doctors, nurses, and... By John Bottrell, RRT4 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Tips for Living Your Best Life With End-Stage COPDDespite the label, "end-stage," there is no reason to give up once you reach stage 4 of COPD, which is considered "very severe." On the contrary, there are still many... By Kathi MacNaughton3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Tips for Staying Healthy With Stage 3/Severe COPDCOPD is a chronic inflammatory illness of the lungs and airways that gets progressively worse over time. How long that takes can vary from months to years. Eventually, though, most... By Kathi MacNaughton5 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments1 comments