COPD360social welcomes new member Toni4513 who joins 62,990 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager๐ŸŒŽ World Bronchiectasis Day is coming up on July 1!

Join us in celebrating with Empower Your Workout: Lung Health and Strength.

Staying active is so important for overall wellness--especially if youโ€™re living with lung disease. Regular exercise can help ease shortness of breath, clear mucus, and even lift your mood by reducing anxiety and depression.

๐Ÿ’ช Want to learn more about exercising with bronchiectasis and other chronic lung conditions? Check out our resources here: https://copdf.co/BNTM-exercise

๐Ÿ™‹ Ready to get involved? Sign up for our free toolkit: https://copdf.co/WBD-toolkit

๐ŸŽ Plus, enter for a chance to win World Bronchiectasis Day merchandise! Simply share this post and tag us--or sign up for the toolkit--to be entered.

Looking for other ways to support World Bronchiectasis Day activities? Visit https://copdf.co/Support-WBD.

Letโ€™s keep moving and breathing better--together!

1 day ago

baileymccrary

baileymccrary

Hi all! The COPD Foundation CEO Dr. Jean Wright participated in the Hill's event "Matters of Life and Breath: Championing COPD Care" in Washington, D.C. today. Along with the other wonderful panelists, Dr. Wright drew attention to the massive awareness efforts required to advocate for COPD, breaking down the stigma around chronic lung disease, the importance of implementing national and state COPD action plans, and more! You can watch a recording of the event here: https://thehill.com/events/5316264-matters-of-life-and-breath-championing-copd-care/

4 days ago

DebbieS

DebbieS

Seriously not doing well.

15 minutes ago

Puff

Puffanswered the question Tense shoulders and stomach feel I breath better when relaxed

where do I find that and are there any relaxation apps re
David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation ) also answered the question David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation ) also answered the question

1 hour ago

Puff

Puffasked the question: Tense shoulders and stomach feel I breath better when relaxed

Tense shoulders and stomach really have to work to relax feel I could breath better if I relax Any sug

2 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainGood morning friends, and happy Sunday to all! ๐Ÿ˜Š Wishing everyone a wonderful day! ๐Ÿ˜€

6 hours ago

Sims0630

Sims0630answered the question Please help with test results! Just diagnosed and so worried!

Thank you All for your encouragement and kindness. I quit smoking 2 1/2 weeks ago! I am still in a bit of shock and emotional and will be so glad when this parts fades away! Thank you so much hug
Phyliss DiLorenzo NJ State CaptainCaroline West Virginia State CaptainKaren Deitemeyer - Florida State Captainand 2 others also answered the question Phyliss DiLorenzo NJ State Captainand 4 others also answered the question

10 hours ago

David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )

David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )answered the question Loud nose and pain when doing peak flow

You may have a trachea that collapses more easily than most. That being noted- I doubt that PFM did any damage.
Caroline West Virginia State CaptainbrydyKaren Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain also answered the question Caroline West Virginia State Captainand 2 others also answered the question

18 hours ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐ŸŒž Wishing everyone an awesome day!

If you can, dodge that blazing heat and stay nice and cool inside. Think of it as an excuse to chill out--literally! Hydrate, keep those meds close, and maybe treat yourself to a popsicle or two.

Stay cool and have a fantastic day, friends! 

22 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Saturday, friends! Time to chill out! Some summertime fun is in order! Whether it be lounging, swimming, visiting with friends, or reading a good book, you've earned your chill time! ENJOY! ๐Ÿฆ๐ŸงŠ๐Ÿ˜ƒ

1 day ago

RconD

RconD

My husband has "severe COPD". We are new to the diagnosis. He is supposed to be on 2 L O2 and is fairly faithful with that. We have had one recent hospitalization with intubation for hypercapnia/hypercarbia (forgive spelling errors). He is getting very shaky again like last time , PO2 is at 80%. When do we decide to go to ER?

1 day ago

Allgood

Allgood answered the question New to CPAP with hypercarbia

Thanks to all for your tips. Actually, I did get a hold of my pulmonologist and shared with him the results of my sleep study which showed I was titrated only to just about nine pressure. Then the technician actually backed it up finally to eight where I …
JazzybeanCaroline West Virginia State Captain also answered the question Jazzybeanand 1 other also answered the question

1 day ago

Brittishere

Brittishereasked the question: Loud nose and pain when doing peak flow

Hi there! Every time I do my peak flow- which is with a device that has a circular mouth piece to exhale through- there is a very horse, loud and painful feeling in my trachea. I sound like like one big cough but Iโ€™m not coughing Iโ€™m just doing an exhale …

1 day ago

JAH5001

JAH5001answered the question Has anyone with severe stage 4 COPD improved their breathing?

I think Iโ€™m doing pretty good most days. In the past 2 years I have had a couple infections and have taken a prescription I keep on hand from my Dr. (MethyPREDNISolone) which really works well.I have spent a good amount of time researching natural …
SoftballGramDavid Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )1fatfannyand 1 other also answered the question SoftballGramand 3 others also answered the question

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captaincommented onEating Well: From Debbie Bโ€™s Kitchen to Yours

๐Ÿฅญ๐Ÿ…MANGO SALSA๐Ÿ…๐ŸฅญIf you're looking for a tasty topper for grilled chicken or pork, you've come to the right place! 1/2 cup diced mango1/2 cup diced plum tomato1/2 cup chopped cilantro1 tbsp. red wine vinegar 2 tbsp. olive oil Place all...

2 days ago

Puff

Puffasked the question: Will exercise help at any stage of copd

will exercise help at any stage of copd

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Fluffy Friday from Earl the Squirrel! He needed to take a rest on a very hot afternoon! 
Today's picture, courtesy of my sister Lori! ๐Ÿ˜„

2 days ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

My internet is supposed to be fixed tomorrow between 2 and 5.  Let us hope because I am tired of trying to write 2 columns between 9pm and 9am.  I have missed one of my most fun activities which is Harmanicas for Health and see that we need to keep our eyes open to see the 63,000 members.
Who is ready to make a wager?  My bet is on July 4, 2025.  What say you?

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captainanswered the question Should I pay a online doctor for referral for CT

I have had to wait for months to have CT scans. You really need to have your own pulmonologist look at the results!!! It's almost July. When you see your pulmonologist, you may be able to get in for a CT scan sooner than you think! "Be a patient …
David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation ) also answered the question David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation ) also answered the question

2 days ago

Community Announcements

Community Announcementsadded a new article Bronchiectasis and NTM Association and 25 global partners unite for World Bronchiectasis Day

Fourth annual awareness event occurs July 1, 2025

MIAMI (June 26, 2025) - The Bronchiectasis and NTM Association joins 25 global patient advocacy organizations and professional societies to recognize the fourth annual World Bronchiectasis Day on Tuesday, July 1, 2025.

Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung disease characterized by enlarged airways that are thickened and/or scarred. These permanently widened airways lead to a buildup of mucus and impaired clearance of bacteria from the lungs. It is estimated that more than 1 million people are diagnosed with bronchiectasis worldwide, and of those, 340,000 to 522,000 are adults in the U.S.

The aim of World Bronchiectasis Day is to raise global awareness, share knowledge and resources, and discuss ways to reduce the burden on those affected by the condition. This year, global partners are focused on empowering people with bronchiectasis by sharing resources on self-management, mental health, physical activity, and nutrition.

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captaincommented onEating Well: From Debbie Bโ€™s Kitchen to Yours

๐Ÿ๐Ÿฅญ๐ŸŒDRESSING FOR FRUIT SALAD๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ“๐Ÿซ1/2 cup pineapple juice 1/8 cup honeyZest of 1 limeJuice of half a limePlace all ingredients in a small bowl. Whisk together until smooth. Drizzle over your favorite fruit salad. ๐Ÿ‹โ€๐ŸŸฉ๐Ÿฏ...

3 days ago

Grace2024

Grace2024asked the question: Should I pay a online doctor for referral for CT

I got a call today and they got a cancellation so Iโ€™m going today for an echocardiogram! If that comes back normal should i pay an online doctor for a referral for a CT scan ? Iโ€™m in the United States and read that some online doctors will do that if you …

3 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainJump for joy! It's Thursday! Keep that positive outlook flowing! No negativity, no worries here! Start each day with a big smile! ๐Ÿ˜ƒ
Have an awesome day, friends! ๐Ÿคฉ

3 days ago

Sims0630

Sims0630asked the question: Please help with test results! Just diagnosed and so worried!

Hi! New to Copd/emphysema and have seen a pulmonologist, but do not under the spirometry results. Can anyone explain? Also, 41 year old female. Thanks

3 days ago

David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )

David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )answered the question Centrilobular emphysema on CT, pulmonologist considers my lung function to be borderline?

It sounds like you have several things going on. PFO is worth getting evaluated to see if the shunt is affecting your lungs/ oxygenation. ( you may need a Cardio pulmonary exercise test). ENT evaluation is reasonable. Some of these symptoms sound like …

3 days ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐ŸŒž Feeling the Heat? Letโ€™s Beat It--Together! ๐ŸงŠ

Summer isnโ€™t playing around this year, and neither should we when it comes to protecting our lungs in this extreme heat! Whether you're living with COPD, bronchiectasis, NTM, or caring for someone who is--itโ€™s time to turn on those fans, not take chances.

Here are a few top tips from the community that might just help you breathe a little easier when the temps are climbing:

โœ… Hydrate like a pro โ€“ Water is your best friend. Bonus points if itโ€™s ice cold and in your favorite cup.
โœ… Time it right โ€“ Try to get errands or walks done early morning or later in the evening when itโ€™s cooler.
โœ… Skip the sizzle โ€“ If it feels like walking into an oven, itโ€™s a sign to stay inside.
โœ… Keep your rescue inhaler close โ€“ Just in case your lungs decide theyโ€™re not fans of summer.
โœ… Cool your space โ€“ Use AC, fans, damp cloths, or even that fancy cooling towel you forgot you had.
โœ… Take your meds โ€“ Heat stress is no time to skip. If you use oxygen, check your tubing and tanksโ€”heat can mess with those too.

And if youโ€™re lucky enough to have a raccoon visiting your porch like one of our members, keep your camera ready--but maybe film from inside the AC. ๐Ÿ˜„


What do you do to stay cool and well in the heat? Drop your tips below or just check in--weโ€™d love to hear from you!



3 days ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captainanswered the question Spitting blood

Yes, please call your Dr. May be nothing, but better to be safe than sorry.
Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain also answered the question Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain also answered the question

3 days ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captainanswered the question Lung nodules - so worried!?

I have had nodules which have gone away and others which have not changed.
lazy t also answered the question lazy t also answered the question

3 days ago

Medical Advice

It is not our intention to serve as a substitute for medical advice and any content posted should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. We make every effort to support our members, our medical professionals cannot and will not provide a diagnosis or suggest a specific medication; those decisions should be left to your personal medical team. While we encourage individuals to share their personal experiences with COPD, please consult a physician before making changes to your own COPD management plan.