COPD360social welcomes new member Dr H who joins 64,719 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager๐Ÿ’™ Remembering Jean Rommes ๐Ÿ’™

Today, we want to pause together and remember someone who meant so much to this community -- Jean Rommes.

Jean was a longtime advocate, a steady voice, and a true champion for people living with COPD. Drawing from her own journey with COPD, she showed up again and again to help educate, support, and push for change so others might have an easier path. She also served on the Board of Directors for the COPD Foundation, offering her insight, leadership, and deep commitment to this work at the highest level.

Over the years, Jean wore many hats with the Foundation -- helping plan conferences, serving as a State Captain, participating in IMPACT and other legislative efforts, contributing to research and advisory groups, and mentoring others along the way. No matter the role, her focus was always the same: making sure people felt heard, respected, and supported.

Beyond her advocacy, Jean was a mom, a grandmother, and a great-grandmother. She loved reading, music, good conversation, a glass of wine, and staying connected with friends, often virtually - because community always mattered to her.

If you ever worked alongside Jean, you likely remember her thoughtfulness, her wisdom, and the calm, caring way she brought people together. Our community is stronger because of her, and her impact will continue to be felt for a long time.

We hold Jeanโ€™s family and loved ones close, and we invite you to share a memory, a note of gratitude, or simply a ๐Ÿ’™ below if youโ€™d like.

Thank you, Jean, for all you gave and for the many lives you touched. You will always be part of this community.

2 days ago

baileymccrary

baileymccrary

Hello all! Do you currently take Anoro Ellipta, or have you ever taken Anoro Ellipta? Are you interested in sharing your story to inform lung health policy? If so, please reach out to Mike Hess at mhess@copdfoundation.org! โญ๐Ÿ’จ๐Ÿ“„

6 days ago

Dr H

Dr H answered the question Check-in: Managing airway mucus: Commonly asked questions

I have found that albuterol, either by rescue inhaler or my nebulizer, 3 to 5 minute treatment, helps clear the clog. The rescue inhaler, for minor mucosal flare ups, and However, my nebulizer for deeper clogs that are at first hard to cough ip.
das23Coach Brandon - Community Manager also answered the question das23and 1 other also answered the question

3 hours ago

Kmcnamara68

Kmcnamara68answered the question Bronchiolits

Well now I'm anxiously waiting for hrct scan results from test next week
Caroline West Virginia State Captain also answered the question Caroline West Virginia State Captain also answered the question

3 hours ago

Community Announcements

Community Announcementsadded a new article Neighborhood factors may lead to increased COPD-related emergency department visits, hospitalizations

Results highlight need for community-level strategies to reduce acute care use

Miami (February 19, 2026) - Certain neighborhood characteristics, including higher poverty, more uninsured residents, and lower educational attainment, may lead to an increase in COPD-related emergency department visits and hospitalizations, according to a new study in the January 2026 issue of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: Journal of the COPD Foundation, a peer-reviewed, open access journal.

COPD, which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, affects more than 30 million Americans and is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide. It can be caused by genetics and irritants like smoke or pollution.

Acute exacerbations, or flare-ups, are a sudden worsening of symptoms. People experiencing an acute exacerbation often require an emergency department visit or hospitalization, which can impact quality of life and health care costs.

4 hours ago

ktm390

ktm390

Hi everyone  glad i came across this support group i just was diagnosed with mild emphysema  I'm 70 years old quit smoking 15 years ago passed lung function test no problem  my symptoms are the cough and mucus i see the doctor next week for treatment plan right now the ct scan doctor suggests yearly ct scans has this been you guys experience?thankz and if anyone has mild emphysema how many years they have had it thank you

5 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐ŸŸฉSWEET SPINACH MUFFINS๐ŸŸฉ3/4 cup milk1/2 cup butter, melted1/2 cup honey4 cups packed baby spinach leaves 1 large ripe banana, broken into chunks 1 large egg1 tsp. vanilla extract 2 cups flour1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 2 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp....

6 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Thankful Thursday!
What are you thankful for? ๐Ÿ™‚

10 hours ago

A Nonnie Mouse

A Nonnie Mouseanswered the question Lignosus

I have mild emphysema and I bought this product online last year. I use it occasionally- one sachet a day for a few days - when I feel chesty. It helps. Worth a try.
LindaNicholWho Me ?1fatfannyand 7 others also answered the question LindaNicholand 9 others also answered the question

22 hours ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community ManagerThought for today โ€” Happiness is a choice, even when the day feels tough.

1 day ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐ŸŒ Time for VMCotWW! ๐ŸŒ

Letโ€™s have a fun one this week โ€” show us what makes you smile! ๐Ÿ˜Š
It could be a favorite view, something cozy, a small moment, or anything that brings a little joy to your day.

Share a photo and tell us why it makes you smile. We canโ€™t wait to see what brightens your corner of the world! ๐Ÿ’™๐Ÿงก

1 day ago

BrandyLynn

BrandyLynn

Feeling short of breath this morning, lots of mucus. Trying to breathe and to get my anxiety down. Took both inhalers. I tend to panic and that never helps. I hope everyone else is having a better breathing day. 

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

ใ€ฐ๏ธ๐Ÿ‡ROASTED GRAPES๐Ÿ‡ใ€ฐ๏ธ2 pounds grapes of your choice2 tbsp. olive oil1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar 1 tbsp. fresh thyme leaves1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper Preheat the oven to 400 degrees, with the oven rack in the center...

1 day ago

Kmcnamara68

Kmcnamara68asked the question: Bronchiolits

How common is this? I quit smoking many many years ago for the most part. I was told many years ago might have this, but got better and forgot about it. Now my breathing has gotten so bad that doing anything, including talking takes so much effort. …

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Wednesday, friends! 
When you follow the path to a good life, you are following the path to improvement and happiness! Keep moving forward, and keep those positive vibes flowing! ๐Ÿ˜ƒ
Have a pleasant day! ๐Ÿ˜Š

1 day ago

Matt19*

Matt19*answered the question Possibility of misdiagnosis? Or wishful thinking?

thank you for your response doctor, with that being said in your opinion if managed and not smoking is it possible for it to stay mild and have a normal life expectancy?
David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )das23 also answered the question David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )and 1 other also answered the question

1 day ago

Matt19*

Matt19*asked the question: Possibility of misdiagnosis? Or wishful thinking?

Hi, Iโ€™ve got a question for the doctor or anyone who can help, I was diagnosed with early stage emphysema and mild asthma at age 30 with a spirometery test that said I had 87% lung function, I quit smoking as I only smoke maybe half a pack a day for 15 …

1 day ago

Community Announcements

Community Announcementsadded a new article How to Care for Your Caregiver

This article was written by Kalli Mago.

Every day, caregivers help people living with chronic diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is a term used to describe many chronic lung conditions. Symptoms include shortness of breath, cough, and fatigue. While there is no cure for COPD now, medical treatment can help people feel better. It can also keep symptoms from becoming worse over time.

Navigating life with COPD can be difficult. This is where caregivers come in, providing support in many ways.

The Role of Caregivers

Many people with COPD get help from family. Most often, caregivers are husbands, wives, or grown children.1 Other relatives, friends, and neighbors can also help. In the United States, there are more than 63 million family caregivers. On average, each caregiver spends 27 hours per week caring for their loved one.2

2 days ago

JAH5001

JAH5001answered the question How to get the Inogen Rav 4 to work in newer vehicles?

The USB A Male to 12V Car Cigarette Lighter Socket Female Converter Cable is (8W Max) The Inogen G5 needs around 25 to 75 watts to run depending on the setting you use, so the adapter would not work as you found out. I would assume that the Rove 4 …

2 days ago

BrandyLynn

BrandyLynn

Hello. I am new here. I am 49 years old and was recently diagnosed with Mild COPD and hyperinflated lungs. Sadly, I did smoke for 33 years. To say I am terrified with this diagnosis would be an understatement. It has consumed my every thought for a month now and my anxiety levels are at an all time high. This is making my breathing worse! I was also diagnosed with moderate sleep apnea last week, so things have been a bit rough. With that said, finding this site this morning and reading through your posts has brought me comfort for the first time in over a month. This doesn't have to be a death sentence, especially if I do the right things, and I am trying to truly understand that. Thank you, everyone. 


~ Brandy Lynn

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿ‡CHICKEN SALAD WITH GRAPES๐Ÿ‡4 cups shredded cooked chicken3/4 cup red grape halves3/4 cup diced celery2 tbsp. minced shallot3 tbsp. minced fresh dill 1/2 cup mayonnaise 2 tbsp. lemon juiceSalt and freshly ground black pepper to taste In a large...

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Tuesday, everyone! 
You are a shining star today, and every day! ๐ŸŒŸ๐Ÿคฉ๐ŸŒŸ

2 days ago

Joe Ripley

Joe Ripley asked the question: How to get the Inogen Rav 4 to work in newer vehicles?

I have the Inogen Rav4 portable oxygen concentrator. For vehicles it has the standard plug in to a cigarette lighter. Problem is new vehicles replaced the cigarette lighter plug in on the dashboard to usb ports. I mentioned that fact to the Inogen sales …

2 days ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

Happy Chinese New Year's Everyone!  It's the year of the horse, which is my husband and my brother's Chinese zodiac sign.  We are celebrating by going to my younger's sister's place for a nice Chinese potluck dinner.  I can't wait!

2 days ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State CaptainPlease join us for our monthly COPD Support Group Meeting,  Wednesday, 2/18/2026, 10-noon Hawaii Standard Time, 4-6 Eastern Time.

2 days ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

I finally gave in to the idea of wearing a back brace and as of almost noon, I am asking why did it take me so long?  What does this have to do with COPD?  A lot.  I was unable to walk any distance and had to sit down every few minutes because my lower back, or hip region hurt.


Movement is medicine with COPD, so a limitation in movement is pretty much a prescription for decline.

3 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐ŸŽ€ABRAHAM LINCOLN'S CHICKEN FRICASSEE๐ŸŽ€"A very interesting recipe, especially chosen for President's Day!"1 whole 3 to 4 pound chicken, OR 3 to 4 pounds chicken parts, cut from a whole chicken1/2 tsp. salt1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 1/2 tsp....

3 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Monday! You must've heard by now that a smile is contagious! So- keep that smile on your face! You light up a room! You brighten up everyone's day! (I know these things!) 
Here's a great big smile for all of you! ๐Ÿ˜ƒ
Enjoy your day, friends! ๐Ÿ˜Š

3 days ago

Jaknel001

Jaknel001

Im stage 3 copd. Not horrible but not great. Have a hard time eating anything. It either tastes or smells horrible. And those steroids they help but tear my stomach to pieces.
Wish ya'all the best.I sweat like a pig. Does anyone else have that problem? 

3 days ago

MJ53

MJ53answered the question Lips stay dry and chapped, what best?

I find that O'Keeffe's lip repair works better than Burt's Bee's.
Alaskan boonyratGAnneJeanO53 also answered the question Alaskan boonyratand 2 others 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.