COPD360social welcomes new member Doodle bug who joins 64,896 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Marvelous Monday! Let's make today a 5-star winner of a day! ๐Ÿ…
Keep the positive vibes flowing, along with that can-do attitude! ๐Ÿ‘
Your strength will definitely encourage others! ๐Ÿ’ช

1 hour ago

das23

das23answered the question What is the best air purifier for COPD?

I use Levoit. There are several brands- and different sizes---check out all of them

6 hours ago

GAnne

GAnneasked the question: What is the best air purifier for COPD?

Since it is that time of year for pollen, today I sat outside with a mask on. My dr told me to be careful of the pollen. What is the best air purifier for COPD

10 hours ago

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

David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )answered the question Dad with stage 4 COPD

I am so sorry on the loss of your mother and the decline of your father. It sounds like he has end stage COPD with a degree of heart failure. I have seen people like this survive for several months- but with most patients survival is days to weeks. More …
Phyliss DiLorenzo NJ State CaptainCaroline West Virginia State Captaindas23 also answered the question Phyliss DiLorenzo NJ State Captainand 2 others also answered the question

12 hours ago

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

David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )answered the question When to up oxygen level?

I agree with Caroline. While it's unlikely that 0.5 liter will make a big difference- you should check with your doctor to see what an appropriate range is for you.
Caroline West Virginia State Captain also answered the question Caroline West Virginia State Captain also answered the question

12 hours ago

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

David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )answered the question Latest PFT Results - Help Required in Interpretation

Pulmonary function tests do not, in isolation, diagnose asthma or COPD. That being noted, you have mild obstruction pre and post bronchodilator with a normal diffusion capacity. this is most consistent with an Asthma diagnosis (similar to what we have …
Caroline West Virginia State CaptainWildebeestDaydreams also answered the question Caroline West Virginia State Captainand 2 others also answered the question

12 hours ago

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

David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )answered the question How long do flares last

Exacerbations can vary in severity and duration. Given your diagnosis of "severe emphysema" that you described last year- I agree that you should be evaluated as soon as possible and be treated.
DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainCaroline West Virginia State Captain also answered the question DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captainand 1 other also answered the question

12 hours ago

Aleida64

Aleida64asked the question: How long do flares last

I am having an exaserbation. Will it pass

18 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Sunday, friends! Wishing you all a peaceful day, filled with cheer! ๐Ÿ˜Š

1 day ago

Tom m 1970 PA. State captain

Tom m 1970 PA. State captain

I lost service yesterday and couldn't finish what I was saying...... A huge thank you going out to everyone at the Impact 2026 ,and thank you so much for making me feel at home. This was very educational for me and now I'm hungry to learn more and get more involved. On my way down to DC I was nervous as if I wouldn't fit in but when I left I felt emptiness as if I left all my friends behind, it was a great pleasure meeting everyone. Impact 2027 will be here before we know it and I hope to be there . 
God bless all of you 

1 day ago

nik281087

nik281087asked the question: Latest PFT Results - Help Required in Interpretation

Hello, Hope all of you are doing well! I got my PFT done recently and pasting the results here. Would appreciate help in interpreting them. I was diagnosed with asthma 4 years ago when I was 34. CT showed hyper-inflated lungs but no mention of emphysema. …

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Springtime Saturday! No worries. We've got your back. Here on 360Social, we've got plenty of educational materials, lots of friendly members, and a positive attitude to keep you going strong! 
Enjoy your day, friends! ๐Ÿ˜€

2 days ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

Well, learned that Nucala is a Medicare B treatment, NOT a drug covered under Medicare D or other drug plan.  If you have Medicare, you have to have it properly coded and then have Medicare B pay 1st and then have your other plan(s) pay after that.  We were having denials because we were trying to get it paid as a DRUG, because it is an injection but were finally told after several days of runaround that nope, it is a Medicare B treatment and until it is properly coded and paid by Medicare, insurer will just refuse to pay and patient will be stuck wit huge bills!  I tried to get this straightened out since Wednesday and it finally took until TODAY when we got the customer service person with my insurer to help us have a conference call with the drug company to get is squared away.  I also got the insurance person to help me get a hospital drug bill resolved that has been hanging around since APRIL 2025!

2 days ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

I'm going in circles trying to work with GSK/Nucala about their discount card and any programs that may reduce the price of their expensive medication for patients.  I've talked to several people on their toll-free numbers as well as several on the CVS Specialty Pharmacy line.  I'm hearing a lot of "hold music" while waiting and watching the rain fall.  It seems their program does NOT apply if you are eligible or enrolled in Medicare B or Medicare D or any number of a whole bunch of government plans and programs.  Boo!  Oh well, it looks like I may meet my medical insurance out of pocket max very early this year!  The copay is nearly $800/month and the Rx is on formulary!

2 days ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Managercommented onMore than a Caregiver

Caring for a parent is a journey of love, and your words are such a heartfelt reminder of that. Caregivers give so much of themselves, and it can be so easy to put your own needs on the back burner. I really appreciate you sharing this encouragement,...

2 days ago

Tom m 1970 PA. State captain

Tom m 1970 PA. State captain

I'm so greatful for being able to take part in Impact 2026 ! It was a awesome time and very edu

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captainanswered the question Inhaling Steam and COPD

I cannot tolerate the steam!
Orlan = State Captain - IndianaBen Aclockdaddyand 1 other also answered the question Orlan = State Captain - Indianaand 3 others also answered the question

2 days ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Today is World Storytelling Day, and what better time to honor the power of your story. ๐Ÿ’™

If you are living with COPD, bronchiectasis, NTM, or another lung condition โ€” or caring for someone who is โ€” your story matters more than you may realize. The hard days, the small wins, the setbacks, the strength it takes to keep goingโ€ฆ all of it can mean something deeply important to someone else reading along.

Sometimes sharing your story is more than just opening up. It becomes a hand reaching out to someone who feels scared, overwhelmed, or alone. It shows others that even when life is not easy, there is still courage, resilience, hope, and a way to keep moving forward.

You may never fully know how many people are encouraged by your path, your honesty, and the ways you endure and thrive. But it happens every day in this community.

So for World Storytelling Day, we would love to hear from you. What has your journey taught you? What would you want someone newly diagnosed, or a fellow caregiver, to know? Your voice could be exactly what someone else needs today. ๐Ÿ’ซ

2 days ago

Gary R.

Gary R.asked the question: When to up oxygen level?

I am at 2.5 liters normally. Having difficulty breathing and was curious if I should go up to 3 liters to alleviate shortness of breath.

2 days ago

Community Announcements

Community Announcementsadded a new article Understanding Biologics

This post was written by: Amanda Atkinson, MSN, RN.

If you or someone you love is living with COPD, you may have heard about new treatment options called biologics. If you are already using inhalers every day and still having flare-ups, biologics may work for you.

What is a Biologic?

Most medicines are made with chemicals in a lab, but biologics are different. A biologic is a type of medicine that is made from a living source, like cells or proteins.1 Biologics for COPD are usually given as a shot once or twice a month.

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿ”ตHUNGARIAN KOLBรSZ STEW๐Ÿ”ตBeing Hungarian, I may choose to prepare this meal on Easter.2 tbsp. olive oil Two 7-inch links Hungarian Kolbรกsz1 medium onion, cut into 8 wedges1 of each: small yellow, orange, and red bell pepper, cut into large...

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Fluffy Friday, and Happy First Day of Spring! What a nice combination! Today we have my kitty boy Fritters George, who is here to remind us to do our Spring cleaning! ๐Ÿ˜†

3 days ago

GAnne

GAnneanswered the question Am I eating wrong, keep loosing weight?

I live it Caroline, I bought cottage cheese yesterday, put peanut butter in my smoothie last night. I have to put on weight. Cornbread sounds good. My dr told me to eat whatever I wanted. GAnn
Caroline West Virginia State CaptainLiza MCoach Brandon - Community Manager also answered the question Caroline West Virginia State Captainand 2 others also answered the question

3 days ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

Goodness, CVS Specialty Pharmacyโ€”after all this time, why donโ€™t you understand that drugs patients administer themselves are part D as in Delta, NOT part B as in Beta of Bravo. Clearly this has been the rule on injectable drugs but you say it will take you an extra 7-20 days to figure it out. Ok, but meanwhile, you give patients stress and  concern that they may have to pay nearly $800/mo or more as copays?!?!?!  Yikes!  I wish we could use a different service & pharmacy but am not sure it would get better. 

3 days ago

BomBy

BomBy

Hey everyone! I just wanted to update you all and let you know I had Pulmonary testing done yesterday (no results yet), but had a CT of lungs done today which showed no lung issues at all, no more hyperinflation, nothing. It had to have been the dust and massive inflammation that has since gone away. (All it showed was a 6mm kidney stone I was unaware of haha). I cannot believe it.  Thank you all for helping me through the horrific anxiety I have had with this going on. I am praying for all of you and easy breathing. I am sad to be leaving such wonderful people, and cannot say thank you enough. Hugs to you all and I wish you all the best. XoXo

3 days ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captainanswered the question Are there more options for plane travel and batteries?

Ask for a wheelchair to push you mom (even if she doesnโ€™t normally need one). This allows her to use as little O2 as possible before and after the flight. All US airlines will supply a wheelchair and pusher upon request. You can get it from the ticket …

3 days ago

Huff and Puff

Huff and Puffanswered the question Storing oxygen tube when temporarily not in use.

Insert the prongs into an O2 Fresh nasal cannula cover to keep them clean and use the handle to hang the tubing.
Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State CaptainJohn in OregonCaroline West Virginia State Captainand 3 others also answered the question Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captainand 5 others also answered the question

3 days ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐Ÿ˜„ Letโ€™s Laugh Day is here! ๐Ÿ˜„

If thereโ€™s one thing we know, itโ€™s that laughter really can be good medicine. It might not fix everything, but it sure can make the day feel a little lighterโ€”and sometimes thatโ€™s exactly what we need.

Living with COPD, bronchiectasis, or NTM (or caring for someone who is) comes with its momentsโ€ฆ so today, letโ€™s take a break and share a laugh together.

Drop something in the comments that made you smile:
๐Ÿ˜‚ A funny story
๐Ÿถ A silly pet moment
๐Ÿ“บ A joke or favorite show
๐Ÿ™ƒ Or one of those โ€œyou had to be thereโ€ moments

Your turnโ€”whatโ€™s something that gave you a good laugh recently? ๐Ÿ‘‡

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.