Most of the time, COPD is caused by smoking and other pollutants. But in some cases, COPD is caused by a genetic condition called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, also known as "alpha-1." In this episode, we talk about what alpha-1 is, what causes it, how it's treated, and why getting genetic testing for alpha-1 is so important. For links to resources and information covered in this series, visit our website at HealthUnmuted.com/resources What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear from you. Please visit healthunmuted.com/feedback to let us know! Disclaimer: The content provided in ..read more

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, affects millions of people around the world-- and millions more may be undiagnosed. So what exactly is COPD? In this episode, you'll get to know your lungs better, learn about symptoms and causes, risk factors, and more. And you'll meet John and Jan, who share their experiences living with and managing the disease. For links to resources and information covered in this series, visit our website at HealthUnmuted.com/resources What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear from you. Please visit healthunmuted.com/feedback to let us know! D ..read more

An exacerbation, or "flare-up," can look different for different people, like coughing fits, extreme tiredness, or fever. Practicing good health habits can help prevent flare-ups in the first place. But when you have a flare-up, it's important to get treated right away. In this episode, we'll answer questions like: what is the difference between a flare up and a "bad day"? How can you create a plan with your care team? And what can loved ones do to help? For links to resources and information covered in this series, visit our website at HealthUnmuted.com/resources What did you think of this e ..read more

John's diagnosis hasn't stopped him and his wife from doing all the things they love; life with COPD just looks a little different. In this episode, we learn why diet, exercise, quitting smoking, and other good habits are important to managing COPD. We also chat about pulmonary rehab, which has been life-changing for Jan and others. As always, we share resources to help you live your life on your terms. For links to resources and information covered in this series, visit our website at HealthUnmuted.com/resources What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear from you. Please visit hea ..read more

Some people with COPD may need a little extra oxygen to help make breathing easier. This is called oxygen therapy, and we cover it in this episode. We'll also learn how to travel safely with oxygen and what to do if you ever feel insecure about wearing your oxygen in public. Plus, we review several treatment options for people with advanced lung disease.  For links to resources and information covered in this series, visit our website at HealthUnmuted.com/resources What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear from you. Please visit healthunmuted.com/feedback to let us know! Dis ..read more

COPD is a lifelong condition, but it doesn't have to be a progressive one. Changes to diet and exercise and treatments like medication and pulmonary rehabilitation can help keep COPD from getting worse. In this episode, we talk about treatments for COPD. Plus, what can babies, opera singers, and harmonicas teach us about breathing? For links to resources and information covered in this series, visit our website at HealthUnmuted.com/resources What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear from you. Please visit healthunmuted.com/feedback to let us know! Disclaimer: The content pro ..read more

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, affects millions of people around the world-- and millions more may be undiagnosed. So what exactly is COPD? In this episode, you'll get to know your lungs better, learn about symptoms and causes, risk factors, and more. And you'll meet John and Jan, who share their experiences living with and managing the disease. For links to resources and information covered in this series, visit our website at HealthUnmuted.com/resources What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear from you. Please visit healthunmuted.com/feedback to let us know! D ..read more

COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, affects millions of people in the US and around the world. It's the name given to a group of different lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties. It's serious and has no cure, but it's also manageable. We'll get into all of that throughout this series.  We hear from people living with COPD, and we also hear from health experts who treat people with COPD. Each episode looks at a different aspect of COPD from causes and symptoms, to diagnosis and treatment, and how people with COPD can live their life on their terms. This series is ..read more

Exacerbations, or flare-ups, are an unavoidable part of having COPD. And sometimes they are severe enough to require a hospital stay. That's the bad news. But the good news is exacerbations can be treated, and there are steps you can take to avoid getting too sick too often. Jan, Jean, and our health experts talk about all things exacerbations and making a successful transition from hospital to home. Visit our website for links and resources: HealthUnmuted.com List of Resources COPD360Social, social media support group: https://www.copdfoundation.org/COPD360social/Community/Get-Involved.asp ..read more

Keeping healthy with COPD can be challenging. But for people like Jean, Jan, and John, COPD doesn't have to get in the way of life. It just means life looks a little different. Things like exercise, nutrition, and preventive care require more attention and planning, but these healthy habits (and good adherence to treatment regimens) can help people with lung disease continue to do the things they love— even in the middle of a global pandemic. Visit our website links and resources: HealthUnmuted.com List of Resources COPD360Social, social media support group: https://www.copdfoundation.org ..read more