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COPD
Managing COPD; Photo of couple smiling
Pneumonia Vaccine Quiz

Bacterial pneumonia kills thousands of older Americans each year. Yet there is a vaccine that offers protection against this deadly illness. How much do you know about pneumonia and the vaccine?

Flu Quiz

Take a look at the influenza virus under a microscope, and you'll see a funny-looking spiked ball. But if you've ever been flat on your back with the flu, you know there's nothing funny about this highly contagious virus. Test your savvy by taking this quiz.

Managing Symptoms
Guidelines for COPD Treatment

As someone with COPD, you may find it helpful to know about the four components of care described in the GOLD guidelines.

COPD Tests Worksheet

Here is information to help you see how well you are managing your COPD.

The Connection Between Heart Failure, COPD

If you have COPD, it may be difficult to tell whether you also have heart failure (HF). This is because the two diseases have similar symptoms and common risk factors.

Understanding Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Rehab is based on a team approach and combines exercise, emotional support and education. You and your providers work together to create a treatment plan just for you.

Breathe Easier with COPD

Every breath can be a chore when you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Managing a Chronic Condition

Part of the treatment for chronic conditions involves adopting the same healthy lifestyle habits that are important for everyone.

Coping with Chronic Pain

Effective pain treatments are available. You can also take steps yourself to ease ongoing discomfort.

COPD: When Symptoms Get Worse

Be aware of the early warning signs of change, such as more frequent symptoms or the onset of a new symptom.

COPD: Medicines for Maintenance

Maintenance medicines work for an extended time after you take them.

COPD: Boost Your Strength with Exercise

Check with your health care provider about the level of strength training that makes sense for you, and keep some ground rules in mind.

COPD: Good Nutrition Is Important

Eat several small meals throughout the day rather than three big meals. Big meals fill up your stomach, which can press on your lungs and make breathing harder.

COPD: Heartburn Is Common

It’s possible to take medications that control stomach acid to help relieve the symptoms of GERD.

COPD: A Quit-Smoking Plan

The first step is to choose a quit date and mark it on your calendar.

COPD: End-of-Life Care

What kind of care would you want if you were no longer able to speak for yourself?

Preventing Complications
Guidelines for COPD Treatment

As someone with COPD, you may find it helpful to know about the four components of care described in the GOLD guidelines.

Living with COPD and Asthma

If you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, you know that they cause similar symptoms.

COPD: Managing Sodium and Potassium Intake

Two nutrients that are critical to keep in check when you have COPD are sodium and potassium. Here are tips on how to watch your intake of them.

Taking Care of Acute Bronchitis

Acute bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, the hollow air passages that connect the lungs to the windpipe.

COPD: A Quit-Smoking Plan

The first step is to choose a quit date and mark it on your calendar.

COPD: Home from the Hospital

Here's what to do to help prevent another flare-up—and stay out of the hospital.

Managing Medications & Equipment
Share Your Medication Schedule

Keeping up with your daily medicines is a critical part of managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

COPD: Medicines for Maintenance

Maintenance medicines work for an extended time after you take them.

Inhalers and Nebulizers

Inhalers deliver medication directly to the lungs with less side effects than medication taken by mouth or injection.

Oxygen Therapy Question

Home oxygen therapy can help improve the length and quality of life for a person with COPD.

COPD: Safe Oxygen Tips

If you use oxygen to help manage the symptoms of COPD, be sure to handle it with care.

Staying Healthy
COPD: Finding the Hidden Joys of Exercise

Exercise can help reduce COPD problems, such as shortness of breath and limits on your activity level.

Overcoming Exercise Barriers With COPD

Here are some common reasons people don’t exercise. Are any of these true for you?

COPD and Summer Heat

Becoming overheated can put people with COPD at risk for serious illness. Stay cool this summer with these tips.

If I Have COPD, Can I Drink?

A small amount of alcohol -- such as a single beer or glass of wine with dinner -- is fine for some people. On the other hand, drinking too much alcohol is harmful for anyone.

COPD: Tips for Easier Dressing

When you have COPD, even getting dressed can sometimes seem like a challenge.

COPD: The Air You Breathe

Clean air is easier to breathe, especially if you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

COPD: The Benefits of Mini-Meals

Aim for five or six mini-meals rather than two or three large meals throughout the day.

Help for COPD and Depression

Having a chronic condition such as COPD can lead to depression. You can get help. Talk with your doctor about your symptoms.