Remembering Mary UltesWe are deeply saddened to share that contributor and member of the COPD.net team, Mary Ultes, passed away on March 2nd, after a long battle with COPD. Mary was a... By SusanHU2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
SnowflakesYesterday I was watching the snow fall and was reminded of our science study, so many years ago, where we were taught that each snowflake is different. I can remember... By Janet Plank3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
COPD Lexicon: Types Of DoctorsThere are so many doctors capable and ready to help you. And there are so many different types of doctors. They specialize in a variety of areas. Physician Doctor. A... By John Bottrell, RRT2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
COPD and Lung NodulesFrequent Question: “I have COPD and now the doctor said I have nodules. Is that part of COPD? Should I be scared?” However, I've been told nodules are a form... By Janet Plank2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
How to Talk With Your Doctor About COPDCOPD is a chronic illness for which there is no cure. There may be many challenges during the course of your treatment. So knowing how to work hand in hand... By Kathi MacNaughton4 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments6 comments
Human Service AnimalThe title may seem odd but bear with me for a bit As a caregiver, the odds are you’re going to get to experience some “unusual” situations with the person... By Michael Vincent2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
COPD Lexicon: Emphysema Terms To KnowYou got me started on defining COPD-related terms in my other Lexicon articles (Basic Terms to Know & Oxygen Terms to Know). So, here are a few more. These ones... By John Bottrell, RRT3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
At The Onset Of COPDWhat is COPD? COPD is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease which is an umbrella term used to describe progressive lung diseases including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. That’s something... By Janet Plank2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
What is Pulmonary Function Testing?Some call it pulmonary function testing, or a PFT. Some call it spirometry. No matter what you refer to it as it entails a series of breathing tests. The Global... By John Bottrell, RRT3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments12 comments
And Then There Was COPD…So, I’m new in the world of COPD. I have spent most of my life living a naïve belief that I was somehow safe from the harsh realities the rest... By Steven Workman3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments10 comments
The Toll of Frequent COPD ExacerbationsDealing with exacerbations of COPD is a fact of life when you have this disease. But, as emphasized in the most recent 2017 GOLD Guidelines for COPD, experts now recognize... By Kathi MacNaughton2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments12 comments
Forming Relationships Between Patients and HCPsI have now been a respiratory therapist for 20 years. A lot has changed. But, one thing unchanged is the down-home sort of feeling of the hospital I work at... By John Bottrell, RRT3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
Tips for Managing COPD PainPain management is an important part of treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), yet so often, the medical support system may overlook pain as an element of COPD. As... By Leon Lebowitz, RRT3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments4 comments
Always Something To Be Thankful ForWhen I get up in the morning, off comes the oxygen and CPAP. I check the time, then off the bathroom and I wash up. It’s now medication time, pills... By Janet Plank3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
10 Improvements Over Past 20 YearsRecently, my boss came to me and said, “Happy Anniversary!” She bought me lunch. It was a worthy celebration of my 20 years as a respiratory therapist. So, in honor... By John Bottrell, RRT3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments9 comments
Bite Sized BitsHave you ever heard the joke: Well, probably you have since that's one of the oldest jokes in existence. It dawned on me earlier this year that this joke was... By michelle.vincent3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
What Is a COPD Action/Management Plan?I think COPD action/management plans are a neat idea for all COPDers. They help you manage your COPD on a daily basis. They help you decide what to do when... By John Bottrell, RRT4 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments6 comments
Tips for Staying Healthy With Mild/Early COPDThe approach to treatment of COPD will vary to some extent, based on what stage of COPD you are currently at. In this post, we'll discuss some tips for people... By Kathi MacNaughton4 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Did You Know...Whether you have COPD, or know someone who does, these 25 facts can open your eyes to the vast world of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease... By Janet Plank2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
COPD Tests and Diagnosis (Part 1)We hear about ABG, FEV and PFT. What is going on? What does it mean? I know my basic ABC’s but this is really off! I used to think that... By Janet Plank2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments