Articles

If your doctor suggests trying a non-invasive ventilation (NIV) device like CPAP, BiPAP, or Trilogy ventilators, you might hesitate because you're not fond of the mask feeling on your face...

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) has long been associated with older age. But a trend is beginning to emerge. An increasing number of young people, those under the age of...

Having a friend or loved one with COPD can be challenging, both for them and for those who care about them. Here are some ways you can support and assist...

I recently wrote about the positive things that have happened because of having COPD. One of the things listed in that article was all of the new friends that I...

It is getting to be that time again for me to travel for the annual Alpha-1 national conference and I know some of you are getting ready to go on...

Looking back in time, I can still remember my words, "I don't take medication, not even an aspirin." And I didn't. If the pain or whatever else didn't stop and...

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an ongoing (chronic) condition. COPD affects the lungs. It can cause difficulty breathing, coughing, or a loss of energy. These symptoms can impact many...

The spring and summer months offer a great time to get out there and enjoy a vacation. Yet, for those with COPD, a getaway may seem a bit out of...

To me, a COPD world is a world where there is a COPD health focus. Frequently, we are reminded that we have COPD because of: It’s important to realize that...

To begin, what exactly does the term "airway clearance" mean? We hear this term a lot in the community, but what is it? Airway clearance helps to rid the lungs...

Temperature fluctuations can significantly impact COPD symptoms and cause flare-ups year-round. In a perfect environment, it would be 72 degrees with mild humidity everyday. But we can't custom order the...

There are ways to get cleaning supplies, toiletries, household items, groceries, and even a new pair of dress shoes to match your holiday outfit. But factor in COPD, and you...

Summer is almost here, and I don't know about you, but I have a lot going on this summer: grandkids' sleepovers and sports, the Alpha-1 National Conference, babysitting the grandkids...

I recently had an intriguing conversation with one of my COPD patients and a friend who has asthma. During our discussion, I posed a thought-provoking question to both of them:...

We are three days short of 2 months since my husband's triple bypass. He has come so far and has accomplished so much. He actually started working part-time a few...

I know that there are a lot of negative things that go with having COPD, but there have been a lot of positives that have come with it for me...

A COPD sufferer must walk a tight line between having sufficient humidity and not having too much humidity. As we go into spring and what is likely to be a...

The slang word 'ghosting' applies to the act of a person disappearing from your life for no apparent reason. The once accessible and supportive family member or friend vaporizes into...

"Attitude is everything." We have all heard that saying. But what happens when you have a really tough day? It's one of those days where you feel like giving up...

Grief is a part of love and life. Those dealing with COPD experience grief at all stages of the disease. You will start to mourn the loss of your previous...