I have sever emphysema, COPD, 50% of upper left lobe removed due to something else. I am considered high risk for germs. I wear a mask and wash my hands, sometimes the mask makes my breathing worse. Should I wear a mask if so any recommendation for …

Looking for home remedies to manage symptoms, provide relief for my Chronic Bronchitis, Reactive Airway Disease, and Asthma. I am a USAF Veteran--in 1990 I had a bad upper respiratory infection turn into bronchitis then pneumonia. I was told one of my …

HI all, I wonder if you could assist with this? I do not know what any of this means

In our education for those with COPD, we talk all the time about the importance of exercise . When you exercise you are able to reduce your level of shortness of breath by strengthening the muscle groups. 1 Exercise is also great for increasing …

The new year has arrived! And with that change in the calendar comes a time for many of us to think about our health goals for the rest of 2025. Have you thought about any changes you would like to make in the new year? Setting goals for your health can …

Yes- many people with COPD fly. With oxygen concentrators ( and changes in the federal laws that COPDF and others helped to bring about) travel is much easier than what it used to be ( when oxygen had to be rented for each leg).

40% - Viral infections 40% - Bacterial Infections The rest- a mixture of things ( air pollutants, pollen, respiratory irritants, etc. ) Separating a flare from a bad day can be difficult... You may need too be on different medication ( depending on …

Is it normal to periodically cough up a piece of phlegm/mucus? I was drinking my coffee this morning and felt a tickle in my lungs and (sorry if TMI) coughed up a piece of brown mucus. I rarely have mucous, only a tiny bit every 8 months or so. But it …

Waiting for an answer on this one too. I bought the same unit but I am within range but it says we are supposed to calibrate the machine first? I didn't understand that and it also said my test were Grade 1 which was not a good test and that was every …

COPD meds do not stop/end the disease---They can help slow the progression---They can reduce symptoms--They can reduce exacerbations.......Everyone is different but that is a general answer to your questions

I found a wonderful video on how to properly use all of the inhalers that I have ever heard of.  I was told how to use mine, but I was not doing one thing properly.  Might be good for everyone to watch.  http://use-inhalers.com/

Does anyone know of a lip balm safe to use while on oxygen using a cannula? I know it should be water based but so much comes up when I Google that my head is spinning! Brand names would be appreciated so that I can zero in on one.

Thank you for this wonderful, profession forum!

Speaking for myself I was aware that my smoking wasn't a good idea but I didn't quit until I was 66---You are correct--it is an awful addiction. That's why people who smoke too much keep smoking even though they are aware of the risks. It's a complicated …

Hi all, I am 42 yo male. I had an asthma exacerbation 18 months ago and ended up in hospital for 10 days on oxygen, coughing up a lot of almost solid mucus. I have slowly improved since then, aided by lots of exercise and running. I've got my 5k below 27 …

Hi Renee5044 - You've been given great suggestions and advice from Nancy & Kandy. I too have very dry skin. Like Nancy, I use CereVe - the moisturizing cream as well as the itch relief cream. They also carry a petroleum based ointment. I use this …

Be sure you go to a specialist who has successfully done many of the valve placements. Some have a lot more experience than others. My lung doc who does a lot of them says that choosing the correct patients is the most important thing. You should be …

Happy new year to all. What are the guidelines for being put on oxygen?, I also have sleep apnea, my daytime saturation is 94-97, but at sleep, it sometimes go to 88-89 , for 30 min in a full nights sleep ( not in a row). It scares me. It never drops …

Hello, I'm hoping someone can help. I started to have a dry cough during my pregnancy 7 years ago. After my daughter was born, my cough went away. When I got pregnant with my 2nd child, the cough came back and was worse than the first time. I had to be …

Hi Jasnee, I went my whole life not knowing what to look for with an "asthma" attack because I thought chest tightness was what everyone felt with anxiety or excitement. I have allergic and emotional asthma. It got really bad when I lost 4 family …

I’ve been thinking a lot about how it’s said our lung function can change up to 10%, even on a daily basis. My lung function dropped 140 mL in one year, when all prior years it had consistently dropped just 20 mL per year. So, I realize that lung …

In a search for a nebulizer machine that worked on both plug in and or batteries ( which I could not find) I came across a "mesh nebulizer" on Amazon for 49 dollars US and purchased it. Used it and I am so mad I had to go threw so many gut wrenching …

I hope that David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation ) will see your question and have an answer. I am wondering if this is the same as lung denervation? If so, then it is still in trials, I think. But I may be wrong, and Dr. Mannino will have the correct answer.

Hello I have joined the forum to best support my mother who has been diagnosed with emphysema this week. The only information provided was that it is “mild” but she was not offered any blood tests or to blow and test breathing strength so don’t have any …

Welcome T Town.......Sooooo......If you've been following for a few months then I'll guess you've already read the info in the tabs at the top of the page--if not then read--It's helpful. I'm just a patient like yourself so I can't answer your questions …