COPD360social welcomes new member charles000 who joins 64,813 current members of our community. Weโ€™re glad you're here!

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager๐Ÿ’ฌ Community Question: How do you know when your COPD is getting worse?

One of the most helpful things about our community is learning from each otherโ€™s real-life experiences. When members share what they notice and how they handle it, it can help someone else recognize the signs earlier and know when it may be time to reach out to their doctor.

Weโ€™d love to hear from you:

๐Ÿ‘‰ How do you know your COPD may be getting worse?
๐Ÿ‘‰ What symptoms worry you the most when this happens? (More shortness of breath, extra mucus, coughing, chest tightness, fatigue, etc.)
๐Ÿ‘‰ How do you explain it to your doctor when you feel your COPD is getting worse?

Your insight could really help another patient or caregiver who may be experiencing these changes but isnโ€™t sure what they mean yet.

โฌ‡ Please click the link at the bottom of this post and share your answer directly in the Q&A discussion so others can easily find and learn from your experience.

As always, share only what youโ€™re comfortable with - but your voice may make a real difference for someone else.


https://www.copdfoundation.org/COPD360social/Community/Questions-and-Answers/How-do-you-know-your-COPD-is-getting-worse.aspx

How do you know your COPD is getting worse?

What symptoms worry you the most when this happens (for example, trouble breathing, more mucus, coughing, chest feeling tight, etc.)? How do you tell …

20 minutes ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

๐ŸŒธ March is Womenโ€™s History Month ๐ŸŒธ

This month we celebrate the incredible women who have shaped our world--through science, caregiving, advocacy, and everyday resilience. Their strength has opened doors, advanced medicine, and inspired generations.

In the lung health community, women play a powerful role. Many are patients navigating COPD, bronchiectasis, and other lung conditions with determination and courage. Many are caregivers supporting loved ones through difficult days. Others are researchers, respiratory therapists, nurses, doctors, and advocates working to improve treatments and quality of life.

Women have helped move lung health forward in meaningful ways--raising awareness, supporting research, and building communities where no one has to face a diagnosis alone.

๐Ÿ’™ This month, weโ€™d love to hear from you:

โ€ข Is there a woman who has inspired you on your health journey?
โ€ข Maybe a caregiver, doctor, friend, family member, or fellow community member?
โ€ข Or perhaps youโ€™re celebrating your own strength in living with lung disease.

Take a moment to recognize the women who make a difference every day. Their stories matter, and sharing them can inspire someone else who may need a little encouragement today.

๐Ÿ’ฌ Feel free to drop a comment and celebrate the amazing women in your life!

1 day ago

Coach Brandon - Community Manager

Coach Brandon - Community Managerasked the question: How do you know your COPD is getting worse?

What symptoms worry you the most when this happens (for example, trouble breathing, more mucus, coughing, chest feeling tight, etc.)? How do you tell your doctor that your COPD is getting worse or that you feel worse?

26 minutes ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

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

๐Ÿฅฌ"BACK TO BASICS" SIMPLE SALAD๐Ÿฅฌ2 tbsp. olive oil 3 tsp. freshly squeezed lime juice1/2 tsp. red wine vinegar Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 4 cups Spring Mix salad greensPour the salad greens into a large bowl. Pour the olive oil...

5 hours ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainYay! It's Monday! A great day to start fresh! "Let's get things done" "Let's wear a big smile" "Let's keep moving forward " 
Have a wonderful day, friends! ๐Ÿ˜€

9 hours ago

BrandyLynn

BrandyLynn

I want to send my condolences to the veterans of this site for the loses of your dear friends Jean and Kandy. Through your posts I have seen how loved and admired they were. I wish I could have known them. 

12 hours ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State CaptainHappy International Women's Day.  https://jlcards.com/bH9eN1

An ecard from Karen Deitemeyer

Please click the image to view your ecard!

1 day ago

BrandyLynn

BrandyLynnI can't wait for spring planting here on the farm, but in the meantime puzzles, baking, and cooking are keeping me sane-ish. Don't forget to set your clocks this morning. Yay for later daylight hours! 

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappiest of Sundays to all of you! May today greet you with a smile, and may that smile carry you through the day! ๐Ÿ˜ƒ

1 day ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captainanswered the question Technical question about the COPD foundation website

And, if you want to view anyone's profile in entirety, simply turn your phone sideways, and view in landscape mode. Easy! 😀
Liza M also answered the question Liza M also answered the question

1 day ago

Liza M

Liza Masked the question: Technical question about the COPD foundation website

Hello, I have some technical questions about this site. When I view profiles, I see thereโ€™s a section that says description. However, most descriptions are cut off and I cannot read them in their entirety. Is there a way to read the whole description? …

1 day ago

Tammy55

Tammy55asked the question: Best nebulizer - and mouth piece??

After many nebulizers, and the first one i received from my oxygen supply company, just wondering if anyone else has good ideas. I use "Pari" nebulizer. it is labeled as used a high use daily. Mine has lasted for a couple years and i use up to 5 times a …

1 day ago

Tammy55

Tammy55asked the question: Tracheitis - Any one else??

Just wondering if anyone else have run across a diagnosis of Tracheitis?? - Tammy

1 day ago

Tammy55

Tammy55answered the question Personal question for ladies. I canโ€™t stand anything that is binding. So ladies this would be a bra.

I have found that there are some bras that have no wires and fit over my head. They are from Temu. some folks dont like the place i got them on line - from China, But they work! And have "big" sizes - for women like me. So getting a larger size is a …
JeanO53DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain also answered the question JeanO53and 1 other also answered the question

1 day ago

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain

Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captainanswered the question Pulmonary rehab

If you search here on the site, I think you'll find lots of posts on the benefits of pulmonary rehab. It's been proven to be (along with not using any tobaacco products) the best way to slow or prevent further progression and also to provide education …

1 day ago

Kmcnamara68

Kmcnamara68asked the question: Pulmonary rehab

Just wondering about other's experiences with this. I am in the process of finding a new pulmonologist and hoping to find one who believes in the benefits of the program. You would think they all would be, but never been recommended to me by one of them. …

2 days ago

mehiked

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

I have not signed up yet since my prescription costs are fairly predictable month to month. But the smoothing option does seem helpful for people who get hit with big pharmacy bills early in the year.
das23JeanO53Caroline West Virginia State Captainand 3 others also answered the question das23and 5 others also answered the question

2 days ago

Mr.CL

Mr.CL

OK. Thanks. 

2 days ago

DebbieB.-Connecticut State Captain

DebbieB.-Connecticut State CaptainHappy Saturday, friends! I've got a gentle reminder for everyone! Please don't forget to set your clocks ahead 1 hour before going to bed tonight. If you have a digital thermostat, don't forget that!
Have a pleasant, easy breathing day, everyone! ๐Ÿ˜€ โฐ๏ธ โžก

2 days ago

BrandyLynn

BrandyLynnAnd my late pup, Ignatius. He was a 150lb. Newfie who thought he was a lapdog. Actually, he proved himself a lapdog, haha! 

2 days ago

BrandyLynn

BrandyLynnAn hour-ish too late for "Fluffy Friday", but my sweet boy as a pup. 

2 days ago

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

David Mannino, MD (Chief Medical Officer, COPD Foundation )answered the question Roflumilast

Roflumilast is useful in people with chronic cough and exacerbations. Is biggest problem is GI side effects. Some people do better with the lower dose ( 250 instead of 500). I have many patients on it.

2 days ago

Tammy55

Tammy55

Does anyone else have "Tracheitis"???  Along with COPD.   LONG sad story of 7 years to get an appropriate diagnosis and treatment.   Bad pain as you breathe, it burns every breath!
Diagnosed and given steroid inhaler, Budesonide.  The medication inhaler has been a miracle.  No burning, but still have COPD and have to deal with chronic bronchitis.
Just wondering if anyone else has the Tracheitis???
Thank you - Tam

2 days ago

  • Coach Brandon - Community ManagerHi Tammy55โ€‹ - welcome to our community! Weโ€™re really glad youโ€™re here.  This is a group of people who truly care and are always willing to share their experiences and help where they can. Trying to get a diagnosis while dealing with everything else can feel overwhelming at times, and youโ€™re not alone in feeling that way.  Iโ€™m hopeful that someone in our community may recognize parts of what youโ€™re going through and be able to share some helpful insights.  It sounds like itโ€™s been a tough journey, and I hope youโ€™ll find some comfort, understanding, and new friends here along the way. 2 days ago
Air

Air

Thank you for letting me join. I have had COPD, asthma and asbestosis for at least 35 years or more. The last time I saw my pulmonologist, I told him that I always feel extremely weak and tired. I am no longer able to do much of anything. I used to be very physically active and have a lot of determination so up until the last few years I pushed myself extremely hard to stay active. This fatigue is overwhelming and though I know the importance of staying active and doing the proper exercises is important, I just do not have the strength anymore to do them. My doctor told me that fatigue was not a symptom of COPD or Asbestosis. This floored me because I watched these diseases take down my father and know he certainly had great fatigue as this beast progressed. I also see fatigue mentioned as one of the top five symptoms listed by world renowned medical facilities. I just wanted to know what the rest of you have experienced. The doctor left me feeling like a hypochondriac, which has just devastated me.

2 days ago

  • NewestOldestClick to View All Comments5 comment(s)
  • BrandyLynnFatigue is absolutely a symptom for me. 2 days ago
  • Caroline West Virginia State CaptainJean has given you great advice.  I think that pulmonary rehab is the correct prescription for you.  I would add that you need a good pulmonologist to help you.  Was it a pulmonologist who told you that fatigue is not a symptom of COPD?2 days ago
  • Phyliss DiLorenzo NJ State CaptainFatigue is a common symptom for me, and I am certain many others. It has iomproved with exercise, pulmonary rehab, but there is always a bit there.2 hours ago
Kmcnamara68

Kmcnamara68asked the question: Roflumilast

So went back to "asthma" doctor today who steel seams befuddled as to what to label my lung condition. CT scan results appeared normal but radiologist I guess is a hack with a track record of mixing up peoples records, misdiagnosis, etc. Now will be …

2 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...

3 days ago

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. 


3 days 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

3 days 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....

3 days ago

Caroline West Virginia State Captain

Caroline West Virginia State Captainanswered the question Check-In: Commonly Asked Questions About Pulmonary Rehab

Pulmonary rehab is the best COPD medicine available today.

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.