8 Questions Doctors May Ask If You Continue Having Flare-upsSo, you have COPD. You’ve been seeing a doctor. You and your doctor developed a COPD Action Plan. You have certain medicines you have on hand. You may have some... By John Bottrell, RRT4 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
What A Difference A Haircut MakesHaving a chronic illness, such as COPD, sometimes leaves a person feeling down. It’s understandable. Chronic illnesses can affect us. This COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, often reminds a... By Janet Plank2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments3 comments
Odds & EndsFrom speaking with other folks who have COPD and/or chatting online in dedicated groups, you sometimes pick up some good tips for dealing with things or addressing situations. These are... By KevinDavitt3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
COPD ComorbiditiesYou have likely heard me say before that we are unique in our own diseases because we have other health conditions, medications, etc. These other health issues are called comorbidities... By Janet Plank3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments4 comments
COPD: Is There a Link With Smoking and Alcohol?COPD, a lung disease that causes breathing problems due to inflammation and blockages in the airways, has long been associated with smoking. In fact, smoking is the most common risk... By Kathi MacNaughton3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
COPD and Its TriggersCOPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Falling under COPD is emphysema, chronic bronchitis and Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency, which is the genetic form of COPD. This lung disease is the... By Janet Plank3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments52 comments
CloudsI read. A lot. I used to have a 90-minute commute by train to my job - both ways - and I might read 2 or 3 paperback pulp fiction... By KevinDavitt3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
COPD and Exercise: Tips for Succeeding With Your Exercise PlanYou might not think COPD and exercise go well together, but actually they do. The fact is, exercise offers concrete benefits for all of us. This is true, whether we... By Kathi MacNaughton5 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments2 comments
My BiPapOne of the constant tests I had done while in the hospital was Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Test. It is a test to measures acidity of oxygen and carbon dioxide... By Barbara Moore2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments1 comments
COPD Statistics and What They Mean for YouWhen you have a chronic illness, it's easy to feel all alone, as though you're the only you know who is dealing with the challenges. But, if the chronic illness... By Kathi MacNaughton4 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Respiratory RehabilitationA mere 3 days after a month long stay in the hospital, the specialist’s office called. They had a request from the hospital for an immediate opening. They would accommodate... By Barbara Moore2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments12 comments
Resources for Assistance with Household TasksSince the symptoms of COPD can be varied and debilitating, including shortness of breath during daily activities, it can often be a challenge for those with the condition to complete... By Editorial Team 4 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments5 comments
There’s an app for COPD? (Part 2)Read Part 1 to find out more about Kevin's initial thoughts on this COPD application. I spoke recently with Kristen Willard, the COPD Foundation’s Vice President of Population Health &... By KevinDavitt5 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
8 Things To Do While Waiting For Your DoctorLet’s face it! People with lung diseases spend WAY too much time in doctor’s offices. Sometimes we don’t have to wait very long. But, most often that’s not the case... By John Bottrell, RRT3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments4 comments
It's a PainShortness of breath is one of the most common symptoms of COPD. Many people who have COPD feel like their chest is so tight that they just can’t breathe. They... By Janet Plank5 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments48 comments
Listen To Your Friends And FamilyOften times we Respiratory Therapists have to take on the role of teacher. We do our part to fix you. Then we teach you. That's what we do. For me... By John Bottrell, RRT4 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
My EnablerI was recovering from my first major exacerbation and had been bedridden for more than 3 weeks. After being in a coma, I had experienced a fair amount of muscle... By Barbara Moore2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments3 comments
COPD Anxieties: Relationships & FamilyIn this series, we discuss causes of anxiety for those facing physical illness and its side effects. Phrases in bold are the words of our community members across various conditions... By Editorial Team 3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments4 comments
Filling Your Travel Bag (Part 2)Now that you have found the perfect bag, let’s talk about filling it. Have a look around you. What things are you unable to live without? What if you are... By Barbara Moore2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments3 comments
COPD and the WorkplaceHaving COPD is a struggle in itself. Managing our disease when it comes to symptoms, triggers, medications, flare ups etc is not always easy. We constantly need to be on... By Theresa Cannizzaro, Respiratory Therapist3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments2 comments