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Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community ManagerIs it just allergiesโ€ฆ or something more? ๐ŸŒฟ๐Ÿ’ญ

This time of year, a lot of us chalk things up to โ€œjust allergiesโ€โ€”a little extra coughing, feeling more tired, maybe a bit more short of breath.

But sometimesโ€ฆ itโ€™s not just allergies.

It could be the early signs of a flare-up (also called an exacerbation), and catching it early can make a big difference.

A few things to watch for:
โ€ข Breathing feels harder than your usual
โ€ข More coughing or a change in your cough
โ€ข Mucus thatโ€™s thicker, darker, or increased
โ€ข Feeling more tired or run down than normal
โ€ข Chest tightness or heaviness

What might lean more toward allergies:
โ€ข Itchy eyes or throat
โ€ข Sneezing and runny nose
โ€ข Clear, thin mucus
โ€ข Symptoms that improve when youโ€™re indoors or away from triggers

The key? Prevention and awareness.
Knowing your โ€œnormalโ€ helps you spot when something feels offโ€”and acting early can help keep things from getting worse.

We also have a helpful section on exacerbations on our website (link at the bottom of post) if youโ€™d like to take a deeper dive. This is one of our regular check-ins as a community, because recognizing those early signs can make all the difference.

๐Ÿ’ฌ Have you ever thought something was allergies, but it turned out to be more? Or what signs help you know when itโ€™s time to check in with your doctor?

Letโ€™s talk about itโ€”your experience could really help someone else.

https://www.copdfoundation.org/Learn-More/I-am-New-to-COPD/What-is-an-Exacerbation.aspx

What is an Exacerbation or Flare Up? | COPD Foundation

An exacerbation is a flare-up or episode when your breathing is worse than usual and may continue to worsen without treatment. With COPD, you may be able to participate in the same activities for weeks or months without having worsening symptoms. Then suddenly you may have a flare-up where your …

1 day ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Good morning, friendsโ€ฆ itโ€™s Visit My Corner of the World Wednesday ๐ŸŒŽ๐Ÿ“ธ

This week, letโ€™s try something a little different.

Instead of the biggest view or the โ€œperfectโ€ picture, how about sharing something from your corner of the world that means a lot to youโ€ฆ even if someone else might overlook it.

Maybe itโ€™s your favorite chair where you start your mornings.
A quiet view out the window.
A well-loved mug.
A spot where your pet always curls up beside you.
Or something small that tells a bigger story about your day-to-day life.

Sometimes itโ€™s those simple, meaningful pieces of our world that help us feel grounded, comforted, and connected.

If youโ€™ve never shared before, this could be a great place to start. No fancy photo neededโ€”just something that matters to you. ๐Ÿ’™

Iโ€™d love to see your corner of the world today, and hear a little bit about why it means something to you.

1 day ago

Tara Shedor, COPDF Communications

Tara Shedor, COPDF Communicationsasked the question: Have You Heard About the IMPACT Lung Health Event?

Last week, members and friends of the COPD Foundation and Bronchiectasis and NTM Association patient, caregiver, and health care communities convened in Washington, D.C. for a day of lung health advocacy on Capitol Hill. Together, 54 advocates from 28 …

7 minutes ago

Liz Berger - California State Captain

Liz Berger - California State Captaincommented onProgress for Oxygen Access: SOAR Act Updates

Great post!! love the infographic that visually shows where we are in terms of the SOAR act becoming law. ...

52 minutes ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿ’CHERRY HAM GLAZE๐Ÿ’One 12-ounce jar cherry preserves1/4 cup liquid honey1/4 cup red wine vinegar 1/4 tsp. cinnamon 1/4 tsp. nutmeg1/4 tsp. ground cloves1/8 tsp. saltPlace all ingredients in a medium saucepan. Bring to a light simmer over...

2 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Thursday, everyone! May your day blossom and grow into your best day ever! 

6 hours ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captainanswered the question Pulse oximeter accuracy when walking

Supplemental O2 is a TOOL! The 6 minute walk test just lets you know if youโ€™re entitled to that tool, just like your eye test lets you know if you may benefit from glasses for reading and/or distance. The thing is, if we use O2 as our body needs it, it …
Caroline West Virginia State Captain also answered the question Caroline West Virginia State Captain also answered the question

7 hours ago

Dr Jean

Dr Jean

Great seeing so many of you at IMPACT last week.  You are such powerful advocates.  Love being with you

15 hours ago

Kmcnamara68

Kmcnamara68asked the question: Pulse oximeter accuracy when walking

So long story short had battery of tests and heart is fine. I purchased a very expensive medical grade oximeter- Nonin 3250 OTC. My o2 drops rapidly when I start walking with it on and it is supposed to be accurate enough to do this. I mean down to the …

17 hours ago

Aleida64

Aleida64answered the question How long do flares last

Thank you all. I have let me pulmonologist know and she prescribed a nebulizer and told me my anxiety is effecting my breathing. I have not needed albuterol at this level since my diagnosis. Today I will see an interventional pulmonologist to learn the …
David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainCaroline West Virginia State Captain also answered the question David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )and 2 others also answered the question

21 hours ago

Webbgirl028

Webbgirl028answered the question Ohtuvayre usage

Thank you
Phyliss DiLorenzo NJ State CaptainJonnie Korinko (COPDF Director of Education) also answered the question Phyliss DiLorenzo NJ State Captainand 1 other also answered the question

22 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

"EVERY DAY'S A HOLIDAY" FRUIT SALADA nice offering for your Easter Brunch buffet!1 lime3/4 cup low-fat plain Greek yogurt1 tbsp. maple syrup 1 tbsp. poppy seedsOne 16-ounce package strawberries 1 1/2 cups honeydew chunks 1 1/2 cups cantaloupe chunks...

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy, Happy Wednesday, friends! 
Today is going to be an awesome day for sure! Always remember to keep a smile on your face! A smile lasts a long while! ๐Ÿ˜€

1 day ago

GAnne

GAnneanswered the question Has anyone had a upper GI endoscopy while having COPD?

Yay! They called today and moved my endoscopic from July to this Friday. Prayerfully they will find why my food is slowly going down and can fix it. G-Ann
WildebeestDavid Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )das23and 1 other also answered the question Wildebeestand 3 others also answered the question

1 day ago

Richard DJ

Richard DJanswered the question Frequency of Albuterol (rescue inhaler)

I am not a doctor, but I do have experience with albuterol. At tthat time I did not have an oxygen tank or oxygen concentrator. Several years ago, at 2:00 AM, I was haveing a lot of trouble breathing and I took ProAir (albuterol). I needed more so I took …
eric63DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainJean IA State Captainand 2 others also answered the question eric63and 4 others also answered the question

1 day ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captaincommented onEating Well: From Debbie Bโ€™s Kitchen to Yours

This recipe reminds me of the first time I made blueberry muffins as a young teenager. Instead of tossing or folding the blueberries (and they were fresh ones) I put them into the mixer - we had nice totally blue muffins, LOL...

2 days ago

Webbgirl028

Webbgirl028asked the question: Ohtuvayre usage

Is Ohtuvayre replace anything or an added medication? I use Breztri twice a day

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿซ๐ŸซBLUEBERRY CRUMB BARS๐Ÿซ๐Ÿซ2 limes 1 1/2 cups flour3/4 cup sugar, divided 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 1/2 tap. baking powder 1/2 tsp. salt1 stick unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces2 tsp. cornstarch One 12-ounce bag frozen blueberries...

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainI hopped in, quick as a bunny, to wish everyone a terrific Tuesday! Have a pleasant, easy breathing day, friends! ๐Ÿ‡

2 days ago

Dennis6474

Dennis6474

Had a copd flare up. Had not had one before. Did not like it. Have had diagnosed  copd for more than 10 years with little trouble. Use Trligy for years now.  Had to use AS inhaler. What is the future?

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainThought for today, and every day! ๐Ÿ•Š 

2 days ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Happy Puppy Day, 360social! ๐Ÿถ๐Ÿ’™๐Ÿพ

Letโ€™s be honestโ€ฆ itโ€™s pretty hard to have a completely bad day when thereโ€™s a puppy involved.

Whether youโ€™ve got a dog curled up beside you, a goofy four-legged sidekick who keeps you company, or you just love admiring puppies and pups from afar, they have a special way of helping turn a day around. A wagging tail, a sweet face, or even a silly little puppy picture can bring a smile when you really need one.

And the best part? That joy is not just in our heads. Time with dogs and other animals can help lower stress, encourage calmer breathing, and even boost oxytocin โ€” that โ€œfeel-goodโ€ bonding hormone that helps us feel more connected, comforted, and at ease. For many of us, that can mean a lighter heart, a lifted mood, and a little extra peace in the middle of a hard day. Research also links interacting with pets with lower stress, less loneliness, and even slower breathing when anxiety eases.

Thatโ€™s one of the reasons our Fluffy (and Feathery) Fridays are such a favorite around here. They give us a chance to share the animals that make us laugh, comfort us, and remind us that joy can show up in the fluffiest ways.

So for Puppy Day, weโ€™d love to see your pups, your pets, your feathered pals, or even just hear about an animal that brings you comfort and a smile. Letโ€™s fill the day with happy faces, wagging tails, and a little extra joy all around. ๐Ÿ•โœจ

2 days ago

Phyliss DiLorenzo NJ State Captain

Phyliss DiLorenzo NJ State Captainanswered the question What is the best air purifier for COPD?

I have an Alen 45i air purifier. Going to purchase a second one for the bedroom. I have been moving the one I have into the bedroom at night, but now that the weather is getting warmer, and we will be opening windows, I think a second one is in order, so …
Caroline West Virginia State Captaindas23 also answered the question Caroline West Virginia State Captainand 1 other also answered the question

3 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

CORIANDER-MAPLE GLAZED CARROTS "A wonderful side dish to serve on Easter!"2 1/2 pounds rainbow carrots, halved crosswise; thick ends quartered2 tbsp. olive oil2 tsp. whole coriander seeds, crushedSalt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 1 1/2...

3 days ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

OK folks, we are down to the countdown.  Place your best bet for when we reach 65,000.  The winner will receive the  coveted ED award.  I might even have a go at one of his engineer formulaes.

3 days ago

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

3 days 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

3 days 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

3 days 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

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.