If you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, or any other debilitating lung condition, you likely depend on a strict treatment regime that encompasses all facets of your life. Typical treatment plans usually involve an improved diet high in protein and fiber, an exercise routine that improves lung strength and endurance, and most importantly oxygen therapy which helps stabilize your lung condition and ensure blood oxygen levels are normal.

Try to think back, and remember what your daily routine looked like before you started suffering from symptoms associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, asthma, heart failure, cystic fibrosis, or sleep apnea…

Many people with COPD or other respiratory diseases, are shocked when their doctors inform them that they need to start using supplemental oxygen, and this shock doesn’t go away every time they recommend you rely on supplemental oxygen more and more, until eventually you are using your oxygen device, 24/7.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an umbrella term used to describe one of two different respiratory ailments: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. The former is characterized by swelling and inflammation of the bronchial tubes and the latter is characterized by damaged alveoli, the small air sacs in the lungs that are responsible for the transmission of oxygen and carbon dioxide to and from the blood.

If you were to honestly ask yourself: What stops me from exercising? And your answer is that your COPD makes it too hard for you to breath, this article is for you!

If you have COPD, symptoms like difficulty breathing and muscle fatigue are most likely the main reasons you avoid from working out or beginning an exercise program in the first place. This is unfortunate because the best way to improve exercise tolerance and decrease breathlessness in COPD is to be active.

If you’re a respiratory patient with a condition such as COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, or cystic fibrosis, you’ve likely accepted change as a normal part of your life. Being able to implement treatments into your life such as pulmonary rehabilitation, supplemental oxygen therapy, and an improved diet routine is never easy, but it is essential if you want to feel better and improve your long-term prognosis.

The clear and simple answer is that there is currently no cure for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). That being said, there is evidence that shows early diagnosis, combined with disease management programs, can reduce the impact of COPD and slow the disease from progressing into a more severe state.

If you are struggling with accomplishing activities you used to do with ease by becoming short of breath, experiencing chest tightness or low energy, or getting frequent respiratory infections, being diagnosed with COPD can be a blessing in disguise.

Think about your daily routine, it likely involves a number of different activities that range from resting, to moving around and doing chores, exercising, reading, and of course sleeping. If you are using oxygen therapy at home your oxygen flow requirements may vary from the morning to afternoon, from day to day, depending on the season. Even if you need oxygen all day and all night the rate at which you need oxygen may not be consistent.

If you have more severe symptoms associated with COPD or you have overlapping conditions that restrict the proper amount of oxygen getting through your lungs, you likely need a continuous supply of oxygen flow. This means that you need oxygen delivery from your oxygen concentrators to be constantly flowing, even if you are not taking a breath.

As humans, one of the most important things we value is our freedom. Whether we’re young or old; poor or rich; sick or healthy, we can’t put a price on our ability to get out and enjoy life on our own terms. But if you’re someone who suffers from a debilitating condition like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), you might think that your freedom is a thing of the past — fortunately, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

If you have a respiratory impairment like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or pulmonary fibrosis, you’re probably used to carefully planning your day-to-day life. From following your treatment plan to scheduling doctor’s appointments, you need to have an acute understanding of your medical needs and how to address them.