What is the relationship between Alpha-1 Antrypsin Deficiency and COPD? What is the criteria for who should be tested for Alpha-1? Should all COPD patients be tested or is there a set of guidelines? 

If you are experiencing shortness of breath after using a certain inhaler, you should talk with your doctor. It is entirely possible that you might be having a reaction to the product. Make note of what ones seem to be working for you and what does not …

Yes every time some one sees the oxygen that is the first thing they say. I bet most of us have been asked that. Yes I did tell them and that I had quit years ago. I did smoke 13yrs but quit in 80 1 pack a day.  Of course we all wish we hadn't but its …

I been educating my community since 2004.  I always get the proclamation from our Governor every year making South Dakota COPD month for November. I write articles for local papers been on our local radio with a demo for November. I had two copd events …

Thanks for all the feedback. I have appointments scheduled with my Pulmo doc and the opthomologist. The opthomologist gave me a clean bill of health my last visit. I will find out if there have been any changes. I do want to discuss if there are …

Janina, The accreditation process for Pulmonary Rehabs is relatively new, but - yes - it is in place. There is definitely specific criteria that PR programs must follow in order to be accredited by the AACVPR (American Association of Cardiovascular and …

HI All, I was told today by a doctor my COPD is different than most. Although COPD is an umbrella term. My COPD is due to thermal injury caused by a being in a fire. I was burnt internally. One of my lungs is damaged and no longer functions properly due …

I'm a big fan of the disposable heat packs that you can put in your gloves or boots. Living in Miami (but originally from New Jersey) I've acclimated to be freezing in 60 degrees, so I've used these min-heaters alot!

Hi Everyone, This is my first questions/posting. I'm in my mid-thirties, being treated for COPD stage 3 symptoms.  I have a full time job but I got hit with a lung infection, no antibiotics until it really set in. I've been on sick leave for …

I need help finding a good reliable company in denver who will supply me with a home concentrator and work with Medicare and my supplemental company.  Does any one have a company they ae using with no problems.??Thank you  

I smoked an e-cigarette for one year before quitting all smoking.  How is the damage different from the e-cigarette and tobacco products? I feel my breathing got worse with the e-cigarettes.

Was told I needed to be on oxygen 24/7 2years ago by my specialist. At that time I noticed that even with the oxygen when I got short of breath It didn't help getting my breath back. Had to change Pcp and went to see him, he said because my o/2 levels …

It is unfortunate but all the possible help you might get is pretty much income based. Still, it is probably worth a try. Most drug companies have programs to help get your meds either free or at a reduced rate. There are sites on the internet to help …

Hi Jeffery.  Have you checked to see if you might be eligible for Medicaid?  You might also want to call the COPD Foundation's Information Line at 866-316-2673 which is available Monday through Friday 9 Am to 9 PM Eastern Time.  The associates may be …

When I left the hospital last Sept. I was told to follow up with this pulmonologist in 2 to 3 weeks. So I did. Since then I've been having problems with his office staff. Wed site issues as well as others. When I tell them I need to talk to the Doctor …

If the admin feels that this post is inapprpiate, please delete my post I just thought I'd post this only to show the pros and cons of E-CIGS. This isn't meant to tell people to use them or not to use them. I was a very heavy smoker and just couldn't …

If you were writing policy's for Airlines on how to accomodate passengers who need inflight oxygen what would be a priority ?

Well you know how SD winters are there isn't much to do here less its take up deer hunting, pheasant hunting or ice fishing.  None of those are in my list of activities. I do occasion go to a show with my daughters. Rehab, store, pharmacy and clinic is …

I have been on pro-air, symbicort and combivent  for 4 years and it has gotten worse .

I've never been to much up to going to a gym or lifting weights or even being on a tredmill. However with yard work and fix it up jobs around the house I keep busy and stay in good shape. I used to like to ride my bicycle but since being diagnosed and …

Does anybody else feel like me. I was diagnosed with COPD only 2 months ago and never  heard of a portable oxygen concentrator until things started changing in my life. Not sure what the word is: embarrassed, disgusted, ashamed, guilty, but I don't …

In 1991, my PCP told me I had the beginnings of emphysema and if I didn't quit smoking, I'd end up dragging an oxygen tank around.  Well, I did quit, but continued to have problems breathing, and several bouts of bronchitis each year.  I was referred to …

When your get up and go has got up and gone, how do you stay enthusiastic about the holiday hustle and bustle?

A recent bout of bronchitis, unpleasant, but not severe as these things go, has left me very, very short of breath and intolerant of exercise. I am puzzled. My 02 saturation seems unaffected, but I am SOB in only a minute or two with any kind of …

When I was in hospital n 06 they pumped me with lotz of steroids. Well I went home with type 2 diabetes. Then come cholesterol. So I still have to do insulin and cholesterol pills.  I know high blood pressure can also start from copd and heart trouble …