COPD360social welcomes new member Chrisjan who joins 62,894 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager๐ŸŒŸ Welcome to COPD360social! ๐ŸŒŸ

Weโ€™re so glad youโ€™ve found us! If youโ€™re new here, take a moment to say hello -- weโ€™d love to get to know you! This is a friendly and supportive space where you can ask questions, share your experiences, or just connect with others who truly get it.

Whether youโ€™re newly diagnosed, living with COPD for years, a caregiver, or here to learn -- youโ€™re part of the family now. And trust me, weโ€™re a pretty great group to be part of. ๐Ÿ˜Š

If youโ€™re not sure where to start:

๐Ÿ‘‰ Check out our Tutorial Videos -- theyโ€™ll help you feel right at home here.
https://www.copdfoundation.org/COPD360social/How-to-Participate/Video-Tutorials.aspx

๐Ÿ‘‰ Explore the Learn More tab at the top of the page -- thereโ€™s a lot of great information waiting for you.

And remember -- no question is too small, and your story matters. We canโ€™t wait to hear from you. ๐Ÿ’ฌ๐Ÿ’›

COPD360social Video Tutorials | COPD Foundation

The COPD Foundation is committed to serving our community, which is why we want to make sure you get the most out of COPD360social! Click on the following video tutorials to learn how to best utilize all of the features COPD360social has to offer. We will be adding new videos to our tutorial …

5 days ago

baileymccrary

baileymccraryHello all! The future of America's medical research is in extreme jeopardy. The proposed Fiscal Year 2026 National Institutes of Health (NIH) budget would slash funding by nearly 40%, significantly slowing the progress our country is leading on new treatments and cures for many diseases, including COPD, bronchiectasis, and NTM lung disease.

We must call upon our lawmakers and urge them to do everything in their power to protect funding to the NIH. You can quickly and easily call your lawmakers using our Advocacy Action Center: https://www.votervoice.net/COPD/campaigns/127690/respond

Once you enter your information and click the blue "Place Call" icon next to the names of your lawmakers, you will be provided with a script and the office phone numbers of your elected officials.

Please join me in calling upon our elected officials to protect NIH funding!

6 days ago

Oxygen tank Man

Oxygen tank Man Did my 2nd fell race on the Beautiful North Yorkshire Moors on sunday.very hot and humid one over 10k.it was longer 9.2 miles manage 1st over 70 keep moving forward and never give up.

1 hour ago

Wildebeest

Wildebeestanswered the question Spirometry 0.68

If you are recovering from a respiratory virus then your symptoms could perhaps be down to that at least to some extent. I'm glad you have a call scheduled with your doctor.
TonicDkPhyliss DiLorenzo NJ State Captain also answered the question TonicDkand 1 other also answered the question

1 hour ago

netmouse

netmouseanswered the question Controlling hoarseness from inhaler

I went to pulmonary doctor today. He had me stop Advair. Added antibiotic levoflxacin 750 mg - 1 tablet a day. And Singulair (montelukast SOD) 10 mg -1 tablet a day at night. Never had these. Your thoughts?
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 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘PEACH MELBA SMOOTHIE๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘2 peaches, pitted and sliced1/2 cup raspberries 1 cup vanilla Greek yogurt 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk 1 tsp. honeyPlace all ingredients in a blender. Blend on high speed for 20 to 30 seconds. Serve...

6 hours ago

Phyliss DiLorenzo NJ State Captain

Phyliss DiLorenzo NJ State Captainanswered the question Cell phone usage near oxygen

Cell phones or any device such as that will not cause oxygen to combust. You do need to avoid avoid open flames, sty back from fire pits, outdoor grills, etc. Do not use any petroleum based moistrurizers or oils as they are extremely flammable and can …
Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State CaptainHIcopd - Hawaii State CaptainSteffersand 5 others also answered the question Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captainand 7 others also answered the question

6 hours ago

Jules1970

Jules1970asked the question: Spirometry 0.68

This is just below the normal FEV1 of 70% but i feel breathless more at rest and yawning all the time. Ive had bloods and chest xray all normal. Peak flow test was low 280 due to virus. Im sure ive got copd as tried sn inhaler for asthma with minimal …

10 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Wednesday, and an even happier friends-day!! We are always happy to see everyone here on 360Social! You make our day complete! ๐Ÿ˜Š

10 hours ago

allen12

allen12asked the question: Best Adjustable Bed 2025 | Expert Advise

I researched about the best adjustable bed for the past few days because Iโ€™m planning to upgrade my current setup for better comfort and support. I read reviews on the New York Times, Consumer Reports, and Popular Mechanics, and they are marking these …

13 hours ago

das23

das23answered the question steroids short course

Welcome jweb.....That may be enough for you. If you don't feel like you're getting over the flare up call your doctor--sometimes it may take another round of meds. This has happened to me in the past. Take it slow and see how you feel. Good luck

15 hours ago

jweb

jwebasked the question: steroids short course

Hello I just came off a 5 day 40 mg steroid for a flareup I get anxious because I don't know how long it will last This is the first time it has happened to me I am at stage 3 Thank you

18 hours ago

CAREFREEINSC

CAREFREEINSCasked the question: Re: Trelegy Ellipta 100mcg/62.5mcg/25mcg

I had to stop TRELEGY for about a month or so while I figured out how to get it for free (d/t cost) from the Pharmaceutical company GSK. I took Advair hfa inhaler Rx from my PCP to get me through that short period. Once back on TRELEGY, I find it no …

19 hours ago

CAREFREEINSC

CAREFREEINSC

HAS ANYONE STARTED TRELEGY, THEN PAUSED FOR A MONTH OR SO, THEN STARTED BACK ON IT AGAIN - ONLY TO FIND IT'S NOT WORKING LIKE IT USED TO?

20 hours ago

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

David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )answered the question Struggling

I reviewed your spirometry from a couple of weeks ago- which was nearly normal. If you are having disabling symptoms you need another evaluation / second opinion. This does not look like COPD- but could be blood clots, heart disease, pulmonary …
Caroline West Virginia State CaptainCoach Brandon - Community ManagerRustyT67 also answered the question Caroline West Virginia State Captainand 2 others also answered the question

21 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿ˜‹LOADED MANDARIN ORANGE SALAD๐Ÿ˜‹Dressing:1/3 cup olive oil 3 tbsp. red wine vinegar 2 tbsp. sugar1 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Salad:1 head red leaf lettuce, cut into bite-sized pieces1 head romaine...

21 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHere's Freckles! So excited to see her doctor this morning! Her medication is helping with the thyroid condition!!! She is in excellent general health! She had all of her vaccinations! She's good to go! As a Beagle would say...WOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! ๐Ÿ˜„

22 hours ago

Cape Codder

Cape Codder

WEATHER ALERT, Everyone: Extreme heat and humidity are predicted for most of the U.S. over the next 2 weeks. We all need to take whatever necessary precautions we can to stay safe. Take care, and be well!   
https://wapo.st/4lfEc0x

1 day ago

Community Announcements

Community Announcementsadded a new article Digital inhalers may detect early warning signs of COPD flare-ups

Digital inhalers can monitor changes in how much air is inhaled, duration of inhalation

Miami (June 17, 2025) - Digital inhalers may help predict impending acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to a new study. The study is published in the May 2025 issue of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: Journal of the COPD Foundation, a peer-reviewed, open-access journal.

COPD is an inflammatory lung disease, comprising several conditions, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and can be caused by genetics and irritants like smoke or pollution. The disease affects more than 30 million Americans and is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide.

Exacerbations, or flare-ups, can cause accelerated loss of lung function, a decrease in quality of life, and reduce a person's physical function and activity. More than 50% of people with COPD experience at least one acute COPD exacerbation within four years of an initial COPD diagnosis. Increased respiratory rates and decreased lung volumes are early signs of an exacerbation.

1 day ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

I'm a little nervous today - going to have an ablation of a vein in my left leg, due to venous insufficiency (in both legs) which is causing two wounds on that leg to refuse to heal.  I've been going to a wound care doctor since prior to Christmas, and although they are improving, it's not enough.  So, this procedure is supposed to help.  I can't go back to pulmonary rehab until after my follow-up in two weeks, so I'll probably lose any progress I've made there ๐Ÿ˜–

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainBeauty comes from within. Reach in and grab all that beauty, bring it out, and share it with others. 
Wishing everyone a positively wonderful Tuesday! ๐Ÿ˜Š

1 day ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captainanswered the question Doctors refusing me med/makes little sense to me

Maybe you can ask about Ensifentrine, which is different category of medications from any youโ€™re taken. It requires 2x/day nebuluzing. Ask your healthcare providerโ€”itโ€™s said to help folks who are breathless so if may help you.
1fatfannyKaren Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain also answered the question 1fatfannyand 1 other also answered the question

1 day ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captainanswered the question Check In: โ€‹Are you the strong, silent type? Itโ€™s OK to speak up about menโ€™s health!

I agree that itโ€™s important for all people to check in regularly with their healthcare providersโ€”men AND women. Medical issues caught early can be treated quite effectively. When theyโ€™re caught later, the treatment options are fewer and often much less …

1 day ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

Interested dayโ€”made a new friend because she was curious about my Portable Oxygen Concentrator. I was wearing it and she asked a few questions about it and we got to talking. It turns out sheโ€™s a family practice doctor who has bronchiactasis and stopped working during covid and never went back. 


Eventually we traded contact info and I sent her info about my upcoming COPD Support Group meeting and also the BronchNTM Coffee Hour. 

1 day ago

Amanda Atkinson, MSN, RN

Amanda Atkinson, MSN, RNasked the question: Check In: โ€‹Are you the strong, silent type? Itโ€™s OK to speak up about menโ€™s health!

Are you the strong, silent type? Itโ€™s OK to speak up about menโ€™s health! By Kristen Szymonik, BS, RRT, AE-C When was the last time you saw your health care provider ? Do you remember? Some men avoid seeing their health care providers . This can …

1 day ago

Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State Captain

Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State Captain

Baffled by American Airlines explanation on poc batteries.  Said they must be between 100-160 MH.  That would rule out my single and double.  Can't believe that level for a single.

2 days ago

Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State Captain

Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State Captain

Just spoke with American Airlines about flying with my POC and battery requirements.  Now I'm really confused.  Must be between 100-160 WH?

2 days ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State CaptainOur Caroline West Virginia State Captainโ€‹ has an article in today's BEZZY newsletter - excellent advice on managing how to stay on track.!!  (But that's not a picture of Caroline - she's MUCH younger)
https://www.bezzycopd.com/discover/basics-copd/health-how-copd-has-changed-my-morning-routine/?utm_term=article&slot_pos=3&utm_source=Iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=%20copd_13890521&utm_content=thisweek

My Morning Routine Helps Me Manage My COPD

My morning routine involves feeding pets, taking medications, using COPD breathing devices, reading the news, and exercising. It helps me stay on track.

2 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.