Topics: COPD, Sleep Apnea, insomnia

A recent study by British scientists have shown encouraging evidence that retinoic acid can slow the progression of emphysema and in some cases, even reverse damage caused by the disease. This acid is found in Vitamin A. Results from tests on mice have been very positive and the scientists how to begin human trials in the near future. This study is being conducted by doctors at King’s College in London where they have made great strides in revolutionizing treatment for COPD and other respiratory ailments.

Topics: COPD, COPD Treatment, Diet Tips, Emphysema, Disease Management

Maintaining social contacts with family and friends is important for all aspects of life. Having a close friend to lean on during hard times or someone to share the fun times with is essential. It can ease the pain and amplify the good times but what about physical ailments? There have been several social science studies conducted that indeed confirm that there is a definite link between social relationships and health outcomes. In fact the American Journal of Managed Care has stated that socially isolated people have a 43% risk of illness reoccurrence, a 64% higher risk of contracting a serious illness, and an astounding 69% higher risk of all-cause mortality whether it be from heart attack, chronic illness, or any variety and combination of health issues.

Topics: COPD, COPD Treatment, Depression

This blog post was updated on 3/7/17 to add information.

Being diagnosed with COPD is scary. It leads to endless questions about your future and what it means for you and your family.

It can leave you feeling guilty for possibly causing the onset of the disease from smoking. And it can leave you thinking "Well, now what?"

The truth is, yes COPD is scary and overwhelming, but COPD does not define you and it most certainly is NOT a death sentence.

Topics: COPD, COPD Treatment

Topics: COPD, Stress Management

This post was updated on 05/24/16 to add more information.

Well, it’s that time of year again. We are coming up on the summer months which means sunshine, picnics, barbecues, vacations, and more are in your near future! Whether you have a summer packed full of plans or you are just looking forward to the nice weather and spending time with friends and family, it’s easy to see why summer is a lot of people’s favorite time of year.

Here’s the deal:

Topics: COPD, Disease Management

There is nothing more refreshing than waking up after a full night’s rest. However, when diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), you may not have the same experience. But you’re not alone.

In fact, up to 50% of people diagnosed with COPD report experiencing some level of insomnia. Such as sleep disruptions, trouble sleeping well throughout the night, or difficulty falling asleep.

Topics: COPD, Sleep Apnea, Depression

Successfully treating and managing your COPD is like playing a game of chess. You aim to stay 3 steps ahead of the disease at all times, but there’s always a chance that your opponent, COPD, has a trick move up its sleeve.

Because there is no cure for the disease, the goal of treating COPD is to manage your symptoms and to maintain or improve your quality of life.

Topics: COPD, Disease Management

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is not an easy disease to manage, as you may already know. The numerous symptoms that limit your ability to do things, the wide array of commonly linked diseases and illnesses, and thinking about life before your diagnosis all contribute to the difficulties you may have managing your disease.

Topics: COPD, COPD Treatment, Depression

Everyone faces some level of stress during their day to day life, stress is just a part of life. However, when diagnosed with a chronic lung disease like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the effects of stress on the body are worsened. Due to breathlessness, fatigue, the development of a lung infection, or the rise of new or worsening symptoms as the results of an exacerbation (flare up). COPD patients have more than 3 times the odds of developing generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) than someone without COPD.

Topics: COPD, Stress Management