Lungs affected by COPD are very sensitive, particularly to things like respiratory irritants, physical strain, and less-than-ideal breathing conditions (such as hot or humid air). Because of this, if you have COPD, you've probably noticed that your COPD symptoms tend to flare up in certain environments or when you do certain things.

If you have COPD or any respiratory or circulatory disease that inhibits your lungs or heart from producing enough oxygen for your body you have probably been prescribed supplemental medical oxygen. Oxygen treatment increases the amount of oxygen that flows into your lungs and bloodstream. If your COPD is severe, and your blood oxygen levels are low, getting more oxygen can help you breathe better and live longer.

You have a lot of options when it comes to choosing a method for oxygen treatment, and ultimately your decision should be made adhering to your doctor's prescription recommendations and then addressing your personal goals and financial responsibilities. This article will help you in determining how to weigh your options.

It is 2021, and no matter who you are, your life was most likely impacted by the global pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus first exposed late in 2019 (COVID-19). This virus is the most dangerous for humans when it infects your respiratory system, so this is obviously frightening for people with COPD and other underlying health conditions and immunodeficiencies.

There is much more that is unknown about the virus than there is any information that is definitive. How fast it spreads, how easily transmittable it is, and so much more will be under scientific scrutiny for months even years to come.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most prevalent lung conditions, affecting more than 328 million people around the world and an estimated 16 million people in the United States alone. 

The wise Greek philosopher Heraclitus once said, “the only constant in life is change.” And while we aren’t always in charge of the outcome of our life, we’re always in control of the effort we put into it.

The beauty of the natural world is not something that is limited to a certain age group, and the inclusiveness of the outdoor community knows no limits. No matter where you spent most of your life, whether you are a home-body or a born nomad, there is no better time to get out into nature than in your senior years.

If you are skeptical about how you would enjoy a hiking adventure while managing the obstacles that come with older age, please continue reading.

Last year, we were very happy to announce that we would be selling the Caire FreeStyle Comfort, the latest pulse flow portable oxygen concentrator by Caire, Inc. This concentrator was miles ahead of anything that Caire had manufactured in the past, and it even held its own against the most popular oxygen concentrator on the market: the Inogen One G5.

Have you ever left a conversation with your doctor confused about their instructions or explanations? It may have been the complicated terminology they were using, or long instructions about a prescription  you need to be taking, or a lack of explanations for your treatment. Studies show that there is a gap between patient–doctor communication leading to decreased quality of care.

Education is a vital element of the patient care process and can contribute to successful and  effective management of COPD.

Educating yourself about COPD is your job as the patient. This comes down to understanding your COPD symptoms, the testing, and management and treatment options involved. Then, you will be able to effectively ask your doctor questions and confidently understand their answers. 

Being diagnosed with a respiratory illness such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, or pulmonary fibrosis can be life-changing. You’ll have to make adjustments to your daily routine in order to accommodate for doctors visits, pulmonary rehabilitation, supplemental oxygen therapy, and other lifestyle changes.