Living

Yes, this idea has been bandied about by my doctors. In fact, my Internist actually wrote COPD as my diagnosis in my chart following one of my visits. But, I...

There is still so much we don't understand about COPD. But we do know there are some specific risk factors, both for developing COPD and for your health stability once...

The definition of COPD is changing. This is good news, in a way. It kind of forces us to keep up on our COPD research. It keeps us on our...

If you’re fortunate to have attended a meeting of a COPD support group, I think you’ll agree – they are wonderful. They are good for the spirit and the soul...

Short of having cancer, a diagnosis of COPD is probably one of the most devastating things that could happen to you. COPD is a slow, progressive disease that will become worse...

Traveling can be a stressful time for anyone. Having COPD and preparing to travel can seem like an impossible task. Not to mention the possibility of encountering the plethora of...

For more on this topic, see part 1. One of the most visited places that people struggle with are the local stores. This is because of the chemicals used to...

Pulmonary rehabilitation is well accepted as a way for COPD patients to improve their quality of life. In this article I’m going to share my tips in getting the most...

It was about 7 am, lightly snowing, and still very dark outside. I needed to be sure that I got to work early because I didn’t want my co-workers and...

Sometimes you present to your doctor with a complaint. You are experiencing symptoms. And you tell your doctor these symptoms. And the doctor has no clue what’s wrong with you...

There are 4 stages of COPD. Stages 1 and 2 are the "Early Stages." Many people in these early stages are undiagnosed. Many feel no symptoms at all. But, studies...

Anyone with any sort of breathing problems and/or lung disease know that some days are just HARD. Using up all of our energy to breathe leaves very little left for...

When you have COPD, feeling like you can't catch your breath is quite common. You feel that way partly because you're not getting enough oxygen. But, besides the breathlessness, there...

Triggers are things that cause flare-ups. They are usually things outside your body or the environment around you. Although they can also be things occurring inside your body. Some triggers...

In this series, we discuss causes of anxiety for those facing a physical illness like COPD and its side effects. Phrases in quotes are the words of our community members...

In 1969, I was 15 years old. And so, while I was not exactly, a “child of the 60’s,” (I was a little young for Woodstock!), I was pretty close...

Over the last 8 years, the most common question I have seen asked by COPD patients undoubtedly would be “is there a cure”? This question is asked by every patient...

If you were like me, you were raised around the wonderful smell of perfumes and colognes. I couldn’t wait to try on my mom’s, as well as friend’s mom’s colognes...

There must be some kind of fine line between inspiration and consternation. I find it very easy to become encouraged when I read about the experiences others have had with...

When my dad was sick, before he died, I was struggling. My sister-in-law and I took over his care at his home. Mom was struggling too. Everyone kept asking how...