COPD360social welcomes new member Rohitha who joins 64,924 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

Shadwanda Rainey COPDF Research

Shadwanda Rainey COPDF Research

Opportunity for Colorado COPD Participants to Join a Treatment Therapy Study

The COPD Foundation is currently seeking individuals who live in Colorado and have been diagnosed with severe COPD [Have a lung function (FEV1) of 49% or less]. We invite individuals with Stage 3 and 4 COPD to participate in our study.

Your travel expenses will be paid (within the state of Colorado) and you will be compensated for your time.
 
By Joining, youโ€™ll not only benefit financially but also contribute to enhancing COPD care. 


Contact us today to learn more and to get signed up!
Email us at: COPDPPRN@copdfoundation.org.

Thank you for considering contributing to COPD research.

12 hours ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community ManagerIs it just allergiesโ€ฆ or something more? ๐ŸŒฟ๐Ÿ’ญ

This time of year, a lot of us chalk things up to โ€œjust allergiesโ€โ€”a little extra coughing, feeling more tired, maybe a bit more short of breath.

But sometimesโ€ฆ itโ€™s not just allergies.

It could be the early signs of a flare-up (also called an exacerbation), and catching it early can make a big difference.

A few things to watch for:
โ€ข Breathing feels harder than your usual
โ€ข More coughing or a change in your cough
โ€ข Mucus thatโ€™s thicker, darker, or increased
โ€ข Feeling more tired or run down than normal
โ€ข Chest tightness or heaviness

What might lean more toward allergies:
โ€ข Itchy eyes or throat
โ€ข Sneezing and runny nose
โ€ข Clear, thin mucus
โ€ข Symptoms that improve when youโ€™re indoors or away from triggers

The key? Prevention and awareness.
Knowing your โ€œnormalโ€ helps you spot when something feels offโ€”and acting early can help keep things from getting worse.

We also have a helpful section on exacerbations on our website (link at the bottom of post) if youโ€™d like to take a deeper dive. This is one of our regular check-ins as a community, because recognizing those early signs can make all the difference.

๐Ÿ’ฌ Have you ever thought something was allergies, but it turned out to be more? Or what signs help you know when itโ€™s time to check in with your doctor?

Letโ€™s talk about itโ€”your experience could really help someone else.

https://www.copdfoundation.org/Learn-More/I-am-New-to-COPD/What-is-an-Exacerbation.aspx

What is an Exacerbation or Flare Up? | COPD Foundation

An exacerbation is a flare-up or episode when your breathing is worse than usual and may continue to worsen without treatment. With COPD, you may be able to participate in the same activities for weeks or months without having worsening symptoms. Then suddenly you may have a flare-up where your …

2 days ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captainanswered the question Any recent reviews of the Zen-O portable continuous flow concentrator

A respiratory therapist friend of mine says not to buy anything made in China and I think the Zen-O is made in China.

45 minutes ago

BigCNV

BigCNVasked the question: Any recent reviews of the Zen-O portable continuous flow concentrator

I have been told there are only two machines that provide 2 liter continuous flow oxygen. The Eclipse - Sequel and the Zen-O . The Zen-O is much lighter which is preferable for travel, but the two reviews I found from a year ago indicate issues with …

6 hours ago

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

David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )answered the question What can cause big fluctuations in oxygen levels over different nights?

I'm not a pediatrician- PDAs in adults can result in low saturations. It sounds like you may need a second opinion or be evaluated at an academic center for a more complete evaluation.
Caroline West Virginia State CaptainKaren Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain also answered the question Caroline West Virginia State Captainand 1 other also answered the question

10 hours ago

Jonnie Korinko (COPDF Director of Education)

Jonnie Korinko (COPDF Director of Education)answered the question Pulse oximeter accuracy when walking

Hi Kmcnamara68. First - it's excellent that you're staying active! That is one of the best things that you can do for your health! Second - check with your lung doctor, or even better, a respiratory therapist if you have one at your practice, to see …
HIcopd - Hawaii State CaptainCaroline West Virginia State Captain also answered the question HIcopd - Hawaii State Captainand 1 other also answered the question

12 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐ŸŒžMORNING GLORY MUFFINS๐ŸŒž2 cups flour1 cup packed dark brown sugar 2 tsp. baking soda1 tsp. nutmeg1 tsp. cinnamon1 tsp. salt3 eggs2/3 cup vegetable oil 2 tsp. vanilla extract 1/2 cup raisins, soaked in hot water and drained well2 cups grated...

14 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Fluffy Friday from Jason Rossi, who seems to have brought out his stash of treats. Looks as though he hid treats  throughout the week, and decided to bring them out of hiding! ๐Ÿ˜†
Jason and I are wishing all of you a wonderful day! ๐Ÿ˜€

19 hours ago

baileymccrary

baileymccraryHello all! On March 18, we had 54 COPD and bronchiectasis patients, caregivers, loved ones, healthcare providers, and COPD Foundation and Bronchiectasis and NTM Association team members join us for IMPACT Lung Health 2026 in Washington, D.C. to advocate for support of our policy priorities from our lawmakers. Together, we held 101 meetings with legislative offices representing 28 states, 56 Senate districts, and 45 House districts. We spoke with our lawmakers about three critical priorities:
- Increase Funding for Lung Health Research and Promote Innovative Treatments through FY27 Appropriations Provisions
- Co-sponsor the Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform (SOAR) Act (H.R.2902 or S.1406) to Ensure Medicare Patients have Access to Essential Oxygen Therapy
- Co-sponsor H.R.783 or S.248 to Enact Permanent Medicare Coverage for Virtual Pulmonary Rehabilitation

We are incredibly proud of our team of advocates and the progress we made together for lung health in Washington, D.C.! If you'd like to virtually support IMPACT 2026, you can urge your lawmakers to support our policy priorities by visiting our Advocacy Action Center: https://www.votervoice.net/COPD/Campaigns/135958/Respond

We want to extend a special thank-you to our sponsors who made IMPACT 2026 possible! Thank you Boehringer Ingelheim, Chiesi USA, Inc., Insmed Incorporated, Sanofi/Regeneron, Theravance Biopharma US, Inc., and Viatris. Your support is greatly appreciated!

1 day ago

ADunneThing

ADunneThingasked the question: What can cause big fluctuations in oxygen levels over different nights?

My 16 month old son has low oxygen levels, especially when sleeping. He has had lots of investigation by the hospital and is on a trial of a penicillin for 4 weeks for lung infection - he is 14 days in. We have oxygen at home and a monitor. It is …

1 day ago

COPD Foundation Website Notifications

COPD Foundation Website Notificationsadded a new article Lains Albert

Welcome our newest COPD Foundation Captain!

1 day ago

Tara Shedor, COPDF Communications

Tara Shedor, COPDF Communicationsasked the question: Have You Heard About the IMPACT Lung Health Event?

Last week, members and friends of the COPD Foundation and Bronchiectasis and NTM Association patient, caregiver, and health care communities convened in Washington, D.C. for a day of lung health advocacy on Capitol Hill. Together, 54 advocates from 28 …

1 day ago

Liz Berger - California State Captain

Liz Berger - California State Captaincommented onProgress for Oxygen Access: SOAR Act Updates

Great post!! love the infographic that visually shows where we are in terms of the SOAR act becoming law. ...

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿ’CHERRY HAM GLAZE๐Ÿ’One 12-ounce jar cherry preserves1/4 cup liquid honey1/4 cup red wine vinegar 1/4 tsp. cinnamon 1/4 tsp. nutmeg1/4 tsp. ground cloves1/8 tsp. saltPlace all ingredients in a medium saucepan. Bring to a light simmer over...

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Thursday, everyone! May your day blossom and grow into your best day ever! 

1 day ago

Dr Jean

Dr Jean

Great seeing so many of you at IMPACT last week.  You are such powerful advocates.  Love being with you

2 days ago

Kmcnamara68

Kmcnamara68asked the question: Pulse oximeter accuracy when walking

So long story short had battery of tests and heart is fine. I purchased a very expensive medical grade oximeter- Nonin 3250 OTC. My o2 drops rapidly when I start walking with it on and it is supposed to be accurate enough to do this. I mean down to the …

2 days ago

Aleida64

Aleida64answered the question How long do flares last

Thank you all. I have let me pulmonologist know and she prescribed a nebulizer and told me my anxiety is effecting my breathing. I have not needed albuterol at this level since my diagnosis. Today I will see an interventional pulmonologist to learn the …
David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainCaroline West Virginia State Captain also answered the question David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )and 2 others also answered the question

2 days ago

Webbgirl028

Webbgirl028answered the question Ohtuvayre usage

Thank you
Phyliss DiLorenzo NJ State CaptainJonnie Korinko (COPDF Director of Education) also answered the question Phyliss DiLorenzo NJ State Captainand 1 other also answered the question

2 days ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Good morning, friendsโ€ฆ itโ€™s Visit My Corner of the World Wednesday ๐ŸŒŽ๐Ÿ“ธ

This week, letโ€™s try something a little different.

Instead of the biggest view or the โ€œperfectโ€ picture, how about sharing something from your corner of the world that means a lot to youโ€ฆ even if someone else might overlook it.

Maybe itโ€™s your favorite chair where you start your mornings.
A quiet view out the window.
A well-loved mug.
A spot where your pet always curls up beside you.
Or something small that tells a bigger story about your day-to-day life.

Sometimes itโ€™s those simple, meaningful pieces of our world that help us feel grounded, comforted, and connected.

If youโ€™ve never shared before, this could be a great place to start. No fancy photo neededโ€”just something that matters to you. ๐Ÿ’™

Iโ€™d love to see your corner of the world today, and hear a little bit about why it means something to you.

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

"EVERY DAY'S A HOLIDAY" FRUIT SALADA nice offering for your Easter Brunch buffet!1 lime3/4 cup low-fat plain Greek yogurt1 tbsp. maple syrup 1 tbsp. poppy seedsOne 16-ounce package strawberries 1 1/2 cups honeydew chunks 1 1/2 cups cantaloupe chunks...

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy, Happy Wednesday, friends! 
Today is going to be an awesome day for sure! Always remember to keep a smile on your face! A smile lasts a long while! ๐Ÿ˜€

2 days ago

GAnne

GAnneanswered the question Has anyone had a upper GI endoscopy while having COPD?

Yay! They called today and moved my endoscopic from July to this Friday. Prayerfully they will find why my food is slowly going down and can fix it. G-Ann
WildebeestDavid Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )das23and 1 other also answered the question Wildebeestand 3 others also answered the question

3 days ago

Richard DJ

Richard DJanswered the question Frequency of Albuterol (rescue inhaler)

I am not a doctor, but I do have experience with albuterol. At tthat time I did not have an oxygen tank or oxygen concentrator. Several years ago, at 2:00 AM, I was haveing a lot of trouble breathing and I took ProAir (albuterol). I needed more so I took …
eric63DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainJean IA State Captainand 2 others also answered the question eric63and 4 others also answered the question

3 days ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

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

This recipe reminds me of the first time I made blueberry muffins as a young teenager. Instead of tossing or folding the blueberries (and they were fresh ones) I put them into the mixer - we had nice totally blue muffins, LOL...

3 days ago

Webbgirl028

Webbgirl028asked the question: Ohtuvayre usage

Is Ohtuvayre replace anything or an added medication? I use Breztri twice a day

3 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿซ๐ŸซBLUEBERRY CRUMB BARS๐Ÿซ๐Ÿซ2 limes 1 1/2 cups flour3/4 cup sugar, divided 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 1/2 tap. baking powder 1/2 tsp. salt1 stick unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces2 tsp. cornstarch One 12-ounce bag frozen blueberries...

3 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainI hopped in, quick as a bunny, to wish everyone a terrific Tuesday! Have a pleasant, easy breathing day, friends! 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.