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Community Announcements

Community Announcementsadded a new article Cognitive and physical limitations affect inhaler use in COPD

Ability to use inhalers correctly, breath-holding after inhalation can significantly improve treatment benefit

Miami (July 9, 2026) - Cognitive function, hand dexterity, and breathing ability play an important role in helping people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) use their inhalers correctly, according to a new study. The study is published in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society.

COPD comprises several conditions, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and can be caused by genetics and irritants like smoke or pollution. The disease affects more than 30 million Americans and is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide.

Inhaled medications are commonly prescribed for people with COPD; however, studies have shown inhalers are frequently misused. This misuse can lead to inadequate medication delivery and an increase in COPD symptoms.

The multi-center INHALE (Impairments that Affect Correct Inhaler Use in COPD) study evaluated 503 people with COPD across 9 U.S. clinical sites to understand whether impaired cognitive function, manual dexterity, and inhalation ability contributed to inhaler misuse, as well as whether inhaler technique affected bronchodilation. INHALE is led by the COPD Foundation Nebulizer Consortium.

6 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐ŸŸกPARMESAN BAKED YELLOW SQUASH๐ŸŸก2 medium yellow squashGarlic salt to tasteFreshly ground black pepper to taste 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Place an oven rack in the center position of the oven. Preheat the...

8 hours ago

ktm390

ktm390

I'm having a good day I wish everyone to have the day with air in their lungs and to try to be ok without being ok as far as limitation its unfortunately something i have to adjust to its ok to get angry its ok to be sad use this forum to sound off we understand and want to support you 





9 hours ago

netmouse

netmouseanswered the question Can anyone interpret these latest blood tests

I think this needs a discussion with the medical doctors overseeing this patient.

10 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainYay! It's Thursday! 
Wishing all of the wonderful people here on 360Social a pleasant, easy breathing day! ๐Ÿ˜Š

13 hours ago

bency

bencyanswered the question Hello by a New Community Lover

Thank you all for the warm welcome! I really appreciate the kind words and friendly atmosphere. I'll definitely check out the resources under the Learn More section and look forward to learning from everyone's experiences and joining the discussions. …
das23Caroline West Virginia State Captainbrydyand 1 other also answered the question das23and 3 others also answered the question

14 hours ago

TJ69

TJ69answered the question Does anyone have constant Air hunger/sighing dyspnea

I have had this occasinal problem as well and mine was mostly related to technique of inhaling Advair (generic). When I do it right I can get that deep breath with no problem but if I don't I may have to turn to Albuterol nebulizer which does then help. …
WildebeestMike99Young98 also answered the question Wildebeestand 2 others also answered the question

17 hours ago

ALouise

ALouiseasked the question: Can anyone interpret these latest blood tests

Can someone interpret these latest blood results and a prognosis with declining BIPAP or ventilator and choosing comfort care. Heโ€™s sleeping alot and experiencing confusion. PCO2 greater than 100 normal range 35-45 Ph level 7.27 normal 7.35 - 7.45 …

18 hours ago

ChrissyLu

ChrissyLu

Is there a way for me to filter parts of the group members' conversations based on specific key issues,(dealing with anger, exhaustion, etc.?)  Since I last shared with the group, we've had a couple more ER visits; plus drive-arounds to get this dr to sign this paperwork to get the insurance to approve this medication/machine, etc.  I know you all have gone thru this.  My husband is working to grasp his dx. My dad was great at understanding medically-based anger; me--not feeling it.  The anger from  the person with the diagnosis is horrible, [as you already know] & I realize I cannot do enough to calm the anger.  I know it's not my husband's fault he has COPD; but it's not mine either; yet I don't feel I have the patience to do this   after having done this once with my mom, who is still alive,. Thanks to group suggestions, I've started getting a couple hrs help/week, have accepted my home's "reality 101" design, have reached out to a mental health counselor , & am addressing my own significant medical needs.  Today my husband & I talked with our financial advisor on how to update our DNR paperwork, etc. & I think that's what triggered today's anger.  This is not going to go away for any of us in this group, and neither is our love for our particular "patient".  How do other members in this group deal with this perplexing situation?  To repeat my question at the beginning of the post-is there a way to filter conversations such that I could find those related to a certain topic? (anger/self-care/griefing/exhaustion)?  Thx ahead of time for any responses.  I wish all of you the best in your respective journeys..

23 hours ago

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

David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )answered the question When to treat a flare up?

While most (70-80%) exacerbations are related to infections (half viral, half bacterial), the rest are related to irritants or other unknown factors. For the later, antibiotics have no real effect. Typically, we treat these exacerbation events with …
brydyWildebeest also answered the question brydyand 1 other also answered the question

1 day ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Managerโž— Happy Math 2.0 Day! โž•

Some math problems just can't be solved with a calculator... especially when COPD or caregiving is involved! ๐Ÿ˜„

Here's a little "COPD Math" to celebrate the day:

๐Ÿซ Oxygen tubing + one office chair = An unexpected tug-of-war.

๐Ÿ’จ One nebulizer treatment + your favorite TV show = Time well spent.

๐Ÿ” One missing inhaler + five minutes of searching = It was on the kitchen counter all along.

๐Ÿพ One curious pet + oxygen tubing = Instant obstacle course.

๐Ÿ˜‚ One good laugh + friends who understand = The best medicine for the soul.

โค One encouraging comment + this community = A reminder that none of us has to do this alone.

Now it's your turn!

If you could write your own "COPD Math" equation, what would it be?

Maybe it's...

โ˜• Coffee + a quiet morning = A great start to the day.

๐ŸŒ… Sunrise + fresh air = A moment of peace.

๐Ÿค— Grandkids + hugs = Pure joy.

๐Ÿถ Dog walks + lots of sniffing breaks = Worth every minute.

There are no wrong answersโ€”just everyday moments that add up to life.

I'd love to hear your funniest, sweetest, or most relatable "COPD Math" equation in the comments! โž•๐Ÿ’™

1 day ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager๐ŸŒŽ๐Ÿ“ธ Visit My Corner of the World Wednesday: SCUD the Drama... Share the Fun! ๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ’™

Wednesday is SCUD Dayโ€”a day to let go of unnecessary drama and enjoy a good laugh. And honestly, I think we could all use a little more of that!

So for this week's Visit My Corner of the World Wednesday, let's take a break from the serious stuff and share something that made us smile.

๐Ÿ“ท Show us your corner of the world with a photo that's...
๐Ÿ˜‚ Funny
๐Ÿพ Adorably goofy
๐ŸŒป Unexpected
๐Ÿ˜„ Heartwarming
๐Ÿคช Or just wonderfully "only this could happen to me!"

Maybe your dog stole your chair...
Maybe a bird is giving you "the look"...
Maybe your flowers grew in a funny direction...
Or maybe you caught a family member doing something they'll never live down. (Bonus points if they gave you permission first! ๐Ÿ˜„)

The goal today is simple:
๐Ÿ’™ Share a smile.
๐Ÿ’™ Share a laugh.
๐Ÿ’™ Share a little piece of your world.

Sometimes the best way to deal with life's challenges is to pause, appreciate the little moments, and remind each other that joy can pop up in the most unexpected places.

So... what's happening in your corner of the world today? I'd love to see the funny, the beautiful, the unexpectedโ€”and everything in between! ๐Ÿ“ธ๐ŸŒŽ

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿ‹โ€๐ŸŸฉโšซ๏ธโšซ๏ธEASY BLACK BEAN DIPโšซ๏ธโšซ๏ธ๐Ÿ‹โ€๐ŸŸฉTwo 14-ounce cans black beans, rinsed and drained 3/4 cup salsa4 garlic cloves, minced2 tsp. lime juice 1 tsp. cumin1 tsp. water1/8 tsp. salt1/4 cup minced cilantro Add everything except the cilantro to the bowl...

1 day ago

bency

bencyasked the question: Hello by a New Community Lover

Hello everyone, I'm excited to join the COPD Foundation community and wanted to introduce myself. I enjoy being part of supportive communities where people can share experiences, learn from one another, and offer encouragement. I'm here to learn more …

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Wonderful Wednesday, friends! Open up your heart and let the sunshine in! ๐ŸŒž Enjoy your day, and keep those positive vibes going strong! ๐Ÿ˜ƒ

1 day ago

BlueSky

BlueSkyasked the question: When to treat a flare up?

Hello, stage one copd and asthma overlap, newish diagnosis so still learning. I have had a flare up of symptoms after being close to a petrol spill outside of my workplace. Despite noticably wheezing the doctor could hear nothing unusual with the …

1 day ago

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

HIcopd - Hawaii State Captain

Happy newsโ€”our Governor signed two bills many of us have fought for many years to get passed:  
1.  Banning disposable electronic. smoking devices and
2.  Only FDA approved Electronic Smoking Devices can be registered & sold in our state. 
We are very pleased that these laws can help reduce all the electronic toxic waste from disposables and hopefully reduce the #s of youth who get addicted!

1 day ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captainanswered the question Why do my symptoms return after stop using prednisone

Jalee, you didn't mention that you were on an antibiotic - is it possible that you have an infection? You may want to see if you can get an earlier appointment. Please let us know how you're doing.
Phyliss DiLorenzo NJ State CaptainJaleePat from Illinoisand 3 others also answered the question Phyliss DiLorenzo NJ State Captainand 5 others also answered the question

2 days ago

Tgodiva

Tgodiva

Getting over being sick and it is taking a long time๐Ÿ˜‘

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainMy thought for today is:
We are all so very lucky to have each other here on this website. ๐Ÿ˜‡

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

This is a nice, healthy side dish. Or, makes a nice, light lunch! Recipes are meant to be customized to your own liking. Karen, I hope you enjoy this without the garlic! ๐Ÿ˜€...

2 days ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager๐Ÿค Tell the Truth Day: What's One Truth You'd Like Someone to Understand?

Today is Tell the Truth Day, and I thought it would be a good reminder that sometimes the bravest thing we can say is the truth.

Maybe your truth is...

๐Ÿ’™ "I'm more tired than people realize."
๐Ÿ’™ "I miss doing the things I used to do."
๐Ÿ’™ "I'm afraid of becoming more short of breath."
๐Ÿ’™ "I wish people understood that some days are simply harder than others."
๐Ÿ’™ "I don't always ask for help when I probably should."

Living with COPD, bronchiectasis, or NTM can sometimes make us feel like we have to put on a brave face. But being honest with your family, your friends, your care teamโ€”and even with yourselfโ€”isn't giving up. It's how people know how to support you.

The truth also helps your healthcare team make better decisions. If you're having more symptoms, struggling with treatments, or finding everyday tasks harder than they used to be, don't be afraid to say so. Your voice matters.

So, if you're comfortable sharing...

๐Ÿ’ฌ What's one truth you'd like others to understand about living with COPD, bronchiectasis, NTM, or being a caregiver?

You never knowโ€”your honesty might be exactly what someone else needs to hear today. โค

2 days ago

  • NewestOldestClick to View All Comments21 comment(s)
  • brydyhi thehlk, like debbie & karen said you dont have a diagnosis until the PFT & that will determine your lung health. while smoking always causes some lung dmg it doesnt always mean emphysema or any other form of copd. its great you breath well & hills & stairs are ok! and you did the single most important thing for your heath in quitting smoking! 
    when is your appt for your PFT? pls let us know how your doing, keep posting, & reading this site & I think that could help alleviate some of your fears bec there are so many here living long productive happy lives at even very severe stages like me. you will see me whine once in a while bec im a straight shooter about stuff. not gona pretend there arent some crappy days but I still live on my farm & run an animal rescue (large animals) & im borderline end stage copd/asthma. you & I & everyone here have lots of life left to live. this condition is manageable (we dont know for sure you have it even!), you quit smoking!! thats amazing & shows what you are made of! 1 day ago
  • thehlkThank you everyone. What I learned from my ct scan is that I have mild emphysema. Looking back over the last couple years I have noticed stairs and hills are harder, but still doable. I have said many times to my family things like โ€œWow, I am really out of shape!โ€ and โ€œI guess this is what 50 feels like.โ€ Of course, I read this is one of the first signs of COPD. I have a pulmonary consult scheduled for next month. Iโ€™m sure weโ€™ll schedule the PFT at that time. So - it will be in about forever from now. 9 hours ago
  • DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainBut, time does seem to fly by, so forever will be sooner than you think! ๐Ÿ˜‰
    We are always here. Please do stop by, even just to say hello! 
    Have a lovely day! ๐Ÿ™‚8 hours ago
DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐ŸŸกSAUTร‰ED CORN, ZUCCHINI, AND TOMATOES๐ŸŸข1 tap. olive oil 2 cups diced zucchini, in 3/4-inch dice3 medium ears corn, cooked and kernels removed 1 cup cherry tomatoes 1 garlic clove, minced 1 tbsp. minced cilantro 1 tsp. lime juice 1/8 tsp. salt 1/8...

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Tuesday, friends! 
Wishing you a warm welcome and a sunshiney smile on this lovely day! We are so happy to have you here with us! ๐Ÿ˜€๐ŸŒž๐Ÿ˜Š

2 days ago

JeanO53

JeanO53This Indigo Bunting is looking forward to singing... ๐ŸŽถGood Morning ๐ŸŽถ to all at 360Social

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.