Where to find Online Support for COPD

Dealing with COPD may be very daunting, especially when you’ve been newly diagnosed. It’s always a good idea however, to get help and support wherever you can. Aside from talking to your doctor and getting support from your loved ones, the internet can be a great place to turn to for information and encouragement. There are numerous sites that have great content to help you learn more about your condition, while also having community forums where people with chronic lung conditions can share their experiences and turn to one another for support.

Here are our top online picks for sites that help you cope with the challenges of having COPD.

The American Lung Association’s website (www.lung.org)

This site by far is among the best resources for those suffering from lung conditions including COPD. The website provides a comprehensive list of contents for various lung diseases and symptoms, where you can search by keyword or by letter. It offers topnotch information about the different lung conditions, their treatments, current research trends, as well as advice for managing lung diseases. It contains a section on COPD, along with tips and a management plan. The website also points you to support groups that COPD patients can meet with and participate in, like the Better Breathers Club. It also contains a list of online support groups where patients can join.

The COPD Foundation’s website and its forum COPD360social (www.copdfoundation.org)

The COPD Foundation is a non-profit organization that aims to improve the lives of COPD patients. Its website has excellent content on learning about COPD and dealing with everyday challenges that COPD patients go through. The website’s online forum, named COPD360social, promotes an interactive environment where users such as patients, family members, and health care professionals can ask questions and post about experiences. Users can also give out advice, comment on blogs, and discuss various topics related to COPD. Such an environment provides the members with an online venue to communicate, encouraging social and emotional support for COPD pattients, caregivers, and their families.

GSK’s site for COPD (www.copd.com)

Glaxo-Smith-Kline’s specialized website for COPD has a very neat format and is ideal for patients newly diagnosed with COPD and their family members. The site provides a lot of easy-to-understand information, from learning COPD basics to making a COPD plan. It contains various articles on COPD topics, and also provides a lot of videos to help you learn more about managing the daily aspects of COPD. It also encourages patients to complete the COPD checklist (shich is downloadable from the site), set down goals, and take simple steps every day to improve your health. The site is very easy to navigate and provides patients and caregivers with a multitude of resources on nutrition, exercise, and activities. The videos are very nicely done and feature actual COPD patients who share their experiences and advice about managing their condition. Simply sign up at the site to get more of the free tools and information the site has to offer.

COPD forum at Supportgroups.com (copd.supportgroups.com)

If you’re looking for an online forum where you can easily participate in discussions, SupportGroup’s forum on COPD may just be what you need. SupportGroups.com hosts 220 social support networks that are specific for certain conditions ranging from depression to cancer, allowing patients to seek advice and emotional support by interacting with people who may be going through the same challenges as they are. As a user, you can join various groups, post pictures and videos, ask questions, share how you’re feeling, add helpful links, and respond to other people’s posts. The group on COPD has a lot of active members who respond and help one another through advice and emotional support.  Simply sign up by clicking th “Join Now” button on the upper part of the page, and you can start posting and commenting on the COPD group.

Whatever stage of COPD you are in, it’s always helpful to learn more about your condition and get support from a community who can relate with your problems and challenges. Knowing that there are people out there going through the same things as you are can help make you feel better and less alone in your battles. The websites above can also help you connect with resources and people who can give you help or advice regarding your condition. So whenever you’re feeling down because of your COPD, get online, read some tips, and share your feeling and concerns. It always helps knowing that there are people like you out there!

Do you know of other online sites that provide support for COPD patients? What are your expereinces from these? We’d love to hear about them in the comments below!

 

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Energy-boosting tips for COPD caregivers

Being a caregiver for a loved one is a huge commitment, especially in the case of one who has a chronic lung condition like COPD. Though it means that you have to dedicate a lot of time to make sure your loved one is comfortable and his or her needs are met, this doesn’t mean that you have to neglect your own needs. Caregivers for COPD patients may also usually hold down jobs, have families of their own, or may have other responsibilities. Because of needing to have the right balance between these various aspects, many caregivers may be prone to exhaustion and fatigue.

As a caregiver, it is essential that you keep up your physical, mental and emotional energy to feel your best and keep burnout at bay. It is also important to be able to give your loved one the care and assistance he or she needs. Try some of the following tips for boosting your energy and keeping yourself on your feet even on the most challenging days:

Stay organized and have a system. Keep all medications and supplies sorted and properly arranged in a manner accessible to both you and your patient. It’s handy to have a list of all the patient’s medications and a daily record to tick off whenever the patient has taken a certain medication. Having this type of system can help you be more efficient and conserve your energy to keep you going throughout the day. Such a system can also help the patient or another family member or caregiver take over more smoothly in any event that you can’t be there personally. Also, don’t forget to keep important emergency numbers handy, such as the doctor’s and hospital’s numbers.

Plan ahead. When you know that you may be needed for a longer stretch of time, and possibly need to pull an all-nighter, it’s good to anticipate that you may need more rest beforehand or even a babysitter for your kids to get some time for yourself. If you have a job, you may also have to check if your schedule will allow minor changes such as coming in later so you can use the time to rest. Planning ahead and having everything ready can save you a lot of time and can prevent any unnecessary stress.

Be prepared. When an emergency arises, such as your patient having an exacerbation that may require hospitalization, it’s handy to have a packed bag ready for the hospital. It’s also a good idea to have a list of everything the patient needs for an overnight stay or two, along with a list of the patient’s medications and a record of the patient’s health history to make it easier during hospital admissions.

Increase your water intake. Staying hydrated may be a health cliché, but remember that the more active you are, the more water your body needs. When your body lacks water, you can eventually feel sluggish and fatigued. Prevent dehydration by having an adequately-sized water bottle at all times. Take frequent swigs to keep yourself refreshed and energized throughout the day.

Choose your snacks well. Avoid quick-fix snacks like cookies, pastries and chips. Though your body craves for these carb-laden foods when fatigue sets in, you’re better off reaching for healthier alternatives like nuts, fruit, or other protein-rich alternatives. Carb-laden foods can help you feel better, but their effects only last for a short period of time, leaving you hungrier and more sluggish after the calories have been used up. Healthier foods help sustain your energy and prevent the crash and fatigue you experience after consuming foods laden with refined carbohydrates.

Know when to ask for help. When the inevitable happens and you get tired, sick, or won’t be able to care for your loved one, don’t force yourself into it. Instead, ask for help from a relative or friend who can temporarily take over for you. It’s best to know when you need to take care of yourself, too, otherwise you may end up doing something regretful like giving the wrong medication or ending up in the hospital yourself.

Take a break. If you know that you’re on the edge of burning out, you may need some quality time for yourself with your spouse or friends. Don’t feel bad or guilty that you have to take some time off. Ask another friend or relative to take over your caregiving duties for a while, so you can get a respite from stress, keep yourself sane and take time to relax. Taking breaks can help you get back to caregiving and your other responsibilities feeling refreshed and even more energized.

Being a caregiver means that you need to also be in great shape and optimal health to be able to care for your loved one with COPD. Follow these tips to keep up your energy to be able to help your loved one cope better with the challenges that COPD brings.

Do you have other tips and advice for COPD caregivers? We’d love to hear about them! Share them with us in the comments below!

 

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Learning about Outdoor Air Quality

Dealing with a lung condition like COPD makes a lot of things more challenging, and even the simple things, like the quality of the air we breathe in, becomes a more important issue. Many of us have heard the terms “air quality” and “air quality index.” What do these phrases really mean and how important are they to patients with COPD? Read on to find out.

What is air quality?

Air quality simply refers to how clean or polluted the air is. This is then measured and reported by a tool called the “Air Quality Index,” or AQI. Every day, the air quality around us changes due to the presence of pollutants and other airborne particles. The concentrations of such pollutants are then measured by sensors in various locations, and the data is then converted into AQI values.

The AQI is calculated based on the five major air pollutants that are a threat to human health. These include: particle pollution, ground-level ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide.

The AQI is updated every day, and in some places, every few hours, to reflect an accurate measurement of the amount of pollutants around us.

 

Why is it important?

The air we breathe is everyone’s concern, but more so, people suffering from lung conditions should be extra cautious of airborne particulate matter. Outdoor pollution is a major trigger for COPD exacerbations, which often end with visits to the emergency room or even a hospital admission.

The AQI is a very useful tool to use when determining the health risks associated with the current level of air pollution. AQI has a measurement scale from 0 to 500, with 0 meaning pure, clean air, and 500 reflecting toxic air. Thus, the higher the numerical value, the more pollution is present, posing severe harm to COPD patients.

 

How to use the AQI if you have COPD and other lung conditions

The AQI has six levels, where each level translates into certain health concerns that may arise from the amount of pollutants present. Each level is interpreted and shown as a certain color. What’s also very useful is that the AQI also recommends certain actions to be taken when each level is reached.

The Air Quality Index chart below shows the index values and their corresponding names, color, and health advice. Note that the health advice given here has been modified to cater particularly to patients who have COPD, asthma or other lung conditions.

Index value	Name	Color	Health advice
0-50	Good	Green	You can get outside to do outdoor activities and enjoy the clean air
51-100	Moderate	Yellow	Air quality may be okay, but as a precautionary measure, spend only a short amount of time outdoors or rethink prolonged activities
101-150	Unhealthy for sensitive groups (USG)	Orange	Limit spending time outdoors and only go out when absolutely necessary
151-200	Unhealthy	Red	Avoid prolonged outdoor exertion
201-300	Very unhealthy/ terrible	Purple	Avoid any outdoor exertion
301-500	Hazardous	Maroon	Completely stay indoors!

 

Take note that a level of 100 is the benchmark for clean air. Levels below 100 usually have no health effects. Any value above this, however, gets dangerous for COPD patients and other people suffering from respiratory conditions. Higher levels, such as those above 200, eventually pose a risk to everyone.

As you can see, AQI is an important tool especially for those with chronic lung conditions. Based on the levels shown every day, you can then plan your outdoor activities accordingly.

Do you have other tips and advice to share about air quality and the AQI? Do comment below!

 

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Apps that help you track your COPD health

 

Living with COPD means that you have to be constantly aware of your health. This means that you have to keep close track of your medications, doctor appointments and even your symptoms. Luckily, in today’s high-tech era, there are apps for that. You can now leave out the paper and pen, and instead download several apps that help you and your loved ones get organized when managing your condition.

Additionally, studies have found that COPD patients who use such apps are more attentive toward their health, have less exacerbations, and less hospital visits. Check out the following apps that can help you keep a record of your symptoms and make it easier for you to deal with handling the different aspects of your COPD.

COPD Navigator

Released by a company called LifeMap, the COP Navigator is an app for iOs devices. This app is specifically intended for the use of COPD patients like you, where you can put in your daily symptoms and get alerted when a sudden decline occurs with your condition. The app also allows you to share such information with your health care team and receive supervision and advice. It also gives out medication reminders and reports about the weather and air quality in the locality helping you to take extra caution when venturing outside. The app also generates graphs for easy visualization of any patterns in health status and symptoms. Additionally, the app also provides content and information from respiratory experts that can help you and your loved ones know more about your condition.

 

Map My Walk (and other pedometer apps)

Exercise and physical activity is a significant part of COPD management. Time and again, you may have been reminded to do some physical activity, and walking is by far the easiest to cope with. If you want to keep track of your physical activity through the day, you can use any pedometer, as there are lots to download for Android and iPhones. One of them is Map My Walk, which has GPS tracking features especially useful if you go outside for a walk on a certain route. You can use the app to record your walks either automatically or manually. It also has a food log where you can monitor the calories you take in. Its easy interface allows for clutter-free use, and can also link to family and friends for you to share your activity details with.

 

EPA AIRNow

Having COPD means having to be constantly conscious of the air quality wherever you intend to go. EPA AIRNow gives you accurate, real-time reports on air quality and pollution. Its interactive maps also provide information on future air quality indicators. Such an app is a valuable tool when planning daily activities, especially if they require you to go outside the home. It also provides advice you can use to protect your health and avoid any triggers from pollution and fine particles in the air.

Medisafe

If you’re having trouble keeping track of your medications and dosing schedules, this app is a perfect tool! Simply put in your medications and the app will remind you every time you need to take one of them. It also provides a daily list view for you to see what medications need to be taken within the day. Plus, this app also give you reminders for when to refill your prescriptions at the pharmacy so you can restock your medications before they run out. It also allows you to sync family member’s medications and devices, so other people can check in on you, too. The app also creates medication progress reports that you can show to your doctor or health care team on your next visit, so don’t need to recount your medication progress in detail. As a bonus, the app also allows you to record other measurements like your weight, blood pressure, and other health data so you won’t have difficulty recalling them to your doctor on your next visit. All in all, such an app makes managing your medications much easier.

Living in today’s technologically advanced world isn’t so bad once you get to experience how much these apps can help make life easier. The challenges that come with COPD can be made lighter once you find ways to make them seem easier, and this is what these apps can do.

Do you know any other apps that can help COPD patients? We’d love to hear about them in the comments below!

 

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