Newsletter 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

JTV Partners with RHA for Women’s Lung Health

Posted on April 25, 2022April 25, 2022 by Sarah Meyer Hughes

Living with lung disease not only affects your breathing, but your peace of mind as well. Lung disease is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States.

Women, in particular, are at a greater risk of developing lung disease than men. Nearly 21 million U.S. women live with lung diseases like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, and pulmonary fibrosis. Millions more have early symptoms.

The numbers are breathtaking:

More than 13 million women in the U.S. have asthma – accounting for 65 percent of all adults with asthma
An average of 193 women die each day of lung cancer, one every 7 minutes.
An estimated 8.5 million U.S. women are living with COPD. Today, more women die of COPD each year than men.

Despite the data, women’s lung disease research is drastically underfunded compared to other causes of death. This disparity in funding leads to fewer treatment options and poorer health outcomes. At a time when lung health couldn’t be more important, we want to generate awareness about women’s lung disease and raise funds for ongoing research efforts.

“Women’s lung health is the public health crisis no one is talking about. One out of every six women in the United States is living with chronic lung disease such as asthma, COPD, or lung cancer, yet federal research funding for these diseases is severely lacking,” says Joel Africk, President and CEO at Respiratory Health Association (RHA).

Table that shows disease funding and mortality rates

Despite lung disease as a top cause of death, lung disease research is drastically underfunded.

To address this disparity, RHA launched its Catch Your Breath® Women and Lung Health Initiative.

Lynn Kotsiantos originally inspired the Catch Your Breath campaign. Lynn was a non-smoking, healthy mother of three shocked to learn that she had lung cancer. After a nine-month struggle, she passed away in April 2003 at the age of 42.

In her honor, Catch Your Breath® continues as a women’s lung health awareness campaign. Catch Your Breath® raises awareness and funding for lung health research and programs. To improve treatments, Catch Your Breath® advocates for increased funding for research to better understand lung disease. Additionally, the initiative educates the public and medical professionals about the disproportionate effects of lung disease on women.

One component of the Catch Your Breath® campaign is a partnership with Jewelry Television (JTV) to support women’s lung health.

Throughout the month of May, JTV is offering a variety of promotions to its customers to support RHA and the Catch Your Breath® initiative, including a butterfly keychain. For each piece sold, JTV will donate 50% of the sales price to RHA.

To locate JTV on your local cable provider, click here for the channel finder. JTV also livestreams daily broadcasts on its website.

“Our partnership with JTV is an important part of our women’s lung health campaign because we can reach such a large audience – it is critical we get people talking about this issue and work to turn the tide in the fight against lung disease,” explains Africk.

Visit womenslunghealth.org to help every woman breathe easier.

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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.

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.