COPD360social welcomes new member DeadPriest who joins 64,792 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community ManagerVMOTWW today โ€” letโ€™s kick off March with a bang! ๐ŸŒฑ

Spring is starting to peek around the corner, even if winter is still hanging on in some places. So today feels like a great time to share the views that energize you and give you that little boost.

Whether itโ€™s snowy mountains, a quiet lake, the first flowers popping up, or those trees just starting to turn green again โ€” weโ€™d love to see the places that help invigorate your spirit.

Drop your View from My Corner of the World below and letโ€™s travel a little together today. ๐Ÿ“ธ๐ŸŒŽ

Who knowsโ€ฆ we might even start seeing the first signs of spring popping up! ๐ŸŒท

19 hours ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager๐Ÿ’Š Quick Question for Our Community

Have you signed up for the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (MPPP), sometimes called โ€œsmoothingโ€?

Itโ€™s meant to spread out your Part D medication costs over the year instead of paying more upfront.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Have you enrolled? Why or why not?
๐Ÿ‘‰ If you have, has it helped?

Your experience might really help someone else whoโ€™s trying to decide. As always, share only what youโ€™re comfortable with. 

https://www.copdfoundation.org/COPD360social/Community/Questions-and-Answers/Have-you-signed-up-for-the-Medicare-Prescription-Payment-Plan-MPPP-.aspx

Have you signed up for the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (MPPP)?โ€‚

Have you signed up for the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (MPPP), also called smoothing? Why or why not?

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Thursday! Wake up with a positive outlook! Put on that great big smile! You now have an I CAN DO IT attitude. Yes, you CAN accomplish many things! And, after you do, be sure to pat yourself on the back, and reward yourself with a nice, healthy treat! You deserve it! ๐Ÿ˜ƒ

16 minutes ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

We are a little more than 200 away from 65,000.  I"m not ready to make a guess, but the countdown is about to begin.

5 hours ago

ktm390

ktm390 answered the question PROGNOSIS

Hi I'm 70 like you diagnosed 4 years ago mild emphysema just had another ct scan still report mild doctor says like everyone here don't smoke take care oc yourself and thats about all you can do i was freaked out and terrified about how long before …
CodyjamesBill Clark - Community ManagerDEE777and 3 others also answered the question Codyjamesand 5 others also answered the question

9 hours ago

Kmcnamara68

Kmcnamara68answered the question Bronchiolitis obliterans-Any feedback would be much appreciated.

Even though I was riding stationary bike for 30 minutes at 20 mph 6 months ago, I doubt I could do any cpet at this time with o2 dropping at rest
David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation ) also answered the question David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation ) also answered the question

12 hours ago

Arnelle Konde (COPDF Education Coordinator)

Arnelle Konde (COPDF Education Coordinator)asked the question: Check-In: Commonly Asked Questions About Pulmonary Rehab

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a program designed to help people living with COPD or other chronic lung conditions feel better and breathe easier. Today, we are answering some questions to help you decide if PR is right for you. What happens in a …

13 hours ago

Community Announcements

Community Announcementsadded a new article People with COPD commonly misuse medications

Cost, lack of knowledge contribute to poor disease management and worse patient outcomes

Miami (March 4, 2026) - Medication nonadherence among people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a result of affordability and lack of knowledge about medications, among other factors, and leads to increased exacerbations and faster lung function decline, according to two new studies. The studies are published in the January 2026 issue of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: Journal of the COPD Foundation, a peer-reviewed, open access journal.

COPD, which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, affects more than 30 million Americans and is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide. It can be caused by genetics and irritants like smoke or pollution.

Inhaled medicines can help improve symptoms and reduce exacerbations. However, studies have shown that approximately 43% to 58.7% of people do not take their medication as prescribed by their physician, leading to higher rates of hospital admissions and increased mortality.

16 hours ago

Community Announcements

Community Announcementsadded a new article What the New ATS Pulmonary Rehabilitation Guidelines Mean for Clinicians

This post was written by Mike Hess, MPH, RRT, RPFT.

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) has long been recognized as one of the most effective interventions for people living with chronic lung disease. It is also one of the most under-utilized and inconsistently applied interventions. One person's PR experience can be vastly different from another's, and much of the previous body of research was based exclusively on PR in the setting of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This has led to tremendous inequalities and access issues for many across the country.

17 hours ago

Kmcnamara68

Kmcnamara68asked the question: Bronchiolitis obliterans-Any feedback would be much appreciated.

Okay, I was suspected of having this in 2017 but it was never confirmed. Me going downhill so fast in last 6 months as in physically and o2 levels randomly dropping is not supported by my most recent pft. I did have hrct done which was normal, but I …

19 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿ๐ŸRED CABBAGE WITH APPLES๐Ÿ๐ŸHalf of a small sweet onion, finely diced 3 1/2 cups shredded red cabbage2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and grated 1/2 tbsp. butter1/4 tsp. ground cloves 1/2 tbsp. red wine vinegar 1/4 cup orange juiceHeat the...

19 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Wednesday! Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the Woodstock flock are all patiently waiting for everyone so they can wish all of you an excellent, easy breathing day! ๐Ÿ˜€

1 day ago

Kerry111

Kerry111

Hi everyone Iโ€™m 30 years old was diagnosed recently with mild emphaesyma I was a baby smoker I stopped 2 years ago but I vape , my doctor didnโ€™t tell me I emphaesyma showed in the scan until I went one day and told them I was short of breath thought it was the smoking but giving it up helped reduce symptoms but I cannot exert myself which is really frustrating me, Iโ€™m worried wat the future will hold will I see my 50s is it worse than mild as I was out on a inhaler and had to go private for a spirometry I have been waiting 6 months on the list with my own dr to get one the private spirometer came back normal do I really have mild emphaseyma is it something else they seen on my scan I havnt much faith in them as they didnโ€™t even tell me I had it and also is the inhaler making the spirometer normal ? Iโ€™m worried sick and I live on my own finding it hard to give up the vape now but I know I got to give it up at some stage hopefully not when itโ€™s to late 

1 day ago

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

David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )answered the question HRCT scan results

That report makes a major lung disease much less likely (nothing is ever 100%). Cardiac causes are still possible. You may ask about getting a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET).
Kmcnamara68 also answered the question Kmcnamara68 also answered the question

1 day ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

National โ€œI Want You to Be Happyโ€ Day ๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ’™

Today is simpleโ€ฆ and powerful.

I want you to be happy.
Not โ€œperfect dayโ€ happy.
Not โ€œeverything is easyโ€ happy.
Just real-life, breathing-through-it, doing-the-best-we-can happy.

Living with COPD, bronchiectasis, NTM -- or caring for someone who does -- isnโ€™t always light. So today feels like a good day to talk about intentional happiness.

Here are a few gentle ideas for both patients and caregivers:

๐ŸŒฌ๏ธ For patients:

Step outside (even for 2โ€“5 minutes) and take slow, supported breaths. Fresh air + paced breathing can shift your whole mood.

Play a song that lifts you -- even if you just sway in your chair.

Text someone in this community and say, โ€œThinking of you.โ€

Celebrate something small: good sats, finishing airway clearance, making it through a tough morning.

๐Ÿค For caregivers:

Take 10 guilt-free minutes just for you. Sit. Breathe. Quiet.

Accept help if itโ€™s offered -- happiness sometimes looks like sharing the load.

Do one thing thatโ€™s only for your joy today (music, walk, call a friend, favorite snack).

Remember: your well-being matters just as much.

๐Ÿ’™ And for all of usโ€ฆ

Happiness doesnโ€™t have to be big. It can be:

A fluffy pet beside you

A steady breathing day

A laugh during Coffee Break

A message that reminds you youโ€™re not alone

Letโ€™s make this interactive:

โœจ Drop ONE thing that helps you feel a little happier on hard days.
โœจ Or tag someone here and tell them, โ€œI want you to be happy.โ€

You never know whose day you might gently lift.

I want you to be happy. Truly.
And Iโ€™m really grateful we get to do this together!

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿ„โ€๐ŸŸซWILD RICE WITH MUSHROOMS๐Ÿ„โ€๐ŸŸซ3 tbsp. unsalted butter, divided Half of a small onion, finely diced 2 1/2 cups wild rice 5 cups lower sodium chicken broth 1 tbsp. olive oil 8 ounces sliced white button mushrooms 8 ounces sliced shiitake...

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Terrific Tuesday, friends! I hope everyone will enjoy this fine Winter day! Keep on smiling! Do you know that you are at your very best when you smile?!! ๐Ÿ˜ƒ

2 days ago

Codyjames

Codyjames

Has anyone lived long with 20% lung function? I was born with COPD due to complications at birth. Iโ€™m 38 years old. I went 30 years without seeing a pulmonologist but this past Christmas I got pneumonia and it was suggested I go see one. A week ago I had a pulmonary function test and a ct scan that said I had severe bronchiectisis and a FEV1 of 20%. The first time meeting the pulmonologist he told me I would be on a ventilator in 4-5 years and referred me to a lung transplant facility. I was shocked. And now Iโ€™m terrified Iโ€™m gonna die in a couple years

2 days ago

Kmcnamara68

Kmcnamara68asked the question: HRCT scan results

So I received my hrct scan results of lungs which I guess is a very detailed test and the results were as follows: NO PARENCHYMAL LUNG DISEASE IS IDENTIFIED. NO FINDINGS TO ACCOUNT FOR THE PATIENT'S CLINICAL SYMPTOMS ARE APPARENT. So is this good? Does …

2 days ago

Kattlyne

Kattlyne

Hi, everyone! I hope everyone is doing well. I continue to relapse on cigarettes every time I get overly-stressed. I usually make a pack last for 3 days to one week. and then I go back to nicotine gum. Most recently, I was worried because I still had swollen tonsils and lymph nodes following a bad upper respiratory virus back in December. It lasted about 3 weeks and then cleared up, but my glands stayed swollen for 9 weeks. My doctor ordered a CT scan of my neck and soft tissue last wednesday. Thankfully, it came back normal except it was noted that I have: "Mild patchy opacities in the bilateral lung apices, pulmonary parenchymal scarring
versus developing infiltrates".  (this scan only showed the top part of my lungs). I've had chest xrays and scans in the past, though it's been about 5 years or so,  and scarring has been noted on my lower lungs and possibly on upper as well. I guess if my doctor is worried about it he would order more testing.? This just re-affirms to me that smoking is not an option for me. I'm wondering if any of you also have lung scarring? 

2 days ago

Mary22

Mary22answered the question Newbie questions, please help

Hi, So sorry for your struggles. I went through something similar when my brother passed. I found myself on the couch, SOB, and could feel every breath I took, as though someone was sitting on my chest. When I went to my pulmonologist, in addition to …
Cindy409David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain also answered the question Cindy409and 2 others also answered the question

2 days ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Managerasked the question: Have you signed up for the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (MPPP)?โ€‚

Have you signed up for the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (MPPP), also called smoothing? Why or why not?

2 days ago

Community Announcements

Community Announcementsadded a new article Energy Conservation Techniques in Pulmonary Rehabilitation

This article was written by Tara Shedor, MA.

As we recognize Pulmonary Rehab Week - our annual opportunity to shine a united spotlight on the benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation for our lung health community - we realize the idea of attending pulmonary rehab may also come with questions. If you've ever asked yourself, "How could I possibly find the energy to participate in pulmonary rehab?" You are not alone!

Dr. Farzeen Wadia helps provide some strategies that may be useful for assisting in the addition of a new physical activity such as pulmonary rehabilitation.

Dr. Farzeen Wadia is a Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapist from Pune, India and a passionate advocate and Captain for the COPD Foundation. She has extensive clinical experience working with people with COPD and other chronic respiratory conditions and is committed to empowering patients through education and support.

2 days ago

okypoke

okypoke

This year my Part D moved my Breztri inhaler to a tier 3 making it $135 per refill. To get a decent price on another inhaler I had to go to a generic Symbicort or Advair. I have used both in the past and were not effective. I have appealed this once, was denied, and am currently on a "rededetermination". Has anyone else experienced this?

2 days ago

netmouse

netmouseanswered the question Follow-up to Analysis to find a safe inhaler

Phyliss - those are the side effects that I did have after trying each drug.
Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain also answered the question Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain also answered the question

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

Karen, many of us have peanut butter on hand. This recipe is easy to do! It's great to have a snack on hand, ready to go!...

2 days ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

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

That's a great recipe for Peanut Butter Day!! And, using creamy PB!! My favorite kind....

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

โœด๏ธEASY PEANUT BUTTER BALLSโœด๏ธ1/2 cup creamy peanut butter 1/2 cup honey3/4 cup nonfat powdered milk3/4 cup quick cooking oats Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Using your CLEAN ๐Ÿงผ hands, roll the mixture into 18 balls, about the size of...

2 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.