This article was written by: Ashley Medina Tallyn, MHA, RRT.

If you live with a chronic lung disease like COPD, staying on top of your health can be very important and can also feel difficult. Luckily, new technology can make it easier. Digital health tools, such as remote patient monitoring and virtual pulmonary rehab, offer simple ways to manage your health without needing to travel to your health care provider's office.

What Is Digital Health?

Digital health is the use of tools like apps, smart devices, and online programs to help you manage your health. These tools can track your symptoms, provide support, and connect you with your health care team from home.

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This post was written by: Ashley Medina Tallyn, MHA, RRT.

When dealing with chronic illnesses like COPD, managing your medication needs can be complex. Specialty pharmacies are designed to help with these challenges.

What Are Specialty Pharmacies?

Specialty pharmacies provide a wide range of services designed to support patients and help them better understand their health conditions and medication needs. These pharmacies are equipped in handling medications that are essential for treating chronic conditions and that are often not available at standard pharmacies. Specialty pharmacies prioritize ensuring that patients receive their treatments on time and in the right way, providing essential guidance every step of the way.

Why Are Specialty Pharmacies Important?

1. Expert Care: Specialty pharmacies have detailed knowledge about the medications they offer. This means they can give professional advice on how to use these medications effectively and safely.
2. Personalized Support: Specialty pharmacies can provide personalized support to help patients understand their treatment plans. This can include educational resources about how to manage side effects or the importance of sticking to a medication schedule.
3. Medication Management: Specialty pharmacies help patients manage their medications by organizing refill schedules, providing drug administration tips, and even delivering medications directly to patients' homes.
4. Insurance Assistance: Specialty pharmacies typically work closely with insurance companies to help patients navigate their coverage benefits and find financial assistance programs when necessary.

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This article was written by Jonnie Korinko, MSRC, RRT, RRT-ACCS.

Most people with COPD sometimes feel short of breath.¹ If they feel this way more often or more severely, they are more likely to have exacerbations, which are sometimes called flare-ups.¹ When people notice their symptoms and get help right away, they are less likely to have exacerbations.²

Knowing the Symptoms

Feeling breathless is common with COPD. Some people also notice a frequent cough and mucus in their chest. Other people may have wheezing and chest tightness.³

People with COPD need to be aware of their everyday symptoms to know when they are getting worse.

What is a COPD Exacerbation?

An exacerbation is when a person with COPD has sudden and severe worsening of their symptoms. These include:

• Worsened shortness of breath.
• More coughing and mucus in the chest.
• More wheezing.

Exacerbations are sudden events that usually do not last long. However, the symptoms can be very strong and last weeks or months for some people. Most exacerbations happen because of infections, but irritating environmental factors can also cause them.³

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This article was written by Crystal Rothhaar, BS.

If you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) you may face an exacerbation, also called a flare-up. This means that your symptoms suddenly get worse. Lung infections, weather changes, air pollution, smoke exposure, or anxiety can cause or contribute to exacerbations. Flare-ups can be serious. It's important to know what to watch out for, how to prevent them, and what to do when they occur.

We talked to our partner, Village Medical, a national primary care provider. They are a valuable resource when it comes to COPD flare-ups. They can provide guidance and support in controlling these episodes.

Warning Signs of a COPD Flare-Up

These signs and symptoms of a COPD flare-up may last two days or more:

• Noisy breathing or wheezing sounds
• Coughing more than usual
• Having more mucus than you normally do
• Change in the amount or color of the mucus you cough up
• More shortness of breath or trouble catching your breath
• Needing to use your rescue medication more than normal
• Not being able to take deep breaths
• Fever
• Unusual tiredness
• Difficulty sleeping
• New or increased swelling in the legs
• Morning headaches
• Gray or pale skin
• Blue or purple lips or nail tips

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This article was written by Jonnie Korinko, MSRC, RRT, RRT-ACCS.

COPD can make it hard to breathe.¹ Caring for someone with COPD means helping them with daily tasks and their medical needs. It also means watching for early signs that their symptoms are getting worse. If people wait too long to get treatment, COPD symptoms can get worse.² Caregivers can help stop delays in care and improve their loved one's treatment by noticing changes in that person's breathing, coughing, or energy level.

Common COPD Symptoms

Common symptoms of COPD include:

• coughing and wheezing during the day.
• having a hard time breathing with daily tasks.
• having lots of mucus in the chest.³

When COPD symptoms get worse, flare-ups can happen more often. When people with COPD have a flare-up, breathing is harder. They may have more mucus in their chest than normal. Some people never get back to normal after a flare-up.¹

How Caregivers Can Spot the Early Signs

Caregivers can see early signs of a flare-up. Changes in breathing, mood, or daily habits may let you know that a flare-up is near. Here are some clues caregivers can watch for:

• Watch the patient's breathing patterns every day for changes.
• Look for signs of tiredness or irritability.
• Look for changes in sleep patterns or appetite.
• Keeping track of how often medications are used and if they are helping.

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This article was written by Jonnie Korinko, MSRC, RRT, RRT-ACCS.

People with COPD can improve their health by taking an active role in managing their care.¹ Remember to tell your health care provider about any new symptoms or medication side effects. This will help you work together to create the best treatment plan for you. Starting treatment early can lower symptoms and the risk of a flare-up.² Two out of every five people with COPD do not tell their health care providers about all their symptoms. This can increase the risk of COPD flare-ups and hospitalization.³

Lisa Hall is a woman living with COPD. "If I had better communication with (my provider), I don't think I'd be having so many flare-ups," said Lisa. "...if they would communicate better or listen to me, I could be on a different medication, perhaps..."

Don't wait to get treatment for COPD symptoms, as they may get worse.². Talking to your health care provider can help determine why your symptoms are happening.

Communication Barriers Many People Face

Patient-Related Barriers

People with COPD have many reasons for not talking with their health care providers about their condition. Some of these include

• Differences in culture, gender, or age between the provider and the patient.
• Feeling uncomfortable with a new provider.
• Stress or pain at the time of the appointment.
• Distraction by other people attending the appointment.

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This post was written by: Ashley Medina Tallyn, MHA, RRT.

Indoor air quality is important to maintaining healthy lungs, especially for those living with chronic respiratory conditions like COPD. There are many air disinfection technologies available. Each one uses a different method to improve indoor air quality. Understanding the available options can help you make an informed decision about the best way to clean the air in your home or workplace.

The air inside buildings or homes can trap dust, mold spores, allergens, bacteria and viruses. Breathing in these particles can negatively impact your lung health and create serious health risks. While air filtration can capture some of these particles, air disinfection technologies go a step further by cancelling out potentially harmful pathogens.

Types of Indoor Air Disinfection Technologies

1. Mechanical Filtration (like HEPA Filters)

   HEPA (High-efficiency Particulate Air) filters use a fine mesh to trap particles, such as dust and allergens. Some filters can even catch large bacteria and virus particles, although the smallest pathogens may pass through a HEPA filter. However, these filters do not kill germs, so live pathogens sit on the filter if it is not changed often.

2. UV-C Light Disinfection

   UV-C light breaks down the DNA or RNA of germs so they can't spread. This method can sanitize the air as it passes through the system. The effectiveness relies on directly exposing the germs to the light, and it takes time to work. Also, the bulbs in UV-C products lose potency over time and will need replacement.

3. Ionizers and Electrostatic Filters

   These devices release charged ions that attach to particles in the air, making them heavy so they fall to the ground or get caught on electrostatic plates. Ionizers can help clear the air, but may create ozone as a byproduct, which can irritate the lungs.

4. Plasma-based Technologies

   Plasma-based systems use electrical energy to create particles that can inactivate germs in the air. Some portable air purifiers use plasma-based technology to quickly neutralize airborne pathogens without producing harmful byproducts.

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This post was authored by Kristen Szymonik, BS, RRT, AE-C

November is COPD Awareness Month! This means that many in our community are stepping up to share education and raise awareness about chronic lung disease. There is a lot of great information out there about COPD, unfortunately, not all of it is true. In honor of COPD Awareness Month, we are diving into some common myths about COPD. Do any of these sound familiar to you?

1. "COPD is an elderly person's disease."
   While it is true that many people aren't diagnosed with COPD until later in life, those early warning signs of COPD can be present in young people. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to stop the disease from getting worse over time. If you have any symptoms of COPD, including cough, shortness of breath, increased mucus production, or unusual tiredness, be sure to see your health care provider and get tested for COPD.

2. "COPD is only caused by smoking."
   Smoking is just one of the causes of COPD. COPD can also be genetic, which means that it runs in families. It can also be caused by exposure to chemicals, different types of smoke, and pollution. Some veterans have COPD due to exposures to different chemicals and substances during their tours of duty. Infections in childhood can also cause COPD.

3. "I was just diagnosed with COPD, and now my life is over."
   Living with a chronic condition like COPD can be overwhelming at times. But it is important to know that no one has an expiration date! While COPD is a progressive disease that can become worse over time, there are ways to slow that progression. If you make healthy changes in your life, stay active, take your medications as prescribed, and avoid people who are sick, you can prevent flare-ups (exacerbations) and live well with COPD. For tips on how to stay healthy in your COPD journey, check out our Tips for Living Well with COPD flyer.

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This post was written by: Ashley Medina Tallyn, MHA, RRT.

Breathing clean air is important for everyone, especially those living with a chronic lung disease. The quality of air you breathe can significantly impact your health and well-being. Knowing the importance of clean air can make a big difference in how you feel and live.

Breathing in clean air:

• Reduces Symptoms

  Clean air can help reduce COPD symptoms, like coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. When air is clean, it's easier to breathe.

• Improves Lung Function

  Cleaner air means fewer bad particles, like smoke, dust, and pollen, getting into your lungs. These tiny particles can cause irritation. By breathing cleaner air, you can keep your lungs healthier.

• Ensures Safer Indoor Air

  It is important to keep your home free from dust, mold, and other pollutants that can make your indoor air unsafe and cause breathing problems. Using medical-grade air purifiers can help make the air inside your home cleaner by killing harmful pathogens. Regularly cleaning your home and using a dehumidifier can also help keep the air clean and safe.

• Encourages Healthier Outdoor Activities

  Outdoor air quality can change due to the weather and pollution. It is helpful to get into the habit of checking air quality reports before going outside. On days with high pollution, it is best to avoid outdoor activities to protect your lungs. When the air quality is good, spending time outside can boost your mood and overall health.

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This article was written by Jamie Jarrard, BA.

In this second part of our Financial Health Summer Series, we're debunking five common myths about financial planning, to help you understand how a good financial plan is both accessible and an essential part of your overall wellness.

1. Myth: Financial planning is only for the wealthy.
   Fact: Financial planning is for everyone!

   Many people think they don't need a financial plan because they believe they are only for the wealthy. But the opposite is true: financial planning is for everyone! Having a plan helps you make smart choices with your money, no matter your income level.

2. Myth: A budget is the same thing as a financial plan.
   Fact: A budget is just one part of your financial plan.

   Think of your financial plan as a toolbox, and your budget as a tool that helps you track your expected income and expenses. While important, your budget only provides part of the picture of your overall finances. To truly understand your finances, you should include other tools like retirement planning, investments, and savings. You need to fully stock your financial toolbox to achieve your financial goals.

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This post was authored by Kristen Szymonik, BS, RRT, AE-C

When you think of a caregiver, who do you picture? Are you thinking about a person pushing someone in a wheelchair or taking care of a person in a bed at home? While these pictures may pop into our minds when we think about caregiving, they are actually missing some folks! A caregiver can be anyone: a son or daughter, husband or wife, mother or father, friend, relative, neighbor, or partner. A caregiver is anyone who loves and cares about you.

Health care teams tend to focus on the person who is living with COPD and often forget about the caregivers in that person's life. Caregivers have one of the hardest and most important jobs—supporting people with chronic health conditions. So why are their needs so often overlooked? The COPD Foundation offers resources just for the caregivers in your life. These are the people who care deeply about your health and well-being, and they should be supported and celebrated!

There are many helpful resources available for caregivers. Village Medical and the COPD Foundation recently collaborated to produce a new COPD Caregiver Packet, which features tips for you and your caregivers. Another helpful resource is the COPD Caregivers Toolkit, created by Respiratory Health Association, that offers important information on how caregivers can care for both themselves and someone with COPD.

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This article was written by Jamie Jarrard, BA.

Financial wellness can be a challenge for anyone, but may be especially hard if you are also managing a chronic illness, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

This summer we will be exploring ways to help manage your finances and plan for the future while navigating life with COPD. Some of these tips may be difficult to apply while living on a fixed income, and we will address more options in the future to support all individuals with chronic lung disease.

According to the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors, average annual healthcare costs when living with a chronic condition can easily climb above $6,000 per person¹. Managing COPD can cost over $10,000 per individual each year².

Fortunately, there are proactive steps you can take to help soften the burden and prepare for future expenses.

1) Create a plan to become debt free.

Just as each individual is unique, each debt load is unique and requires personalized attention. However, the general principles of becoming debt-free can help you create a plan:

• Create a list of all debts owed, including total amounts, minimum monthly payments, and interest rates.
• As you can, begin making extra payments above the minimum amount on the debt that carries the highest interest rate, while continuing to pay the minimum monthly payment on all others.
• As each debt is paid off, use the money that was going towards the highest interest rate debt and apply it to the one next down on your list.
• Repeat this process until all of your debts are paid off.

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