COPD360social welcomes new member Keithy who joins 64,802 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐Ÿฆท Happy Dentistโ€™s Day! Letโ€™s Talk About Smiles & Strong Lungs

Today is Dentistโ€™s Day, and while we usually think about dentists helping keep our smiles brightโ€ฆ they can also play an important role in helping protect our lung healthโ€”especially for those living with COPD, bronchiectasis, or NTM.

It may sound surprising, but the health of your mouth and gums is closely connected to the health of your lungs. Bacteria that build up in the mouth can sometimes make their way into the lungs when we breathe or aspirate tiny droplets of saliva. For people with lung conditions, that can increase the risk of infections or flare-ups.

So today feels like a good day to give a little appreciation to the people who help keep our mouths healthyโ€”and share a few friendly reminders that can help protect both your smile and your breathing.

๐Ÿชฅ Brush twice a day โ€“ Take your time! A full two minutes helps remove bacteria that can lead to gum disease.

๐Ÿงต Floss daily โ€“ Flossing reaches areas your toothbrush canโ€™t and helps keep gums healthy.

๐Ÿ’ง Watch for dry mouth โ€“ Many inhalers and medications can cause dryness. Drinking water, chewing sugar-free gum, or using saliva substitutes may help.

๐Ÿ‘… Rinse after inhalers โ€“ Especially if you use steroid inhalers. A quick rinse helps prevent irritation and oral infections like thrush.

๐Ÿฆท Keep up with dental visits โ€“ Be sure to let your dentist know about your lung condition and any medications you take.

๐Ÿ˜ฎโ€๐Ÿ’จ Plan ahead for appointments โ€“ If breathing while lying flat is uncomfortable, ask if they can keep you more upright or allow breaks. Most dental teams are happy to work with you.

Taking care of our mouths might seem like a small thing, but for those living with COPD, bronchiectasis, or NTM, itโ€™s another way to support our overall health and breathing. 


2 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?

3 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿฅ”ROASTED POTATOES AND LEEKS๐Ÿฅ”2 pounds new potatoes, quartered2 large leeks, cleaned very well1 large lemon, zested and juiced2 cloves garlic, minced 2 tbsp. olive oil2 tbsp. Dijon mustard 2 tbsp. honey1/2 tsp. salt Preheat the oven to 400...

2 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Fluffy Friday from silly William Bruce, who is always finding new ways to have fun! We wish you a wonderful day! ๐Ÿ˜Š

7 hours ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captaincommented onWhat the New ATS Pulmonary Rehabilitation Guidelines Mean for Clinicians

 I used this measuring stick when advising a young emergency room physician develop his virtual rehabilitation model....

15 hours ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

I sat outside and rocked in my rocking chair and took in the birds nesting sounds and the neighbors dog who comes to visit when I am out.  What a great way to relieve stress.

16 hours ago

  • Coach Brandon - Community ManagerI love it, Caroline!  It can be the little things that can gives us the break we need. For me, that would be prime time recharging myself and enjoying the very moment rather than having my mind three days ahead of me.3 hours ago
creative1

creative1

BRA SOLUTION!I have recently been diagnosed with COPD. Iโ€™m a 70 year old never smoked woman average size and weight. No other physical conditions. 
I found this site while trying to remedy a bra issue. I saw several posts and the one about a bathing suit top caught my attention. I tried built in bra tank tops, not snug enough and too hot. 
My solution? I cut my bras ( with underwire) on the sides after the vertical support piece and sewed a ribbon at the center height. 
Iโ€™m only a c cup and have a high rib cage and smallish waist, so I could tie the ribbon and spin it to the back( this left enough gap for a deep breath) . After it was turned back around I just pulled it up in place and adjusted โ€œ the girlsโ€. I wear a loose tank or camisole over it. 
No more tears about not being able to wear my regular form fitting clothes because Iโ€™d be braless. 
Hope this helps someone else. If your bra material is prone to fraying, run stitches vertically before you cut. 
Best of luck and God Bless. 
Grandma always said, โ€œNecessity is the mother of inventions!โ€

17 hours ago

SteveW

SteveWcommented onWhat the New ATS Pulmonary Rehabilitation Guidelines Mean for Clinicians

 Great summary Mike. Thank you this is very useful. It mirrors what I am seeing in practice and the pulmonary hypertension patients can be very tricky. I really appreciate you posting this for us. ...

20 hours ago

Claudya G.

Claudya G.answered the question Have you signed up for the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (MPPP)?โ€‚

Sounds like a great plan...Spreading the cost out monthly can make a huge difference for patients who need expensive treatments every few months. Instead of facing a single bill of around $2,000 all at once, they could pay smaller monthly amounts, which …
Coach Brandon - Community ManagerJonnie Korinko (COPDF Director of Education) also answered the question Coach Brandon - Community Managerand 1 other also answered the question

21 hours ago

Sweetshari

Sweetshari

New to the group.  Anyone have any resources for employment? 

21 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

Thank you, Karen! Very easy to prepare, too! ๐Ÿ˜‹...

23 hours ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐ŸŽ‰ Cinco de Marchoโ€ฆ the Warm-Up Act! โ˜˜๏ธ

Well friends, today is March 5th -- also known (unofficially!) as Cinco de Marcho! ๐Ÿ˜„

Think of it as the practice round before St. Patrick's Day rolls in on March 17 with all the green, good cheer, and maybe even a little toe-tapping music.

So I thought today could be our warm-up celebration here on COPD360social.

Are you someone who likes to celebrate St. Patrickโ€™s Day?
โ˜˜๏ธ Wear something green
๐Ÿฒ Enjoy a favorite meal
๐ŸŽถ Listen to music
๐Ÿ“ธ Or just spend time with friends and family

No matter how you celebrate, a few COPD-friendly tips can help keep the day enjoyable -- and these work for any day in March too.

๐Ÿ’š Pace yourself โ€“ Celebrations can be exciting, but remember itโ€™s okay to take breaks and keep your breathing steady.

๐Ÿฅ— Think green foods โ€“ Spinach, avocado, peas, broccoli, or even a green smoothie can add nutrients that help support energy.

๐Ÿšถ Gentle movement counts โ€“ A short walk, stretching, or a few minutes of breathing exercises can help keep lungs moving.

๐Ÿ’ง Stay hydrated โ€“ Water helps keep mucus thinner and easier to clear.

๐ŸŒฌ๏ธ Mind your environment โ€“ If celebrations involve smoke, strong scents, or crowded spaces, itโ€™s perfectly okay to step outside or choose a quieter spot.

And of courseโ€ฆ donโ€™t forget the fun.

Todayโ€™s little Cinco de Marcho challenge:
๐Ÿ’š Share something green around you
๐Ÿ“ธ Post a photo
๐Ÿ€ Tell us your favorite St. Patrickโ€™s Day tradition
๐Ÿพ Bonus points if a pet makes a guest appearance!

However you spend your day, weโ€™re glad youโ€™re here. Community makes every season brighter.

So tell us -- whatโ€™s your favorite way to celebrate St. Patrickโ€™s Day? โ˜˜๏ธ

1 day ago

netmouse

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

Debbie, I can do nothing without my pulmonologist. Not sure why the "keep in mind" message.
DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain also answered the question DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain also answered the question

1 day ago

ktm390

ktm390 asked the question: Cough questions

Hi I've had the spiromety test doctor said pretty but nothing more specific.i have stage 1 emphysema also have the dreaded cough do other people here get the cough and mucus and what exactly do you do my pumoligist recommend don't smoke i quit 15 years …

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿ”ดโšช๏ธCHICKEN PIZZAIOLAโšช๏ธ๐Ÿ”ด "A nice Sunday dinner for two..."1 very large boneless, skinless chicken breastSalt and pepper to taste 1 tbsp. flour2 tbsp. olive oil 1 garlic clove, very thinly sliced One 14.5-ounce can crushed tomatoes 1...

1 day ago

netmouse

netmouseasked the question: Again Follow-up to Analysis to find a safe inhaler

Another follow-up to topic with the same name. I sent the below suggestion for another drug choice, that should not have the concerning side-effects of Spiriva even if in the same class, per research by Gemini. The doctor has prescribed the first drug …

1 day 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

1 day 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.

1 day 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

1 day 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

1 day 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 …

1 day 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.

1 day 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.

2 days ago

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

2 days 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 …

2 days 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...

2 days 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˜€

2 days 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 

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.