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Will we have effective antibiotics in our future?

Posted on May 05, 2022   |   

This article was written by Jamie Sullivan, MPH, and COPD Advocate.


At some point in life, nearly everyone will need antibiotics, yet for those with lung disease, antibiotics are often a vital component of treatment plans, whether it be for regular use to prevent and treat exacerbations or to treat nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections. Despite their essential nature, growing issues with antibiotic resistance and economic disincentives to develop new, innovative antibiotics could mean that soon, some individuals with previously treatable conditions will have nowhere else to turn.

Finding new ways to spur investment in novel antibiotics is the focus of the Pioneering Antimicrobial Subscriptions to End Up Surging Resistance Act of 2021, otherwise known as the PASTEUR Act. The bill, introduced in the Senate in June and included in legislation known as Cures 2.0 in the House, authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to carry out several new activities designed to change the model for antibiotic purchase and simultaneously fund new programs focused on combating antibiotic resistance.

Interest in carrying out the long and expensive processes required to develop novel antibiotic options is limited. One estimate showed there are a mere 43 antibiotics in development. In comparison, there are over 1,000 drugs in development for cancer. This lack of interest is due, in part, to the volume-based way we pay for treatments. Generally, when treating with an antibiotic, the goal is to use any novel therapy as a last resort, only if all the older treatments have proven not to work. While best for individual and public health, companies developing the treatments will do so anticipating that very few people will have to use their antibiotic.

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Categories: Advocacy Health Policy and COPD

Intimacy and Living Well With COPD

Posted on April 24, 2022   |   

A diagnosis of COPD or other lung disease does not mean that you have to say goodbye to intimacy. While there may be challenges such as shortness of breath, coughing, or other symptoms that impact your activity level and how you feel each day, it is possible to maintain intimate relationships while living well with COPD.

Dr. Barbara Yawn and I discuss some common questions about intimacy and COPD.

What if I am nervous to speak to my partner about intimacy?

Remember, your partner is likely just as nervous about intimacy as you are. Most partners want to make sure they can continue sharing intimacy without causing harm. Many may have concerns about hurting you, or making you more short of breath. Talking is key. Remember, intimacy is much more than just sexual intercourse. Intimacy can be hugging, cuddling, kissing, rubbing, or massaging anything from your scalp to your feet. Let your partner know you want to continue being intimate. Talk about your needs, desires, and concerns and ask your partner about theirs.

It can help to ask your health care team about intimacy. You can talk about it in the office, pulmonary rehabilitation, or education programs. The discussion can help support ideas you have and reassure you and your partner about safety and satisfaction.

What are some tips for overcoming challenges with intimacy?

First, make sure you and your partner know how to tell when the other person wants intimacy. If it is uncomfortable to ask, come up with some clear hints like holding hands or guiding your partner to hugging, cuddling, or kissing. Find a private place where you can be comfortable sitting or reclining. Try positioning your body so that you feel comfortable and less short of breath, such as lying on your back or side with your head and chest elevated. If you are using supplemental oxygen, make sure you have a long enough tube to be comfortable. You may also want to use nasal prongs to help with kissing, rather than a mask. As a couple, think back on your history together before COPD. Talk about what intimacy looked like then, and how it can be adapted to your current opportunities and limitations.

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Categories: Caregivers and Caregiving Education, Resources and Studies Tips for Healthy Living

Integrative Medicine: Why did I incorporate yoga into my clinical practice?

Posted on April 18, 2022   |   

This month on COPD360Social, we discussed integrative medicine as an additional tool for the management of COPD. I had the opportunity to interview a former colleague of mine who has recently incorporated yoga into her work as a licensed counselor. While counseling and therapy by themselves can be very helpful to people living with chronic illness, there can be added benefit by including other types of complementary therapies, such as yoga.

I connected with April Hibdon, LCSW, and asked her several questions about yoga and integrative medicine. She said she was happy to share this information with health care professionals because she believes that this type of “breath work” could be helpful to those living with COPD and other lung conditions. She says the practice of yoga can be of particular help to people experiencing anxiety. April was generous with her time and answered the following questions:

Q: Can you tell me what kind of practice you are in? Individual counseling? Families?

A: I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. My practice is with individuals ages 16 and up. Currently, I see clients via telehealth as it is providing opportunities for those with busy schedules and in rural areas to seek care.

How did you learn about incorporating yoga into your work?

A: I have been interested in yoga for years because it is calming and relaxing. Actually, my chiropractor recommended it to me for my lower back pain. Yoga allows me to be more centered and connected. Several years ago, I became aware of therapists that were using it in their practice to help clients that have anxiety and histories of trauma.

Q: What did you have to do in order to provide that kind of treatment to your patients?

A: In order to provide yoga-informed care to clients, the provider has to complete the necessary training. There are many programs available; however, I chose to participate in the Yoga Fit program. I started with a level one training that teaches the basics, and I added different classes until I met all the requirements.

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Categories: Education, Resources and Studies Medications, Treatments and Therapies Tips for Healthy Living

Beyond the Lungs: How COPD affects the body

Posted on April 04, 2022   |   

A lot of time is spent by educators teaching others about how COPD affects the lungs. We know that COPD can cause breathing problems for a couple of reasons. The airways can be constantly swollen which causes air moving from the lungs to be blocked or trapped. Or maybe the air sacs (alveoli) have lost their ability to completely release the air they hold which can also trap air in the lungs. Frequent symptoms can include feeling short of breath, cough, mucus (sputum) production, and wheezing. However, it is important to learn how COPD may affect the rest of the body beyond the lungs. The medical community refers to how the whole body responds to a condition as "systemic." By knowing this information, you can take a proactive approach to monitoring your body and explore issues as they may arise.

Nutrition

Unplanned weight loss affects about 50% of people with COPD.1 The main type of tissue that is lost in people with COPD is muscle with fat being second.1 Why is this? When you have COPD, you use more energy to breathe. Because people with COPD use more energy to breathe, they burn more calories at rest than those with healthy lungs. Also, the body uses calories to fight flare-ups that occur.2 For both of these reasons, this can cause unplanned weight loss in those with COPD. Making sure you are eating the right foods can help you to have energy, fight infection, and feel your best.

Heart and blood vessels

Most people are aware that in the body, the heart and lungs work closely together. Because this relationship is so "close," the heart and blood vessels can be affected when someone has COPD. People who have COPD are at two to three times the risk of having cardiovascular disease.1 "Cardiovascular disease," means to have problems with the heart and blood vessels. People with COPD should work closely with their health care team to monitor their heart function.

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Categories: Education, Resources and Studies

Nothing But The Truth: Myths About Pulmonary Rehab or Exercise

Posted on March 25, 2022   |   

Ask the experts and they will tell you that exercise is an important part of feeling your best when you have COPD, bronchiectasis, and other lung conditions. There are so many benefits to exercising. Exercise is known to help with anxiety and depression, which is common in people living with a lung condition. Exercise has also been linked to a better quality of life. Doing activities that increase your strength and fitness can help you do everyday tasks with less breathlessness.

This month we have taken some time to review pulmonary rehab (rehabilitation), which is a wellness program created specifically for people with lung conditions like COPD, bronchiectasis, and NTM lung disease. Pulmonary rehab programs combine what people living with these conditions need the most: exercise, support, and education. Pulmonary rehab can help improve your fitness level and allow you to enjoy your favorite activities. It can also be a wonderful tool to build confidence with exercising on your own.

Knowing all the wonderful things that pulmonary rehab and exercise can do for the body, it is a wonder why there are so many myths about exercise and pulmonary rehab. In this blog, I am going to review some common myths or untruths about exercising and pulmonary rehab. The best part is that I am going to give you “nothing but the truth.” So, let's get into it!

Myth: People with lung conditions like COPD should not exercise because it will make them short of breath.

The truth: There is no doubt that shortness of breath can be one of the biggest barriers to exercising. Frankly, it can be scary to feel breathless when you are exercising. However, when you choose to exercise, you build strength that will help you with your favorite activities and chores around the house like carrying a laundry basket, bathing, and vacuuming. Pulmonary rehab can help to build confidence in managing your shortness of breath while exercising. Pulmonary rehab can teach you skills like how to recover quickly and how to safely increase your activity. Avoiding exercise can weaken your body and therefore make you feel more breathless. The less you do now, the less you are able to do later.

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Categories: Education, Resources and Studies Tips for Healthy Living

Update on Philips Respironics Recall

Posted on March 23, 2022   |   

Since the recall of Philips Respironics respiratory devices last year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been gathering information and listening to feedback from a variety of sources, including the people who were most impacted by the recall - the patients. The FDA then shared that information with Philips Respironics to emphasize that there are some people who depend on their respiratory equipment more than others, that there are great risks associated with certain people not using their respiratory devices as prescribed by their doctors. Because of this awareness, Philips has established an online portal-site and a phone number so that patients can get placed on a “prioritized placement” list. That portal can be accessed here, or by calling 1-877-907-7508.

For more information about the recall, please visit the FDA recall information page, or the Philips Respironics recall page.

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Categories: Community Announcements

What is Pulmonary Rehab and Why is Everyone Talking About It?

Posted on March 04, 2022   |   

As you look through the posts on our online community, COPD360Social, you may notice that pulmonary rehab is a "hot topic" among our members. When you read those posts, you may be wondering what pulmonary rehab is and why it's so popular. Let's find out what makes pulmonary rehab so helpful to people with COPD and other chronic lung conditions.

Pulmonary rehabilitation, or "pulmonary rehab," is a wellness program that combines exercise, emotional support, and education to help you to better manage your COPD symptoms. Often, pulmonary rehab programs are found in hospitals or other facilities. Don't worry if you can't participate in person. Some pulmonary rehab programs have a virtual or "tele health" option.

In pulmonary rehab, you will learn how to live and feel better with COPD. Everyone's experience with COPD is different, but all pulmonary rehab participants will learn important skills for managing their COPD and preventing flare-ups (exacerbations).

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Categories: Education, Resources and Studies

COPD Foundation Launches Global Tobacco Survey

Posted on March 03, 2022   |   

Thank you for your interest in our survey. The survey ended on March 25, 2022. We will share the results of this survey soon. If interested, please sign up for our newsletter to be notified about the survey results and other Foundation news:

 

The use of smoked tobacco remains the largest and most preventable cause of COPD in most parts of the world. In the United States, over 75% of COPD cases are related to cigarette smoking.

Tobacco smoke contains thousands of different chemicals that cigarette smokers inhale into their lungs, including over 50 known cancer-causing agents as well as nicotine, the addicting chemical that keeps people smoking.

Tobacco companies make a great deal of profit. In recent years, some companies have used this money to expand their business beyond smoked cigarettes to include vaping devices and cannabis. In 2021, the tobacco company Phillip Morris International bought Vectura, a British company that develops devices used to deliver inhaled medications. This company is also working to develop other platforms that could be used to deliver therapies to patients with respiratory disease.

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Categories: Advocacy COPD Foundation Initiatives and Activities Surveys

A Look at What is New in COPD Research and Innovation

Posted on February 25, 2022   |   

The science of medicine is always evolving. In the past, innovation has pushed us forward, resulting in treatments and even cures for diseases that once held a not-so-positive outcome. Today we will be exploring a few treatment innovations on the horizon for those living with COPD. Dr. David Mannino discusses the positives, as well as the potential cautions associated with these innovations.

Q: Can you discuss some of the promising innovations that are on the horizon for COPD treatment and research?

A: Most current treatment innovations for COPD focus on advanced disease. There is currently a procedure under investigation called bronchial rheoplasty. This procedure uses electrical energy, delivered via bronchoscope, to kill mucus-producing cells, in hopes that when the lung cells regenerate there will be fewer of these cells, and less mucous. A similar innovation that is also under investigation is called targeted lung denervation. This procedure interrupts the nerve reflexes that constrict the air tubes, with the intent of inducing a type of permanent bronchodilation.

One intervention that is now approved for use in advanced COPD is lung volume reduction using valves or coils (the use of valves has been widely approved, coil approval varies by country). Valve and coil procedures are done bronchoscopically, or with a tube inserted down the airways, rather than surgically like traditional lung volume reduction. These procedures attempt to reduce emphysematous parts of the lung so that more normal parts of the lungs can expand.

Work is also being done to look at the use of non-invasive ventilation in patients with high levels of carbon dioxide. These and related techniques aim to help improve ventilation of the lungs.

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Categories: Medications, Treatments and Therapies

Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop: Helping Your Loved One with COPD Maintain Their Health

Posted on February 17, 2022   |   

There's nothing better than hearing your loved one with COPD say, "I feel good today." It's a relief that the care plan is going well and brings a possibility that tomorrow will be the same. The feeling that treatment is going well should spark confidence, hope, and encouragement. In a diagnosis that can be full of ups and downs, those living with COPD and caregivers appreciate these moments. But the question is, "What can caregivers do to help your loved one with COPD stick to their medical routine when they are feeling well?" In other words, how do we maintain the momentum of a treatment plan?

Recognize most medications are for "maintenance"

Sure there are quite a few inhaled medications that can be used to quickly relieve shortness of breath in people with COPD. However, many of the medicines prescribed are what we refer to as "maintenance" medications. These inhaled medicines are used to prevent and control symptoms. They can reduce the frequency and severity of exacerbations, enhance lung function, and improve exercise tolerance.1 I liken this to maintaining your vehicle. We don't just put gas in it to make it go and expect not to have any issues. We have to perform routine maintenance like changing the oil, replacing the brake pads, and rotating the tires to make sure it is in good condition to drive. Encourage your loved one to use their maintenance medicines as prescribed. If you aren't familiar with which medicines may be used for maintenance there is a list of medications available on our website. These medicines are typically scheduled for every 12 hours or once a day. Ask your loved one's doctor or pharmacist to be sure.

Use confidence to do the things you love

"Seizing the day" when your loved one with COPD is feeling good can be great for maintaining good mental health and building confidence. Whether it be a visit with friends they haven't seen in a while, a trip to a park on a beautiful day, or a drive through the countryside to enjoy the landscape… use those "good days" as a boost for mental health. People living with COPD have a higher risk of developing anxiety and depression.2 As a caregiver, encouraging your loved one with COPD to do the things they love when they are feeling their best will help them to maintain momentum with their treatment plan.

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Categories: Caregivers and Caregiving Tips for Healthy Living

Keeping it all Straight: How to Plan for Medication Changes

Posted on February 15, 2022   |   

When you have a COPD exacerbation or flare-up, often your health care providers will suggest changes in your medication regimen. They may tell you to take a different dose of your medication or add new medications to your schedule. Many people with COPD take multiple medications that are used with different timing and doses. Adding new medications to this schedule can be complicated and confusing, especially when you’ve been on the same schedule for several months or years.

You might be wondering how you could possibly keep all of this information straight. First, make a list of all your medications, the dosage, and when you should use them. For example, you may write “Albuterol, 2 puffs, every 4 hours as needed.” You should also write down any special instructions like "use a spacer" or "rinse mouth after use." Once your list is complete, organize the information into a calendar, datebook, or schedule so that you have a written plan to follow. You can use the COPD Foundation's My COPD Action Plan to help you. Your health care provider can fill out the My COPD Action Plan with you and design a plan that you can follow on good days and bad. Some people also like to use reminders on their cell phones that can be set to tell them when to take their medications. Others use kitchen timers, alarm clocks, charts, calendars, or even just a regular notebook. Keep your medication schedule handy in a place where you will always see it. This could be on your fridge, by your phone, or on your bedside table.

The next step in organizing your medication schedule is knowing how to take your medications correctly. When you receive new medications after a hospitalization or flare-up, ask your health care provider how to use it properly. While some inhalers may look the same, you may have to use them differently. If you are not sure how to use your inhaler or nebulizer, you can watch instructional videos on our website. We offer videos that explain the use, care, and cleaning of all the main types of inhalers and nebulizers.

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Categories: Education, Resources and Studies

Plain Language Summaries for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: Journal of the COPD Foundation Articles in Volume 9 Issue 1

Posted on January 31, 2022   |   

Most of the articles recently published in Volume 9, Issue 1 of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: Journal of the COPD Foundation have corresponding plain language summaries. The summaries are short and written in simple, non-technical language with the goal of providing a helpful overview of the published "original research," "review," or "perspective" articles. These articles (and their short summaries) cover a variety of COPD-related research topics including pulmonary rehabilitation, COPD and sleep apnea, physical activity, and more.

Plain language summaries are available for each of the following articles:

Using High-Flow Nasal Therapy at Home
High-flow nasal therapy is usually only available in the hospital inpatient setting. However, in the article "Feasibility of Using Daily Home High-Flow Nasal Therapy in COPD Patients Following a Recent COPD Hospitalization,” researchers explain how they completed a study to determine if this type of therapy could be safe and feasible with COPD patients at home.
For the complete plain language summary, click here.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation at Home
The article, "Home-based Pulmonary Rehabilitation is Effective in Frail COPD Patients with Chronic Respiratory Failure" provides the results of a study created to evaluate the effectiveness of a pulmonary rehabilitation program conducted over an 8-week period. The study had interesting results related to participants' abilities to perform everyday tasks and activities, their health-related quality of life, and their physical frailty or weakness.
For the complete plain language summary, click here.

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Categories: Journal of the COPD Foundation

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