Living With COPD

Shortness of breath can be a sign of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a lung condition that an estimated 12 million Americans may have without knowing it. Even if you have heard of COPD, here are some surprising facts you may not know.   View slideshow

Here are the 10 U.S. cities with the cleanest air, according to the American Lung Association’s annual report, which looks at levels of ozone and particulates (tiny particles that can get lodged in your lungs).   View slideshow

The right vacuum can do wonders for your allergies, asthma or COPD. The wrong one can wreak havoc. We tested HEPA-filtration models to come up with the best for your every need.   View slideshow

Alice Dunkley, 64, lives in Bakers Mills, N.Y. Diagnosed with COPD at age 42, she found out she had a rare gene mutation that increases COPD risk. Since then she’s used many different types of COPD drugs, some with more side effects than others. She now takes 17 pills a day to treat the side effects of her long-term use of COPD medications, such as bone-thinning due to corticosteroid use. However, she’s still willing to try new medications and weighs the risks and benefits each time.  Read More

Mike McBride, 57, lives in Arvada, Colo. Diagnosed with COPD in 2005, he now needs oxygen daily and even higher amounts when he’s exercising. He wasn’t happy with wearing a tube in his nose every day, so he opted for a transtracheal device. It delivers oxygen via an opening in his throat, and he’s glad he switched delivery methods.   Read More

Emil Olson, age 62, lives in Sweet Ridge, Colo. Diagnosed with COPD in 2003, his symptoms were so severe his doctor said he'd probably never be able to walk more than a block again. He actively pursued a lung transplant, but didn't qualify because he couldn't walk six minutes. With the help of pulmonary rehabilitation, he greatly increased his walking ability and had a lung transplant. He now takes antirejection medication and can walk a mile a day or more.  Read More

Despite frequent bouts of pneumonia, the COPD didn’t come up again until I went to see an allergist at age 55. The allergist found it strange that my X-ray showed signs of emphysema even though I’d never smoked. He wanted to screen me for a rare genetic condition. The blood test showed I have alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency. That was undoubtedly the explanation for my severe COPD.  Read More

If you’ve been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a chronic lung condition that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, you probably have more than a few questions.   View slideshow

These eight healthy habits, from eating right to exercising, can help you breathe easier if you have COPD.   View slideshow

If you have trouble breathing, daily activities—even eating a meal—can be a challenge. Follow these 15 healthy eating tips for people with COPD.   View slideshow

COPD is not a glamorous disease. And yet, over the years, celebrities who have suffered from COPD have, through their fame, brought greater awareness to this serious and life-threatening disease.   View slideshow

• I Coughed So Hard I Passed Out and Turned Blue

• My Smoker's Cough Turned Out to Be Emphysema

  Read more about COPD

Dr. Schachter discusses whether you should get a pneumonia vaccine.  Read More

Dr. Whiteson discusses how air quality can affect your COPD.  Read More

Dr. Schachter discusses whether you should invest in an air filter.  Read More

Dr. Whiteson discusses how to prevent the cold and flu.  Read More