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

David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )answered the question Anyone have experience with atelectasis?

92 is in the normal range. Atelectasis is the term for lungs not fully inflated. Usual reason is that you did not take a deep breath during the scan ( but we can also see after surgery, related to cracked ribs, while recovering from a respiratory …

5 hours ago

RN1977

RN1977asked the question: Anyone have experience with atelectasis?

I have been having mild intermittent shortness of breath for about 10 days with 02 sat sometimes as low as 92, but then normal. Yesterday I had a CT of my lungs which showed mild atelectatisis. I am not sick nor have I been. I've taken NAC 500 mg daily …

6 hours ago

JD85

JD85answered the question Emphysematous Changes On CT Incidental Find

Additionally I've been told that 3 things could have caused this, smoking, COVID-19 and my time in Afghanistan, something called Iraq Afghanistan war lung injury, does anyone have a working knowledge of this? I know my US counterparts are seeing a lot of …
David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )Coach Brandon - Community Manager also answered the question David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )and 1 other also answered the question

9 hours ago

JD85

JD85asked the question: Emphysematous Changes On CT Incidental Find

Hey everyone, I'm 39, ex smoker with a 10 year pack history, quit 6 years ago, current military, so I had a viral infection (highly likely COVID) went to hospital as I couldn't breathe, this had been going on 6 weeks by this point. Ended up having a CT …

10 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿฅ„CARDAMOM OATMEAL๐Ÿฅ„3 cups water2 cups regular rolled oats3/4 tsp. ground cardamom1/2 tsp. salt1/4 tsp. pepper1 cup cashew milk1 cup plain yogurt3 tbsp. honey, divided 1 tsp. lime zest1/2 cup chopped roasted salted pistachios Combine the...

12 hours ago

BOB from Wales

BOB from Wales

I know all the advice but I can't do the things recommended. I'm severely depressed and just want to sit. I'm 76, diagnosed COPD 2 years ago. I can walk around but quickly get sob so can't walk far. Fatigue is severe for much of the day. Brain fog too, especially for at least an hour after waking up then again each time I eat. Every morning when I wake up I am overwhelmed with awful depression and anxiety abd seem to have no control over it. If something gets me doing things then I can be ok and this can go on for a few days. But when I relax I sink - after a day or two - back into that deep black hole that I can't climb out of. GP has tried so many antidepressants which haven't helped. Most gave me nasty side effects and she says no point in trying any more. I find it hard to get out for essential things and I just sit most days. Nothing interests me any more. In fact everything irritates me. It might be hard to understand but it's absolute agony. Don't know what to do. 

15 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainIt's wonderful Wednesday! 
Today is a win-win day for sure! Keep your eye on the prize, while enjoying all the little things along the way.  ๐Ÿ˜Š

19 hours ago

muddleaged

muddleagedanswered the question Any suggestions for High Ozone days?

Well - today ozone was 48 - too high for me - but it was so beautiful outside with strong breezes and mid 70s temperature, that I couldn't resist. I decided to test the N95 respirator mask with the continuous oxygen tank at 2L. I don't know if it worked. …
Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State CaptainDavid Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State Captain also answered the question Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captainand 2 others also answered the question

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainTabitha and my husband are becoming friends! ๐Ÿฆƒ 

1 day ago

gabriellegengler

gabriellegengler

Iโ€™m okay. My oxygen levels were low 82 without oxygen yesterday. High humidity, over exerting myself -vacuuming out my car for over 45 mins, shopping, cleaning. Iโ€™m wearing my oxygen 24/7 again. Iโ€™m very active, and Iโ€™m trying to strengthen my lungs. 

1 day ago

Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State Captain

Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State Captain

Went into the glass box today for my annual pfts.  No matter what the results I feel fortunate that I am here to take them at the age of 81.  

1 day ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

Please join me in calling your Congressional Senators and Representative about the important issue mentioned below, the SOAR Act.  REALLY important that patients be able to get the O2 they need!

1 day ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

I was on the SOAR Act call today.  I also called all my 2 Senators as well as my 2 Representatives to ask them cosponsor the Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform (SOAR) Act.  It is S1406 and HR2902 to reform supplemental oxygen in Medicare, so patients can get the oxygen system that allows them to continue to contribute to society.  


People who want to call the Capitol Switchboard to reach their DC officers for Congress can call (202)224-3121 and ask or look up numbers in their phone books under Federal Offices or search www.congress.gov to find their congress persons.

1 day ago

TWA

TWA

Hello everyone, im 68 diagnosed 
12 years ago, did Trelogy for several years. Dr. Put me on Breztri 2 puffs a day to cut down on anxiety issues and better breathing. What can i expect been doing for about a week not much help yet

1 day ago

Kattlyne

Kattlyne

Hello everyone! I'm really needing some support. I threw away my cigarettes yesterday and after 8 or so months of smoking, my breathing problems have returned with a vengence! Im using my inhaler alot, feeling very short winded and scared. Alot is going on with my 18 year old daughter and she needs me! Im not picking those smokes up again! I bought lots of nicotine gum and am chewing that. I hope and pray i can get back to breathing well again. I wish i wouldnt have done this to myself. Its a scary feeling to be short of breath.  Im only 55 years old and want to enjoy my life. Im also expecting my first grandchild in November.  

1 day ago

Community Announcements

Community Announcementsadded a new article Feeling stressed may lead to worsened respiratory symptoms, decreased quality of life

New study examines how perceived stress impacts respiratory health, other factors associated with COPD

Miami (April 29, 2025) - Increased perceived stress may cause worsened respiratory symptoms and decreased quality of life in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to a new study. The study is published in the March 2025 issue of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: Journal of the COPD Foundation, a peer-reviewed, open-access journal.

1 day ago

lizjb

lizjb

Ruth.  Iโ€™m concerned.   my pulmonologist switched me from symbicort and spiriva to Trelegy 200.  Same time she switched me from albuterol to Combivent (albuterol and ipratropium)  Iโ€™m considered moderate Copd.  
First, the web says 200 is not for copd, only asthma??   and second it says never take both trelegy and combivent as they have same ingred and dangerous to use both ?? please explain why she would do this?   Iโ€™m concerned I would be overdoing that ingredient. 

1 day ago

  • NewestOldest
  • Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State CaptainI think this is a question that you should be asking your doctor - we are all different, and we cannot give you medical advice.  1 day ago
  • Mike Hess, RRT (COPDF Senior Director of Advocacy & Regulatory Affairs)The 200 strength of Trelegy only has an FDA approval for asthma. That doesn't necessarily mean that it absolutely cannot be used for COPD, but that it hasn't gone through the same level of clinical trials. Many meds are used "off-label" at the discretion of your prescriber if they think it could really benefit you. In general, COPD care has been moving away from heavy use of inhaled steroids, but a lot of people with COPD also have airways inflammation like what's seen in asthma, so they can be helpful in certain cases. 

    The Combivent angle is a little trickier. Both Combivent and Trelegy do have what's called a muscarinic antagonist bronchodilator; Combivent's (ipratropium) is short-acting and Trelegy's (umeclidinium) is long-acting. They also both have the other kind of bronchodilator; the vilanterol in Trelegy is a long-acting beta-agonist bronchodilator, and albuterol is a short-acting one.  There tends to be more caution around doubling up with the muscarinic antagonists because they can, on occasion, lead to things like dry mouth, urinary retention, and blurred vision. In extreme cases, it can lead to more severe side effects like glaucoma. That said, many people can benefit from the extra "boost" (just like they do with albuterol). As always, it comes down to weighing the risks versus the benefits.

    I would definitely share your concerns with your prescriber, though! She is really the only one who can truly explain the "why" for your particular case.1 day ago
Wildebeest

Wildebeestanswered the question Devices to help with FEV1 and FVC, and breathlessness?

I can't advise on any devices but I think the most useful way to improve (or at least maintain) lung function is actual physical exercise to the best of your ability given whatever constraints you have to work with. Exercise will not only benefit your …
HIcopd - Hawaii State CaptainCaroline West Virginia State Captaindas23and 2 others also answered the question HIcopd - Hawaii State Captainand 4 others also answered the question

1 day ago

lizjb

lizjbanswered the question Anyone else on 24/7 nebulization of albuterol sulfate?

my doc put me on combivent (albuterol and ipratropium) said it was stronger than just albuterol. but I am also on Trelegy and everything i read says donโ€™t use these with each other cause they have the same ingredient in them and it shouldnโ€™t be used …
David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation ) also answered the question David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation ) also answered the question

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐ŸฝBERRY GOOD CHICKEN OVER GREENS๐ŸฝFour 4-ounce chicken cutlets 1 tsp. salt, divided1/2 tsp. pepper, divided 2 tbsp. olive oil1 tsp. lime zest, plus 1 tbsp. lime juice 2 tsp. honeyOne 5-ounce package mixed salad greens1 cup sliced strawberries 1 cup...

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainIt's nice to think of others. I wouldn't have it any other way. But, don't forget to take some time out for yourself. It really is important for your emotional well-being. 
Each day is a gift. Open that gift and make the most of it!
Have a terrific Tuesday, everyone! ๐Ÿ˜Š

1 day ago

cac

cacI've been doing some research on the internet and found this site to be helpful and interesting.  Maybe others will also:
https://www.healthline.com/health/copd/alternative-treatments
Lots of info as you read and click thru.

2 days ago

JeanO53

JeanO53Saw this young Cooper's Hawk this afternoon!

2 days ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State CaptainHi All - I'm also an advocate for the American Lung Association and they wrote an article about me and my daughter - Long Distance Caregiving. I thought I'd share it with you:

https://www.lung.org/blog/copd-long-distance-caregivers

How Long-Distance Caregivers Can Make Living with COPD Easier

Long-distance caregivers can help manage a loved oneโ€™s finances, organize their medical appointments, coordinate with other caregivers and offer emotional support.

2 days ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

 
๐ŸŒŸ Happy Monday, everyone! ๐ŸŒŸ

A brand new week is like a fresh page โ€“ and we get to decide what we want to write on it. Even small wins, like taking a few extra deep breaths, smiling at someone (or your pet ๐Ÿถ๐Ÿฑ), or checking one thing off your list, are huge victories worth celebrating!

A couple tips to make the week a little easier with COPD:

๐Ÿ‘‰ Pace yourself: Break tasks into smaller steps and take breathing breaks when you need to.
๐Ÿ‘‰ Stay hydrated: Even sipping water throughout the day can help keep mucus thinner and make breathing a bit easier.

Hereโ€™s a bonus tip just for life in general:

๐Ÿ‘‰ Pick one thing to look forward to each day โ€“ even something small, like a favorite snack, a chat with a friend, or a few minutes of fresh air. Little sparks of joy can light up the whole day.

You've already made today better just by being here. ๐Ÿ’™
Wishing you strength, smiles, and some good belly laughs to start the week strong!

(And if today feels a little wonky โ€“ itโ€™s okay. Some days are about just breathing through it, and that is more than enough. You've got this!)

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿ”ถ๏ธSEARED SALMON WITH GINGER-CORN SALSA๐Ÿ”ถ๏ธ2 tbsp. olive oil, divided 4 six-ounce skin-on salmon fillers1 tsp. salt, divided3/4 tsp. pepper, divided 2 cups fresh corn kernels2 tsp. grated fresh ginger2 tbsp. chopped cilantro, plus more for garnish1...

2 days ago

ladybug5519

ladybug5519

Can any one recommend some easy but good reading material on learning more about COPD?  I realize that there is a lot of info on the net, but I would rather have a book of my own so I can take notes if something catches my attention.  Thanks.

2 days ago

ladybug5519

ladybug5519commented onWhat is the Difference Between Emphysema and Lung Cancer?

Loved what you wrote. Right on!...

2 days ago

ladybug5519

ladybug5519commented onWhat is the Difference Between Emphysema and Lung Cancer?

Very well said. Your words brought me great comfort. Thank you....

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.