There are many different conditions that can cause lung problems and emphysema, including a variety of heritable diseases. One of these is Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (also known as AAT deficiency or Alpha-1), a rare, incurable genetic disorder that most people have never heard of.

Alpha-1 is the result of a protein deficiency that can cause mild or severe damage to the lungs and liver. Many people with AAT deficiency experience asthma-like symptoms including breathlessness, wheezing, and coughing that can occur in childhood or later in life.

Pulmonary hypertension is a serious, chronic disease that affects the heart and the blood vessels in the lungs. Although it is somewhat rare, the disease can result from a large number of health conditions, genetics, or even occur spontaneously. 

Unfortunately, most cases of pulmonary hypertension are chronic and incurable. But especially with early diagnosis and proper medical treatment, people with the disease are able to manage the symptoms of pulmonary hypertension and maintain a good quality of life.

Managing a lifelong, chronic disease like COPD can take a lot of time, energy, and motivation. Even if you have a straightforward treatment plan, adhering to that plan perfectly and consistently every day can be a challenge and a drain on your mental resources.

Many people with COPD have difficulty fitting medication and lifestyle changes into their daily life. As a result, many patients find themselves missing medications, skimping on physical activity, or giving up on their healthy diet and nutrition plan.

Many people with respiratory diseases COPD and Cystic Fibrosis have to deal with extra phlegm and congestion in their lungs and airways. It's an unfortunate symptom that can be difficult to manage, especially during periods of illness and exacerbations.

Allergy season is a nuisance for anyone who suffers from allergies, but it can be a serious struggle for people who also suffer from COPD. Common allergens like pollen, dust, and mold can not only cause uncomfortable allergic reactions, but they can also irritate your lungs and airways and make it more difficult to breathe.

At least one in five people in the US suffer from allergies, and that includes many people who also have COPD. Unfortunately, there hasn't been a lot of research on how the two conditions interact, and there are few official treatment guidelines to help COPD patients manage their allergies.

There's always so much to look forward to during the summer months: warm weather, lush trees, and all kinds of outdoor activities. It's a beautiful season, and for many of us it provides a much-needed rest from the cold, harsh winter weather.

When you depend on supplemental oxygen to keep you well, a reliable portable oxygen concentrator is all but a necessity. Portable concentrators are uniquely useful because they turn regular, ambient air into concentrated medical grade oxygen for you to breathe.

That means there are no heavy, flammable tanks that need to be refilled or replaced. You'll have an unending supply of oxygen as long as long as you have battery power.

Portable concentrators can be life changing; they allow you to leave home, stay active, and go about all your daily tasks with convenience and ease. Many models even offer optional backup batteries so you can go out with confidence and use your portable concentrator even longer without interruption.

Because your health and comfort depends on it, choosing a portable continuous flow oxygen concentrator that fits your needs and lifestyle is an important decision. That's why, in this article, we've provided you with information about the top four continuous flow portable oxygen concentrators on the market.

We've included everything you need to know about their unique features, oxygen output, battery life, and more to help you make the best decision possible. Listed in no particular order, here are the top 4 portable continuous flow oxygen concentrators.

Being diagnosed with COPD can be a very frightening and disheartening experience. It's common to feel fear and apprehension about living with the diagnosis and maybe even guilt about what you did or didn't do that might have caused your COPD.

Pulse flow portable oxygen concentrators are different from continuous-flow concentrators in that they detect when you inhale and deliver a bolus dose of oxygen on-demand. Concentrators with pulse-flow technology are intuitive and responsive by automatically adjusting the amount of oxygen they deliver based on your breathing rate.