COPD360social welcomes new member Patient 007 who joins 65,155 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager๐Ÿ’ฌ Letโ€™s Talk: How do you recognize when your COPD is changing?

Sometimes the earliest signs arenโ€™t always obviousโ€”and thatโ€™s where this community really shines. The little things youโ€™ve learned to notice over time might be exactly what helps someone else connect the dots sooner.

Weโ€™d really love to hear from youโ€”whether youโ€™ve been here a while or youโ€™re just getting started. Every perspective matters.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Whatโ€™s the first thing that makes you pause and think, โ€œsomethingโ€™s not quite rightโ€?
๐Ÿ‘‰ Are there symptoms that tend to show up for you when things are worsening? (breathing changes, more mucus, fatigue, etc.)
๐Ÿ‘‰ When you talk to your doctor, how do you describe what youโ€™re feeling?

If youโ€™re newer here, this is a great way to jump inโ€”no pressure, just share what youโ€™ve noticed or even what youโ€™re still figuring out.

โฌ‡ Add your thoughts in the link to our Q&A below so others can learn from your experience and come back to it when they need it.

You never knowโ€ฆ your comment might be the one that helps someone else take that next important step.

https://www.copdfoundation.org/COPD360social/Community/Questions-and-Answers/How-do-you-know-your-COPD-is-getting-worse.aspx

How do you know your COPD is getting worse?

What symptoms worry you the most when this happens (for example, trouble breathing, more mucus, coughing, chest feeling tight, etc.)? How do you tell …

10 hours ago

  • NewestOldestClick to View All Comments7 comment(s)
  • Patient 007Hi!I'm new here. I am reading all the comments and I have all the symptoms described here. I was diagnosed over 30 years ago with Acute Bronchitis. In 2020 I started having other respiratory issues. Pulmonary Embolisms in both lungs. Ground glass opacity bilaterally.  Lungs diminished. Pneumonia. I was using an inhaler but kept ending up in the ER with respiratory issues and hypoxia. My O2 saturation would drop suddenly. It was horrible.  It was not Covid. In Nov 2020 I went to ER, was admitted and as a result of the ongoing symptoms I was referred to a Acute Care Pulminologist. She reviewed my records prior to my appt. At my appt she ordered a Bronchoscopy. I was diagnosed with a rare condition called Tracheobronchomalacia. The cartilage of the trachea becomes weakened, floppy and therefore collapses upon exhalation. My trachea was 90% collapsed at the time of diagnosis. Children are born with this condition and adults acquire it over their lifetime. To date most patients diagnosed with TBM have either been previously diagnosed with Asthma, Bronchitis or COPD. This condition is often mis-diagnosed, and mis-understood. There are only about 10 hospitals in the US that treat this condition & experienced in the Surgical procedure called a Tracheobronchoplasty. Either an open procedure or Robotic procedure are the options. There is no cure for this at this time. The surgery is an attempt to shore up the catilage walls of the trachea using mesh. I had my 1st Tracheobronchoplasty Robotically on 5/22 on my Right Distal Bronchus W/Dr Benjamin Wei at UAB in Birmingham Al, and it is still holding. Since then the TBM is now in my left distal trachea collapsed at 99% w/EDAC Excessive Dynamic Airway Collapse, and my Cervical Trachea collapsed at 40%. This was found on a Bronchoscopy done in May 2024. My recent Bronchoscopy done on 5/5/25 showed TBM was now in my Central Airways, collapse is 70% So this condition is progressive.I belong to a TBM group on FB.&nb ...2 hours ago
  • das23Welcome aboard 007.....You have a lot going on. The info above-LEARN MORE etc. can help. Glad you found us. Lots of support here1 hour ago
  • das23My COPD can be sneaky--My breathing may change a little-getting a little winded easier--Mucus may get harder to expel. I also have mild Bronchiectasis. I practice airway clearance. Since I've been doing this--NO chest infections!!!!  I also have meds on hand just in case and I call my doctor. Sometimes it's hard to tell if it's just a bad day or more serious---Always good to call the doc1 hour ago
Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community ManagerHappy Sunday, everyone ๐Ÿ’™

If you were in the path of any recent storms, Iโ€™m really hoping you and your loved ones are safe. These moments are a powerful reminder of how quickly things can changeโ€”and why having a plan in place can matter so much.

This feels like a good time to revisit something weโ€™ve talked about beforeโ€”our Disaster Preparedness Plan (DPP).

The COPD Foundationโ€™s Disaster Preparedness Plan is a comprehensive resource designed for individuals and families living with chronic lung conditions, including COPD, bronchiectasis, and NTM. Itโ€™s built to help you think through the โ€œwhat ifsโ€ ahead of time so you can feel more steady and prepared if a disaster situation arises.

Inside the DPP, youโ€™ll find guidance to help you:
๐Ÿ”น Plan ahead for emergencies and changing weather conditions
๐Ÿ”น Organize medications, oxygen, and medical supplies
๐Ÿ”น Keep important health and contact information all in one place
๐Ÿ”น Prepare for power outages, evacuations, or disruptions in care

One of the most helpful features is the interactive, removable insertโ€”it includes forms, checklists, and charts you can fill out to create a plan thatโ€™s personalized to your needs. Itโ€™s not just informationโ€”itโ€™s something you can actually build and use.

And if you prefer having it right at your fingertips, the DPP is also available in the COPD Pocket Consultant Guide (PCG) app, which you can download from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

Even taking a few minutes today to look it over, update your plan, or start one if you havenโ€™t yet can go a long way toward feeling more prepared.

Weโ€™re here for each otherโ€”through the calm days and the stormy ones too.
https://www.copdfoundation.org/Learn-More/Educational-Materials-Resources/Downloads.aspx#DPP

COPD Foundation Educational Materials

The COPD Foundation educational library has a variety of useful booklets, flyers, and tools that you can download to help you learn more about living and thriving with COPD โ€“ everything from the basics of lung conditions to specific topics such as exercise and exacerbations (flare-ups).

1 day ago

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

David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )answered the question Flow volume loop

FET is the forced exhalation time. Yours stopped after 4.5 seconds and probably should have gone on for 6-8. The curve is a bit caved in relative to what it should be (shaded part). So this is consistent with mild obstruction.

6 hours ago

Kmcnamara68

Kmcnamara68asked the question: Flow volume loop

Here is that flow volume loop Dr. Mannino, I have attached a pic of the flow volume loop from the rent pft here. How can one tell what the exhalation time was on a pft? Thank you

6 hours ago

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

David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )answered the question Most recent PFT not ruling out copd

Interpretation does not quite work that way... You did have a 4.5 second exhalation on this one ( which is shorter that the usual 6-8 seconds we like). The flow volume loops would be helpful to see if the loops looked obstructed or not,

7 hours ago

TJ69

TJ69answered the question Shortness of breath does not improve after inhaling of albuterol what is the reason

One thing for sure, it is not likely due to one thing. I am currently investigting myself regarding this problem wiwth Albuterol as well as with the Maintainance Med generic Advair...which, whenit works is wonderful...but for some reason it was just …
GAnneDiane Z.Cammie31and 5 others also answered the question GAnneand 7 others also answered the question

10 hours ago

Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State Captain

Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State Captain

11 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

A nice treat to serve to your friends when they stop by to visit! With all the different fruit to choose from, there's something for everyone! ๐Ÿ™‚...

14 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿ”ถ๏ธ"COULDN'T BE EASIER!"๐Ÿ”ถ๏ธ16 graham crackers3/4 cup cream cheese, slightly softened 3 tbsp. powdered sugar Fruit: Berries, pear slices, peach slices, drained Mandarin orange segments...Lots of choices to make. Be creative!In a medium bowl,...

15 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Motivational Monday!
Keep those positive thoughts flowing, and keep moving forward! ๐Ÿคฉ

19 hours ago

Catch22

Catch22answered the question Age 33 Diagnosed with COPD

Hello, Lately I have COPD (71) yo, and I have been noticing the importance of sleep. I cannot emphasize it enough. It is becoming apparent to me that some of my worst exacerbations come when I have not had enough sleep for a few nights in a row. So …
Liza MDavid Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captainand 6 others also answered the question Liza Mand 8 others also answered the question

21 hours ago

Catch22

Catch22answered the question Its probably COPD - please help me to understand

Hello, You could have both asthma and COPD. I have been diagnosed (after much back and forth diagnosis') with Asthma-COPD Overlap (ACO.) Some medication are effective for both conditions, and then there are some that are better for one than the other. So …
UK LynnDavid Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )David29and 4 others also answered the question UK Lynnand 6 others also answered the question

22 hours ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captainanswered the question Is any else dealing with the pollen, are you wearing a mask?

I have a bunch of nasal sprays that my allergist & internist have prescribed for me. Between them, they keep my allergies mostly under control. Itโ€™s a nasal steroid spray, ipatropium bromide nasal spray and an antihistimine nasal spray (Astellin). …
Caroline West Virginia State CaptainGAnneMarlomontecarloand 3 others also answered the question Caroline West Virginia State Captainand 5 others also answered the question

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainS = So
U= Unbelievably 
N = Nice 
D = Delightfulness
A = All
Y = Yours!

1 day ago

Marlomontecarlo

Marlomontecarloanswered the question How fast can this progress?

Pulmonary rehab was a game changer for me, I highly suggest
muddleagedDavid Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )Jean IA State Captainand 2 others also answered the question muddleagedand 4 others also answered the question

1 day ago

Marlomontecarlo

Marlomontecarloanswered the question Did anyone's copd happen suddenly?

Yup, right after my second covid shot, I was sent to hospital for SOB and sent home with 02 ever since. I swear that vaccine aged me 30 years
WomaninNHBulletGwynneand 9 others also answered the question WomaninNHand 11 others also answered the question

1 day ago

Marlomontecarlo

Marlomontecarlo

Hi everyone!
   Has anyone used a Himalayan salt inhaler? I am going to a salt cave on Wednesday for 45 minutes.  I am looking forward to it.

1 day ago

  • NewestOldest
  • Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State CaptainI haven't tried a salt inhaler, but I believe that the effects of the salt cave are only temporary.    You might want to ask your pulmonologist if the salt inhaler would be benificial for you.1 day ago
  • JeanO53I used a salt inhaler for a short time 8-9 years ago. I talked with my pulmonologist about it and she discouraged me from using it. I don't recall the reason exactly, but I think it had something to do with drying things out too much.
    .. I agree with Karen - talk with your pulmonologist about it. Generally, that's a good rule with everything!
    .. I think we can all be vulnerable when looking for "natural" or alternative treatments. I know I've been. Who wants to take more medication?? Conventional medicine vs alternative -- It can be really confusing trying to sort out what's good for us and what might be harmful.   I've very careful these days about what I "inhale".   
    .. Enjoy the salt cave - - I hope you will share your experience with us.  1 day ago
  • Caroline West Virginia State CaptainLike Jean053, I have tried a salt inhaler.  This was during a time when I felt hopeless and was grabbing at anything that seemed plausible.  I was encouraged because of the effects people get from being near the ocean.
    Two things are at work here.  The altitude at sea level and the saline solution that is the ocean.  Nebulized saline does help people get mucus out of their lungs.  
    Unfortunately the salt inhaler does not do anything beneficial and the salt cave is questionable.
    Do consult with your pulmonologist about these items.1 day ago
JeanO53

JeanO53Saw this beautiful red-headed woodpecker today.
Isn't it amazing how creatures are so beautiful and so very different.  It amazes me all of the time! ๐Ÿ˜ฎ

2 days ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community ManagerWishing everyone the perfect date!

2 days ago

Kmcnamara68

Kmcnamara68asked the question: Most recent PFT not ruling out copd

Although my most recent PFT results were normal, it is still copd. If I were to take the best FVC I blew in liters in November (4.7) and compare the fev1 I blew in liters on most recent test (3.13), this ratio is not 80% as current test indicated, but …

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Saturday, friends! That's right. No worries here! Did you know that worrying doesn't make what you're worried about go away? In fact, it can make things worse.
Here on 360Social, we believe in being worry-free! 
Keep an open mind, a positive attitude, and a smile on your face! There's always something to look forward to! ๐Ÿ˜€

2 days ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

We made it to Friday! ๐Ÿ™Œ๐Ÿ˜„

Weekend mode is officially within reachโ€ฆ and however you spend it, make it yours. Maybe itโ€™s a short stroll, a favorite show youโ€™ve seen 10 times (no judgment ๐Ÿ˜„), time with family, or claiming your favorite chair like itโ€™s a VIP lounge.

As you head into the weekend, keep those COPD-friendly habits in your back pocketโ€”stay hydrated ๐Ÿ’ง, keep those inhalers nearby, and pace yourself so the good times can keep rolling.

Because letโ€™s be honestโ€ฆ the best weekends arenโ€™t about doing everythingโ€”theyโ€™re about doing what feels good and keeps you breathing a little easier.

Wishing you a weekend full of comfort, smiles, and just the right amount of โ€œahhh.โ€ ๐ŸŒฟ

๐Ÿ’ฌ So tell usโ€ฆ are you going full relax mode, a little recharge and go, or somewhere in between?

3 days ago

EbonySuede

EbonySuedecommented onLung Transplants as a Treatment for COPD

Wow, this is a procedure I had not yet considered or even discussed with my doctor. However, after reading this article I am better informed regarding the procedure. I will discuss this with my doctor during next visit, as I am possibly a candidate....

3 days ago

EbonySuede

EbonySuedeanswered the question Check-In: Have you tried meditation?

Absolutely! I feel that it helps quiet my mind and allows me to drift off to sleep when I have a hard time falling asleep. I was not quite sure on how to start meditating so I found an app that has a cadre of guided meditation exercises. Now I practice …
WildebeestTara Shedor, COPDF Communications also answered the question Wildebeestand 1 other also answered the question

3 days ago

Bob puff dragon

Bob puff dragonBeautiful sunny day on the coast another day to live large with a smile.
Here is another of my bubba dog,gone but never forgotten.


Hope everyone has a bright sunny day whatever the weather.

3 days ago

Gregor

Gregor

I am 62 years old and was just diagnosed with stage 3 COPD. Kind of frightening as I know very little about it. 

3 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿ”ชVEGGIE CREAM CHEESE SPREAD๐Ÿ”ช 12 ounces cream cheese, slightly softened 3 scallions, sliced 1 small carrot, peeled and finely diced 1 small celery stalk, finely diced Half of a small red bell pepper, finely diced 2 tbsp. finely diced red onion...

3 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy โœŒGROOVY โ˜ฎ๏ธ Fluffy Friday from our good friend Luke Rossi! We both hope everyone has a positively wonderful day! ๐Ÿ˜ƒ

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.