COPD Archives - Respiratory Health Association

COPD and the Benefits of Proper Inhaler Use

Posted on May 4, 2022 by Sarah Meyer Hughes

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of chronic lung diseases, including emphysema and bronchitis, that block airflow in the lungs. Damaged lungs and mucus buildup make it hard for the lungs to spread oxygen to the rest of the body, which makes breathing difficult for people living with COPD. While there is no cure for COPD, it can be managed. One way to manage it is by controlling symptoms through medications.

Inhalers and inhalation therapies are the primary medication treatments for COPD. Medications help treat symptoms, control complications, reduce flare-ups, and increase the time between flare-ups (i). However, these benefits can only be reached when the inhaler device is used correctly. Incorrect inhaler use can occur in nearly 50% of cases (i) and can be attributed to several factors:

Patient characteristics (cognitive condition, self-efficacy, co-morbidities)
Social factors (provider-patient relationship, access, support, training, follow-up)
Medication treatment (device, methods, dosing, side effects) (i)

These factors, combined or by themselves, can lead to critical errors of inhaler use. Common errors include:

Not inhaling through the device
Blowing on a device that has a powder ready to be inhaled
Insufficient inhalation duration or force
Not holding the device correctly (ii)

When a patient misuses his or her inhaler, medication can’t be delivered properly and minimizes the benefits. When a medication is not used to achieve full benefits, patients may feel that it’s not working and stop using it. This non-adherence can then lead to flare-ups, worsening symptoms, and even hospitalizations (iii).

There are several strategies that can help improve and achieve correct inhaler use. It’s important to speak with your healthcare provider about how to correctly use the prescribed inhaler. At your next medical appointment, be sure to bring the inhaler and show your provider how you use it. This allows your provider to correct any mistakes and gives you the opportunity to ask any questions. There are many types of inhaler devices, so be honest about your lifestyle when speaking with you provider. They’ll be able to prescribe a device that suits your needs and lifestyle.

It may be a good idea to create and maintain a routine to ensure you stick to your dosing schedule. While inhalers may not fit in regular pillboxes, they can be stored next to them or in view of other medications. It’s important to continue using your prescribed medications even if you start feeling better. Always consult your provider before stopping any medication use. (iv)

Medications are essential to managing a COPD diagnosis. Correct inhaler techniques, honest conversations with healthcare professionals, and adhering to medication routines can help you live better with COPD.

Citations:

i Jardim, J. R., & Nascimento, O. A. (2019, April 1). The importance of inhaler adherence to prevent COPD exacerbations. Medical sciences (Basel, Switzerland). Retrieved March 10, 2022, from
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6524014/#:~:text=Poor%20adherence%20to%20asthma%20treatment,outco mes%20for%20patients%2C%20and%20reducing
ii Price, D., Bosnic-Anticevich, S., Briggs, A., Chrystyn, H., Rand, C., Scheuch, G., & Bousquet, J. (2012, October 23). Inhaler competence in asthma: Common errors, barriers to use and recommended solutions. Respiratory Medicine. Retrieved March 10, 2022, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0954611112003587
iii Schreiber, J., Sonnenburg, T., & Luecke, E. (2020, August 20). Inhaler devices in asthma and COPD patients – a prospective cross-sectional study on inhaler preferences and error rates – BMC Pulmonary Medicine. BMC Pulmonary Medicine. Retrieved March 11, 2022, from https://bmcpulmmed.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12890-020-01246-z
iv George, M. (2018, June 1). Adherence in asthma and COPD: New strategies for an old problem. American Association for Respiratory Care. Retrieved March 11, 2022, from http://rc.rcjournal.com/content/63/6/818

Lung Disease and Telemedicine

Posted on February 8, 2022February 10, 2022 by Sarah Meyer Hughes

Telemedicine is a useful service that connects people with physicians when in-person visits may not be possible. It digitally delivers services to patients using devices like computers and smartphones. It allows patients to see and talk to their providers without being in the office. Common uses of telemedicine include follow up visits, chronic disease management, consultations, and medication management. If you live with lung disease, telemedicine can be an important part of staying healthy.

Telemedicine has grown significantly in recent years. It has become even more important during the COVID-19 pandemic. It allows patients to avoid crowded waiting rooms and practice social distancing when infection rates may be surging. People are also able to avoid the need to drive, take the bus, or take other forms of transportation.

Is telemedicine effective?

Telemedicine is both beneficial and effective for specific services. These include behavioral health therapy, counseling patients with chronic conditions, and home monitoring for patients with chronic conditions[i]. Recent studies found it also improves access to care, reduces wait times, and provides faster treatment[ii]. While telemedicine is useful, there are still appointments that need to take place at a doctor’s office or hospital. These visits include blood work, imaging tests, and physical exams. Talk to your doctor to learn more.

How can I prepare for an appointment?

Most visits require some type of video ability. You can use any device that has audio-video capabilities and an internet connection. Devices include smartphones, computers, or tablets. After the appointment is scheduled, you’ll receive directions to log on for your visit. The physician will start the visit with a few questions to confirm your identity and will then move on to the main reason for the visit.

To prepare for your visit, follow these tips:

Write down your questions and concerns beforehand.
If you have an informal family caregiver, ask them to join you.
Test drive your equipment (computer, tablet, phone) before the appointment.
Find a quiet spot with plenty of light to take the appointment.
Be prepared to tell your provider about your family and medical history.
Have as many of your vital numbers on hand as possible (weight, temperature, blood pressure, etc.)
Try to be specific when describing symptoms or signs.
Have pen and paper handy to write down any important notes.
Have all your medications or a current list within reach during the appointment.

Does insurance cover these services?

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) expanded telemedicine coverage for people during the COVID-19 public health emergency. These temporary expanded services allowed people to access health care services from home, across state lines, and see new doctors if needed. In November 2021, CMS approved continued coverage for some of these services through December 2023[iii]. You can read the full list online.

Click here to download our fact sheet with references.

COVID-19 Booster: A Vaccine Update

Posted on February 4, 2022February 4, 2022 by Sarah Meyer Hughes

In November 2021, the FDA and CDC approved COVID-19 booster vaccines for all adults 18 and older. Any adult who previously received a full dose of either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines is now eligible for the booster. Johnson & Johnson booster vaccines have also been approved.

woman reads from tablet on couch

The booster vaccine is an important piece in continuing immunity to COVID-19. Over time, the body’s immune response to the first series of vaccines decreases resulting in less protection. An additional dose, or a booster, can help extend a person’s immunity against the virus. It does this by creating a stronger and faster immune response and provides additional coverage against new variants. As immunity fades, the risk for contracting COVID-19 increases. For adults over 65 and people with compromised immune systems, the additional vaccine may be needed to ready the immune system. The booster vaccine formulation is the same as the original COVID-19 vaccines, with the exception of the Moderna booster, which is half the dose of the original vaccines.

People who received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine should get their booster at least five (Pfizer) or six (Moderna) months after completing the second shot in the initial series. If adults received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, they should get their booster at least two months after their initial vaccination. The FDA has also authorized people to “mix and match” their booster vaccine . For example, someone who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine may get a Pfizer or Moderna booster. This gives people more of a choice when scheduling their boosters and allows pharmacies and doctors’ offices to reach more people. Be sure to talk to your doctor about what is best for you.

Will I Experience Side Effects?

There may be a few side effects after receiving the booster shot. Symptoms are similar to previous vaccines – swelling or redness at the injection site, fever, headaches, muscle pain, or fatigue. These side effects, and other symptoms that may occur, are the body’s natural response to the vaccine. They are a good sign that the immune system is gearing up to fight off the virus.

How Will the Booster Help Me?

Preliminary data from Pfizer suggest that three doses (the original two vaccines plus the booster) increase the level of protection against variant infections. Even though breakthrough cases may still occur, the outcomes to date have been far less severe. This includes fewer hospitalizations and deaths among people who have received a booster.

If you need help scheduling your booster vaccine, you can contact the same place that set up your original vaccines. You can also call your doctor, pharmacy, health department, or even the local grocery store to see if they have available appointments. Remember to take your CDC-issued vaccine card to document your booster.

To further reduce risk of COVID-19, continue to wear your mask in indoor public spaces and around large crowds. You should also continue to wash your hands regularly. Finally, encourage family and friends to receive their vaccines as they are able.

Please click here for the full article with references.

Let’s Talk About Living Better with COPD

Posted on November 4, 2021November 4, 2021 by Sarah Meyer Hughes

November is National COPD Awareness Month, a time to talk about the disease and raise awareness around symptoms and treatment. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a lung disease that causes difficulty breathing and shortness of breath due to airflow blockage. COPD affects nearly 16 million Americans, and millions more live with undiagnosed symptoms. Earlier diagnosis can help those living with COPD begin to improve their health and quality of life.

COPD may be a large burden on an individual. Without proper management and education, COPD can affect all sorts of activities of daily living. Anxiety and depression among COPD patients and their caregivers only make the problem worse. If you are living with COPD, it is important to recognize any changes in your symptoms and any limitations on your activities to better manage day-to-day living with COPD. The following are recommendations for living well everyday with COPD.

Recognize the importance of practicing prevention strategies

It is important to monitor changes to physical and mental health when living with COPD. Below is a list of prevention recommendations:

Get vaccinated (annual influenza and routine pneumonia);
Wash your hands routinely. Stay home when you are ill;
Stop smoking if you currently do, and eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke;
Review your medication list with your health care providers to ensure the list is current and you know how to properly use your medications;
Ensure you have a sufficient supply of medication at home, especially during winter;
Be aware of changes in mental health and communicate any changes to your health care provider and informal caregiver (spouse, child, etc.).

Monitor symptoms of COPD

People living with COPD should track symptoms and share any changes with a health care provider:

Please share any increase in coughing or difficulty breathing with your healthcare provider;
If a new medication is not working for you and not minimizing your symptoms, please tell your health care provider;
It is always okay to obtain a second opinion.

Anxiety and depression are common in patients with COPD and their caregivers

Mental health may impact someone’s ability to manage his or her COPD. It is important to be aware of the following:

Anxiety and depression in COPD patients is associated with increased COPD flare-ups, increased hospitalizations, longer lengths of a hospital stay, and decreased quality of life;
Be an active part of your care team. Be proactive with your physical AND mental health care;
Maintain physical activity, especially in fall and winter. Physical activity can have positive benefits on physical health and mental well-being—make sure to talk to health care providers about physical activities you can do indoors or at home.

If you care for someone living with COPD, it’s important to also take care of your own well-being. View RHA’s Caregiver’s Toolkit to learn more about ways you can help support those you care for while taking time for yourself.

If you live with COPD or want to learn more, sign-up to receive our Inspiration COPD Newsletter.

COPD and Lung Viruses

Posted on October 28, 2021October 28, 2021 by Sarah Meyer Hughes

As the season transitions from summer to fall, we will see more than the leaves change and cooler weather; we also expect to see a rise in respiratory viruses. People living with COPD or other lung diseases can be more susceptible to experiencing severe illness if they contract a lung virus. The following are a couple of the most common respiratory viruses and ways to protect yourself from them.

The Flu

The flu is a respiratory illness which infects the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It is spread through tiny droplets when infected people cough, sneeze, and talk. It can also spread when a person touches a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touches their own mouth, nose, or eyes. Flu season generally runs from October to May, but timing can vary.

Common symptoms include fever, cough, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, and sore throat, and is different from a common cold in that these symptoms usually come on suddenly.

Getting a flu shot is the best way to protect yourself! You may experience mild symptoms from the flu shot—this is your body developing its response to the inactivated or weakened virus. When vaccinated people are exposed to the virus, their bodies can fight it off or reduce its impact, so they only experience mild symptoms. High dose flu shots are available for some people 65 and older.

High dose vaccines contain four times as much flu virus antigen than the standard flu shot. Your doctor will help you decide which flu shot will best support your needs.

COVID-19

Experts are concerned about COVID-19 variants and the flu circulating simultaneously. There is a chance that a person could get both viruses at the same time. If you have any symptoms, contact your doctor about getting a COVID-19 test. Flu and COVID-19 have similar symptoms, so testing can help identify which virus it is.

Vaccines substantially decrease the risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19 and help protect our communities. The more people who get vaccinated, the less likely it is that variants can spread. If you qualify for the COVID-19 booster shot, make plans to get that as soon as you can.

If you live in an area that has a high rate of the COVID-19, you should also wear your mask indoors and in public places. This is especially true if you are in a group that is more vulnerable to respiratory diseases. Until vaccination rates increase in the United States, wearing a mask is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19 variants regardless of vaccination status.

RSV

Syncytial Virus (or RSV) is a virus that can cause mild, cold-like symptoms. It usually spreads through droplets from coughs or sneezes, and it can survive on surfaces. Older adults, especially those with underlying heart or lung disease, and infants are most at risk of experiencing severe symptoms.

Common symptoms include runny nose, decrease in appetite, fever, cough, wheezing or whistling breath, and sneezing. These symptoms can lead to other serious conditions such as pneumonia, asthma flare-ups, COPD exacerbations, congestive heart failure, etc.

To protect yourself, make sure you and loved ones cover coughs and sneezes with tissues or elbows, wash your hands and use hand sanitizer, avoid close contact with infected people, and clean potential contaminated/high touch surfaces (like counters, doorknobs, light switches, etc.). As respiratory viruses spread, wear your mask when you go out into public spaces and stay home if you are feeling sick. To further protect your lungs, remember to set boundaries with loved ones if they are feeling sick as well.

Six Ways to Keep Your Lungs Healthy

Posted on October 28, 2021October 28, 2021 by Sarah Meyer Hughes

keep your lungs health

October is National Healthy Lung Month, a great time to raise awareness about lung disease and talk about ways you can keep your lungs healthy.

It’s easy to take your lung health for granted until you get sick or have trouble breathing. Here are a few ways you can protect your lungs:

Talk to your doctor about any changes in your lung health or symptoms like coughing or difficulty breathing.
Ask your doctor if a lung cancer screening is right for you.
If you smoke, consider quitting. After quitting, you gain health benefits such as improved lung function and improved circulation. Over time, your risk for certain lung diseases will also go down.
Prevent infection and stay healthy by getting a COVID-19 vaccination and an annual flu shot.
Stay active and exercise regularly. Talk to your doctor before beginning a new exercise routine.
If you live with lung diseases like asthma or COPD, get to know the ways you can manage your condition.

Want to learn more about ways you can keep your lungs healthy? Click here to explore other resources.

Respiratory Therapists are Lung Health Heroes

Posted on October 11, 2021October 11, 2021 by Sarah Meyer Hughes

October 24-30 is Respiratory Care Week – a time to celebrate respiratory therapists who work tirelessly helping those living with lung diseases breathe easier. Whether testing for lung function in a young child with asthma, or helping someone with COPD use an oxygen tank, respiratory therapists give people the power to take control and live to the fullest.

Their work is especially important considering how common lung diseases are in the United States:

• 25 million people live with asthma
• 16 million live with COPD and another 16 million have undiagnosed symptoms
• Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among men and women

Respiratory therapists help people better understand and manage their illnesses, allowing them to live without distraction from symptoms. They also provide treatments to those in need of care, improving lung health and way of life.

For respiratory therapists like Rose Riggins, CRTT of AMITA LaGrange in Illinois, it’s way more than a job – it’s getting to know people, their lives and their stories.

“Working with the patients throughout the years has made them feel like family,” she says.

If you are living with lung disease, here are some of respiratory therapists’ most common tips for preventing additional complications and living the healthiest way possible:

• Get a flu shot every year to prevent additional complications of lung disease
• Live smoke-free and avoid secondhand smoke or close contact with smokers
• Eat right to maintain the most energy for staying healthy
• Avoid chemicals – like scented candles and harsh household cleaners – that may cause lung flare-ups
• Monitor air quality and avoid the outdoors on poor air quality days

Join RHA this week and every day in saying thank you to respiratory therapists everywhere!

To learn more about becoming a respiratory therapist, view these resources.

Flu Shot is a Gift for Your Lungs

Posted on August 6, 2021August 10, 2021 by Sarah Meyer Hughes

Vaccines are a safe and important part of medical care for everyone. Regular immunizations prevent common bugs like the flu and limit the spread of disease through our communities. For people living with lung disease, a flu shot is especially important. Someone with asthma or COPD:

Has a greater risk of catching common infections like the flu
May feel added effects from flu symptoms
Is more likely to develop pneumonia or other lung problems

This year, getting a flu shot is more important than ever ⁠— especially as COVID-19 continues to spread and people return to more normal activities. The CDC estimates less than half of adults get an annual flu shot. While a flu vaccine cannot prevent you from getting COVID-19, it can help you avoid the flu so your immune system is better able to cope with other illnesses. It also reduces your risk of hospitalization and possibly developing more severe illness, and further adding to the burden on our health care facilities.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports flu shots may lower the risk of getting sick by 40 to 60 percent. It also helps those who cannot receive a shot, including children under 6 months old. Additionally, the CDC typically recommends a one-time pneumonia shot for those who live with lung disease.

August is National Immunization Awareness Month, and a great time to talk with your doctor about ways to stay healthy going into peak flu season. Flu cases are most common in the fall and winter, especially between December and February. Ask if you are up-to-date on past vaccines and to get an annual flu shot. Are you concerned about visiting a facility as COVID-19 continues to spread? Talk to your doctor about ways to stay safe.

If you or loved ones are displaying flu symptoms (fever and respiratory symptoms, such as cough and runny nose, and possibly other symptoms, such as body aches, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea) please stay home. Remember to wash your hands frequently, cover your mouth when you cough, and promptly contact your health care provider.

Additional Resources

If you do not have a regular doctor or healthcare provider, or have other questions, there are a number of local and national resources to help:

Tips on Choosing a Wearable Fitness Tracker

Posted on July 29, 2021 by Sarah Meyer Hughes

Welcome back, summer! As the weather warms and the sun shines, mix up your exercise routine and head outside. Wearable fitness devices can help you track your exercise. There are many devices available today and it can be hard to choose one. Below are several tips and tricks to help you find one that’s right for you:

• Do you want a tracker or a watch? Trackers count your steps and active minutes, but watches can also monitor your heart rate and send alerts.

• What will the upkeep require? Fancy devices may be nice but are often high maintenance. Look for devices that are easy to use, have a good battery life, and are comfortable to wear.

• Will it meet your needs? Think about your lifestyle and how much you’ll use it. Also think about the interconnectivity aspect; does it need to be compatible with your phone or other electronics, or will this be a stand-alone device?

Regardless of what you choose, fitness trackers and watches are wonderful devices that can get you motivated to exercise. For more information on staying active and healthy visit our Project STRENGTH page, which features pulmonary rehab at home resources.