COPD360social welcomes new member Susan Dodds who joins 64,450 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

baileymccrary

baileymccraryHi everyone! According to the white paper "COPD in America" by the COPD Action Alliance, half of individuals living with COPD remain undiagnosed, limiting treatment options and worsening outcomes. The COPD Foundation has resources for those diagnosed with COPD here: https://www.copdfoundation.org/Learn-More/I-am-New-to-COPD/Newly-Diagnosed.aspx 

How can we reach the millions of Americans who are undiagnosed and living with COPD?

Newly Diagnosed with COPD

Once you know you have COPD and begin treatment, there are many things you should consider doing. These tips will not only help improve your breathing but may slow down your disease.

15 hours ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐ŸŽ‰โœจ Hello, New Year โ€” and hello to all of you! โœจ๐ŸŽ‰

As we step into a brand-new year with COPD360social, thereโ€™s something really powerful about turning the page together. A new year doesnโ€™t mean we have to reinvent ourselves โ€” sometimes it just means choosing one small goal, one hopeful step, or one thing that helps us feel a little stronger moving forward.

Maybe your goal is to learn something new, move a little more, rest a little better, connect with others, or simply give yourself more grace. Every goal counts, no matter the size โ€” and you donโ€™t have to walk toward it alone.

This community is full of encouragement, shared wisdom, laughter, and heart. As we look ahead, letโ€™s keep cheering one another on, celebrating the wins (big and small), and supporting each other through the ups and downs.

Hereโ€™s to a year filled with connection, strength, and moments that remind us just how resilient we are โ€” together. ๐Ÿ’™

Whatโ€™s one small goal youโ€™re carrying into this new year?

3 days ago

ChefK

ChefK

Hi everyone that messaged. 
I am doing better now. Thank you. I went to the doctor on Friday and my doctor filled Prednisone, azithromycin, and duo nebs for me. She did have a telephone appointment with me yesterday. Turns out I have the new flu variant. She had her suspicions....hence the Monday phone call. 

1 hour ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Tuesday, everyone! Yes! Today I choose to be filled with joy! I am elated because you've decided to join us here on 360Social! ๐Ÿ˜€
A great big smile, along with a positive outlook, will help to spread some sunshine all throughout the day! 
Keep on smiling, and keep on going, friends! ๐Ÿ˜ƒ๐ŸŒž๐Ÿ˜ƒ๐ŸŒž

2 hours ago

Djrose

Djrose asked the question: Severe COPD, abuteral and Afrin alternative

I have severe COPD and type 2 diabetes, Iโ€™m on breztri 2 times a day and abuteral as needed. Iโ€™m congested most of the time and got hooked on Afrin. I still get short of breath doing minor things around the house and was wondering if there is an …

4 hours ago

Nfl

Nfl

Itโ€™s been 8 months my husband stage 4 emohesema BODE score of 9. On contnous oxygen flow. Developed cellulitis. Still smoking 5 packs a day. Cheyenne stokes every night 

9 hours ago

LadyG

LadyG

Hello All,
I'm not sure if anyone reads these besides the most amazing, Miss Caroline but I gotta try so I'm gonna send this out into the universe. 
I am on Bevespi and Levealbuterol. Does anyone have experience. and/or issues with Bevespi possibly making their COPD symptoms worse? I am asking because today I was in the Emergency Room all day and when I left I felt a little bit better. Not great, but a bit better. As the afternoon progressed, I started to feel a tiny bit more like myself. My oxygen was steady at 97%-98% and I thought I was starting to see some sort of improvement. However, at 7:30 pm I took my usual dose of Bevespi and now I'm feeling awful again. My O2 isn't that bad but my ears started ringing so loud and I just felt crappy again. Has this happened to anyone else? Am I going crazy? Any advice would really be great. 

9 hours ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captainanswered the question Different Spiriva types

netmouse Over the years I've used both Spiriva delivery devices. The Respimat is not a new device, but it is more recent than the handihaler device. Both of them contain the Spiriva medication, simply in a different delivery form.
DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain also answered the question DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain also answered the question

11 hours ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captainanswered the question Head Pressure/Pain when coughing

I see that Karen has already suggested that you might have a sinus infection. Your head becomes so congested that coughing increases the pressure and causes the pain.
Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain also answered the question Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain also answered the question

11 hours ago

netmouse

netmouseasked the question: Different Spiriva types

Which form of Spriva do you use or have used? 1. Spiriva Respimat : A soft mist inhaler or 2. Spiriva HandiHaler : A dry powder inhaler I'm trying to decide. The first is not in stock at CVS and they have to order it. So maybe it is really new …

13 hours ago

Jonnie Korinko (COPDF Director of Education)

Jonnie Korinko (COPDF Director of Education)answered the question I need help/advice with Medicare billing

Hi Wvhickchicks, Patient Advocate Foundation has free case management, and they can help you figure out how to get your nebulizer solution. You can fill out this online form or call them at +1 (800) 532-5274. I hope that it gets figured out soon!
WvhickchicksJeanO53David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )and 2 others also answered the question Wvhickchicksand 4 others also answered the question

18 hours ago

Jonnie Korinko (COPDF Director of Education)

Jonnie Korinko (COPDF Director of Education)answered the question Struggling with increasing shortness of breath โ€” looking for tips and support

Hi there, mehiked. Like many others have said, I recommend calling your doctor. You may be having a lung attack (exacerbation), or maybe your symptoms are getting worse over time. Either way, there may be either treatment for the lung attack, or …
Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State CaptainRickrdas23 also answered the question Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captainand 2 others also answered the question

18 hours ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

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

My grocery had boneless, skinless chicken breasts on sale this weekend (BOGO) and so I have all the ingredients to make this dish. It sounds easy and delicious. Thanks, Debbie....

21 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿฝ๐Ÿ‹BAKED LEMON CHICKEN๐Ÿ‹๐Ÿฝ4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 3 tbsp. butter1/3 cup chicken broth 4 tbsp. lemon juice1 tbsp. honey2 tsp. minced garlic 1 tsp. Italian seasoning Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Garnishes: Fresh...

22 hours ago

Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State Captain

Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State Captain

user mabelnsanfords is bogus.  ad for a male enhancement product.

23 hours ago

Michael C

Michael C

I feeling good but not great.   I have a persistent cough since August 10th 2025 that refuses to leave my body.   It's the result of many years of smoking.   It's a cold day in Dublin today so staying indoors all day is my plan. 


Happy New Year to one and all.

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Monday, friends!
Keep your "to do" list in a straight line. Manage your health, stay active, and eat a healthy diet!
Winter is the ideal time to go through your pantry! Use the oldest foods first. Plan what kinds of meals you can create with things you have on hand. Prepare meals and freeze them in separate portions. 
Accomplishments...Don't you just love them?!
Have an awesome, inspiring day, everyone! ๐Ÿ˜€

1 day ago

James M

James Masked the question: Head Pressure/Pain when coughing

Hi all! Does anyone have any suggestions on how to treat head pressure/pain from coughing? This is not a regular Headache, but instead it is a painful sharp pain each time I cough. This makes me suffer all day since I cough during the day and during my …

1 day ago

James M

James M

Hi all! Does anyone have any suggestions on how to treat head pressure/pain from coughing? This is not a regular Headache, but instead it is a painful sharp pain each time I cough. This makes me suffer all day since I cough during the day and during my nebulizer sessions , which I do twice a day. I have tried Tylenol, warm and cold compresses on both the side of the head where the pain exists and also on the neck. I have also been using Voltaren which also doesn't seem to help. Lately I have been trying Red Light therapy on my neck. Nothing seems to help. I would appreciate and suggestions. Thank you!

1 day ago

LadyG

LadyG

HELLO ALL,
So I started doing better, thanks to all of the suggestions on here, I FINALLY got on the right medications; (Bevespi and Levalbuterol) and for awhile all has been well. That was until last Tuesday. If you have been with me for a hot minute than you know that I have A LOT of health issues and due to severe Ankylosing Spondylitis I am preparing for major back surgery. On Tuesday I had to have an MRI at Jackson's Hospital in Miami Florida. Because of the severe kyphosis in my spine, getting the MRI done required general anesthesia. All was well the day of the anesthesia and the day after that but on the third day, ALL HELL BROKE LOOSE and I am in the worst exacerbation I have ever had. Yes, I am following my plan, yet I have been in and out of the Emergency Room six times in three days. My ears are ringing so loud I can't stand it, hands and feet are going numb, pulsatile tinnitus is really bad, my heart is racing and pounding nonstop, weird pin prick type pains all over my entire body, I can't sleep at all in 5 days now! I am really going through it and have been sobbing inconsolably nonstop! I am absolutely miserable. Any suggestions would be so appreciated. I don't know if I can handle all this. Does anyone have symptoms this badly? Why are my ears ringing so badly? How long will this last? Please.....

1 day ago

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  • brydyHi LadyG, I am sorry to hear of all you are going through. What you describe arent symptoms that I have experienced, for me its an increase in shortness of breath, fatigue & sometimes mucus. was the ER able to determine what is going on? maybe you could give your doctor a call in the morning if these symptoms persist. sorry to be of little help but I did want to say that I hope you feel better very soon! 1 day ago
  • LadyGHey Caroline, 
    I was back in the Emergency Room all day again. Apparently I am having symptoms of hypoxia and PVC's which "can be common with COPD" according to the Emergency Room. I did put in a call and email to my pulmonologist but, unfortunately, he is out til next week. I'm on the struggle bus really hard!9 hours ago
Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

I'm tired - but it's a GOOD tired.  My oldest granddaughter came for the weekend and we were busy!!  Out to lunch yesterday, then grocery shopping, then went to the movies, then out to dinner.  Today we took down all of my Christmas decorations and put back everything I had taken down to make room for the Christmas decor.  Funny thing, everytime I said, yep, that's all and we closed up the tote boxes, I found more.  Three times I found things I had forgotten to take down!!  So then we had lunch here (I cooked ham & beans & cornbread)  and then she had to leave to head back home (it's a 3-hour drive).  I hadn't seen her since August when we flew to Seattle to my sister's.  But next time will be next month when all my family will be getting together for my 80th birthday.  I'm really excited about that.


Back in 2001 when I was told I had severe to very severe COPD (and didn't even know what it was), I Googled and Dr. Google  scared the you-know-what out of me.  I didn't think I'd live another 5 years.  And here I am, some 25+ years later, still going strong, evven though still in the very severe stage.


So, please, to all our new members, newly diagnosed, do all you can to stay healthy - take your meds as prescribed, exercise, get vaccinated, eat a healthy diet, and DON'T believe Dr. Google!!

1 day ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

I feel lousy, so I am taking some OTC medication and resting, which is what my COPD Action Plan calls for.  If the mucus changes color or I feel worse, I will contact my doctor or go to a nearby urgent care facility.  My main symptom at the moment is coughing, and I have absolutely no energy.

1 day ago

David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )

David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )answered the question Does atelectasis warrants a bronchoscopy?

I think most Pulmonologists would recommend a CT scan first. We typically do NOT do a bronchoscopy for atelectasis in isolation. Atelectasis, however, can be related to some blockage in the airway ( which would warrant doing a bronchoscopy). CT is the …
Caroline West Virginia State Captaindas23 also answered the question Caroline West Virginia State Captainand 1 other also answered the question

1 day ago

Janeholbeck

Janeholbeck

๐Ÿ˜€

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Sunday, everyone!
Before you venture out into the cold, please be sure to bundle up and cover your face! 
Have a pleasant, easy breathing day! ๐Ÿ˜€

2 days ago

Julie66

Julie66

๐Ÿ˜’ I'm looking for support to tell my story and hear stories from others

2 days ago

ChefK

ChefK

I am ok. In the middle of a COPD exacerbation.

2 days ago

Tom thumb

Tom thumb

Im new to this group and also new to copd . I have questions about what the best vacuum cleaners are with copd . I clean kitchen and bathroom because they are both tile floors  . When the wife vacuums the whole house i have to leave because if i stay i cant breath easy for 2 day's . Looking for some suggestions on vacuums and air purifiers that everyone recommends.  Thank you

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Saturday, friends! You certainly are amazing, in many ways! ๐Ÿคฉ
Enjoy your day! ๐Ÿ˜€

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.