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Posts in the Healthy Living Category

New COPD drug approved by FDA

May 16th, 2013 | Author: Fabiana Talbot

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Breo Ellipta (fluticasone furoate and vilanterol inhalation powder), a long-term, once-daily maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in patients COPD! Developed by GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, N.C., in collaboration with San Francisco-based Theravance, the treatment works by decreasing inflammation in the lungs and helping the muscles around the airways of the lungs stay relaxed to increase airflow and reduce exacerbations in patients with COPD.

“COPD is a serious, debilitating disease that makes breathing difficult,” says John W. Walsh, president and co-founder, COPD Foundation. “The availability of a long-term maintenance medication provides an additional treatment option for the estimated 24 million Americans living with COPD. We congratulate GlaxoSmithKline for developing Breo Ellipta, and anticipate that this new therapy will positively impact patient adherence to treatment regimens — and improve quality of life.”

Breo Ellipta is a combination of fluticasone furoate, an inhaled corticosteroid, and vilanterol, a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA). The safety and efficacy of Breo Ellipta were evaluated in 7,700 patients with a clinical diagnosis of COPD.

(fda.gov)

(fda.gov)

Those treated showed improved lung function and reduced exacerbations compared to placebo.

“For a disease suspected of impacting over 20 million Americans, we have struggled for far too long with a limited number of therapeutic options,” says Dr. Byron Thomashow, Clinical Professor of Medicine at Columbia University/New York Presbyterian Hospital and Chair of the COPD Foundations’ Board of Directors. “The recommendation of approval of this new once-daily agent is a very positive step forward. This is a unique agent; the first once daily combined inhaled steroid/long-acting beta agonist. And it’s important to note that the FDA has approved it both for maintenance and for preventing exacerbations. This drug will give us another excellent option for improving the lives of those living with COPD.”

The FDA approved Breo Ellipta with a medication guide that includes information about the potential risks. Breo Ellipta should not be used as a rescue therapy to treat acute bronchospasm, and is not recommended for people younger than 18 years.

“COPD is the third leading cause of death in the US, and yet we’ve seen far too few therapeutic options. This new drug approval represents a significant step forward,” says Dr. David Mannino, COPD Foundation Board Member and Professor in the Department of Preventative Medicine and Environmental Health at the University of Kentucky College of Public Health.
What are your thoughts on this new development??

Category: Healthy Living, Management, News | 5 Comments » | » Share

A Caretaker’s Concern

May 8th, 2013 | Author: COPD Coach

Dear COPD Coach

My husband has severe COPD and for the last month he is getting out of breath whenever he eats, showers or does any activity that he has to exert energy.  Is this normal?

-Concerned

 

Dear Concerned,

What you are describing is very common with COPD. However, the fact that all of these problems seem to have shown up suddenly, it might well be a sign of an exacerbation. An exacerbation is when COPD symptoms flare up. It could be related to such things as high pollen count, change of weather, or more significantly, might be signs of an infection or inflammation. I would definitely talk with your doctor!

If it isn’t an exacerbation, it most probably indicates COPD progression. Getting out of breath after eating is often a result of hyper-inflated lungs. As COPD progresses, the lungs actually become larger and can push against the stomach. After eating large meals, the stomach in turn presses against the lungs resulting in the person feeling more out of breath. If your husband is experiencing this, the

(oxygenconcentratorstore.com)

(oxygenconcentratorstore.com)

best remedy is for him to eat smaller meals, more often. He should also avoid certain foods that can cause gas or bloating.  If he is  at or below ideal body weight, have him eat foods that are high in calories. Avoid salt as much as possible since salt can cause him to retain fluid, feel bloated, and increase the workload on his heart. Avoid simple carbohydrates (a few examples are white sugar, cake, fruit juice, bread and pasta with white flour)as these cause CO2 build-up in the blood causing less available oxygen. If he does eat foods containing carbohydrates, keep to complex carbohydrates like those found in fruits, vegetables and whole grain bread.

As for getting out of breath while showering, here are a couple solutions. First, try lowering the temperature of the water and keeping the door of the shower partly open to get rid of the steam. If you have an exhaust fan, be sure to run it during and immediately after showering. Use a shower seat (standing up and washing yourself is a lot of work.). A large handled bath brush can be a real help! Instead of drying with a towel, get an absorbent terry cloth robe so after the shower he can sit while it dries his skin.

Getting out of breath during exertion can be helped in a couple ways. Primarily, the best way is “plan ahead and take it slow.” Suggest that he ecides ahead of time what he needs to accomplish, figure out the best way to do it, and then proceed slowly while stopping when he begins to feel out of breath. It is very important that you discuss with his doctor about enrolling in pulmonary rehabilitation.  A certified pulmonary rehabilitation program can teach your husband some valuable tools such as how to safely accomplish exertions, how to eat properly, shortcuts to good hygiene and how to properly use medications. However, the biggest advantage to pulmonary rehabilitation is that the exercises that he learns will improve endurance lessening getting short of breath.

As a caregiver, it is important that you learn to spot signs of exacerbations. A good source of information is our Big Fat Reference Guide which you can download free at www.bfrg.org.

Let us know if there is anything else we can help you with.

-The COPD Coach

 

Ask the Expert is aimed at providing information for individuals with COPD to take to your doctor, and is not in any way intended to be medical advice.

If you would like to submit a question to the Coaches Corner email us at coachescorner@copdfoundation.org. We would love to hear your questions and comments. You can address your emails to any of the following: COPD Coach, Caregiver Coach, COPD Doctor or COPD RT.

Category: Community, General, Healthy Living, Management, Personal Stories | 1 Comment » | » Share

COPDF Points to CDC Report Showing Declines in COPD Hospitalizations and Mortality Rate

May 6th, 2013 | Author: Fabiana Talbot

CDC-Logo

(cdc.gov)

The COPD Foundation (COPDF) announces the release of “Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Surveillance—United States, 1999-2011,” the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) updated surveillance results for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in the US. The report concludes that the age-adjusted prevalence, death rate in men, and hospitalizations for COPD have declined since 1999, suggesting advances in the prevention of COPD.

“While we are gratified to see that progress is being made in response to improved therapies, greater awareness and outreach to healthcare providers, more work must be done to reach those geographical areas that have not experienced improvement,” says David M. Mannino, M.D., COPD Foundation board member, professor and chair, Department of Preventive Medicine and Environmental Health at the University of Kentucky College of Public Health, and co-author of the CDC report. “It’s important to remember that COPD is still the third leading cause of death in America and that one in five hospitalized patients over 40 is diagnosed with COPD. Continued efforts by COPDF coalition groups are critical for further progress.”

The CDC report takes a comprehensive look at all available data for COPD, including the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). The CDC will present its report at COPD8USA via live video.

John W. Walsh, president and co-founder, COPDF, adds, “As the COPDF approaches its 10-year anniversary, we feel galvanized by these positive findings, and will intensify our efforts to reach underserved communities and at-risk individuals with targeted programs, research and resources.”

(taken from www.copdfoundation.org)

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Mini-Portable Oxygen Concentrators – Do They Work?

May 1st, 2013 | Author: Katelyn Turner

Dear COPD Coach,

Recently, I saw on the internet some companies selling a mini-portable oxygen concentrator for cars and travel. The prices are very reasonable, often around two or three hundred dollars. Are these safe and do they really work? I currently use two liters continuous while at home, and it would be nice to have a small unit without paying a lot of money.

-Looking For Air

Dear Looking,

To be honest, I had not heard about these units until I was preparing this response. After a great deal of research what I found was not encouraging. The units that I was able to find were mostly sold only in Great Britain and could apparently be shipped to the states. They are not considered a medical device so therefore do not require a prescription. As I researched further I found that the advertisements for the units listed very little information as to how well they performed and how much oxygen they actually produced. What I found was that most of the units claimed about 90% oxygen purity but only at a setting of 1 which they state to be .3 liters  – far less than one liter. Above  that, most stated that the purity of the oxygen would only be 30% +/- 3 percent. Considering that the oxygen we breathe contains around 21% oxygen, the 30% they advertise is not really a great increase. Most medically certified portable oxygen concentrators will put out in excess of 90% pure oxygen at all settings. If you are at two liters continuous oxygen at home, these units would not properly saturate you, or for that matter, any person requiring supplemental oxygen!

(portable-oxygen.wordpress.com)

(singaporeoxygen.wordpress.com)

The advertisement for these types of units specifically state that they are for people with normal lung function who might experience a boost from “slightly” higher oxygen content, and are recommended more as a “beauty” aid than for medical use.  Further, these units will not only fail to saturate someone requiring supplemental oxygen, but could actually prove dangerous!

We have seen this type of thing all too many times in the past. We saw it with a large number of imported pulse oximeter units that flooded the market. These units were of such poor quality, that the patients using them were actually hurt due to highly inaccurate readings that they mistakenly relied on. I saw a number of these bargain pulse-oximeters at a medical show recently where I tried 10 different units and failed to even get one reading. This, I am afraid, is also the case with these so called “mini-oxygen concentrators.”

I was taught a long time ago that if something is too good to be true than it probably is.. Before a medical device, including portable oxygen is approved in this country, it must pass rigid testing including patient studies to determine safety and performance. These mini portable oxygen concentrator units that you’re asking about are not subject to any medical or safety review which is why there are labeled for non-medical use.

Before purchasing any medical device, including portable oxygen concentrators, it is important – above all – to make sure that the device you select will fulfill your therapeutic requirements, and address you lifestyle and mobility needs. Trying to save a little money could cost you a lot more than money in the final analysis.

Best regards,

-The COPD Coach

 

Ask the Expert is aimed at providing information for individuals with COPD to take to your doctor, and is not in any way intended to be medical advice.

If you would like to submit a question to the Coaches Corner email us at coachescorner@copdfoundation.org. We would love to hear your questions and comments. You can address your emails to any of the following: COPD Coach, Caregiver Coach, COPD Doctor or COPD RT.

 

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Perplexed about Pulse-Oximeters?

April 24th, 2013 | Author: COPD Coach

Dear COPD Coach,

I would like to get a pulse-oximeter to keep tabs on my breathing. On checking prices I found that there are several for as little as $20 dollars and some that cost over $200.  I am really confused.  I don’t have a lot of money to spend.  What should I do?

-Perplexed

 

Dear Perplexed,

For a number of years in this country, pulse oximeters were very expensive and considered a prescription item. In the last few years we have seen a number of imported meters come on the market at a very low price point. While this may seem like a great deal, for most, if not all, it basically is a monumental waste of money and can lead to serious consequences.

529w

(boston.com)

If used correctly, a pulse-oximeter can be a very useful tool for a lung compromised individual. It can tell us when our oxygen levels are dropping, if we are being properly saturated with our supplemental oxygen, and in many cases give us advanced warning of an impending exacerbation (times when our COPD symptoms flare up. If the meter is inaccurate, or gives false readings it will result in either a false sense of security or send us running to the doctor when there really isn’t anything wrong.

As I mentioned in a previous letter, I recently went to a trade show where several importers were selling pulse-oximeters. I tried 10 different models and never could get a reading. To eliminate the possibility that it might possibly be a problem with me, I went right over to a booth of a well established company and tried their lowest cost model and immediately got a reading.

If you feel you need a pulse-oximeter, my best advice is the following:

 

1. Buy as good of a device as you can afford. If you need to wait to save enough money you are still better off than purchasing a device that will not function correctly, if at all.

2. Make sure whatever device you select is fully returnable if it does not work correctly.

3. Purchase a unit that is powered by either AA or AAA batteries, and not expensive medical grade batteries.

4. Take the unit with you to your doctor’s office or pulmonary rehab session and see how the readings compare with his calibrated unit. If readings between the two are not very similar, return the unit.

5. Speak with a professional as to how to understand your readings, and what readings would be concerning.

Lastly, remember that pulse-oximeters do not function well with all people and situations. Cold fingers, finger nail color or skin pigmentation can all effect readings. Also, never base results on one reading, but instead a number or readings – a trend — over a period of time. Pulse-oximeters are not a diagnostic tool in of themselves, but instead should only be considered a “snap shot” of your breathing at the time the reading is taken. Pulse oximetry cannot, and does not, replace more elaborate medical tests available to the medical professional.

 

-The COPD Coach

Ask the Expert is aimed at providing information for individuals with COPD to take to your doctor, and is not in any way intended to be medical advice.

If you would like to submit a question to the Coaches Corner email us at coachescorner@copdfoundation.org. We would love to hear your questions and comments. You can address your emails to any of the following: COPD Coach, Caregiver Coach, COPD Doctor or COPD RT.

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Why am I short of breath after eating?

April 11th, 2013 | Author: COPD Coach

Dear COPD Coach

Why is it I feel so short of breath after eating? More than a few times, after eating out, it was all I could do to get back to the car, I was so short of breath. I love good food, but am beginning to feel that it isn’t worth the pain of not being able to breathe.

-Breathless

 

Dear Breathless,

Feeling bloated or out of breath after a large meal is not uncommon with people who have COPD. There are  actually a couple reasons why this occurs. When we eat a large meal we require more energy to digest what we eat and experience more pressure on our chest and diaphragm. The result is we experience shortness of breath.

For many, COPD causes our lungs to become hyper-inflated, which means they take up more room in our chest. This results when air gets trapped in damaged areas of the lungs. When our stomach is filled, it can actually push against the lungs causing us to feel out of breath.

Senior Man Eating Fresh Fruit Salad

(wellnesscounselor.blogspot.com)

So, what is the answer? It is really quite sensible. Eat several small meals throughout the day. If you are at or below ideal body weight, eat foods that are high in calories. Avoid salt as much as possible since salt can cause you to retain fluid, feel bloated, and increase the workload on your heart. Avoid simple carbohydrates as these cause CO2 build-up in your blood causing less available oxygen. If you do eat foods containing carbohydrates, keep to complex carbohydrates like those found in fruits, vegetables and whole grain bread.

For some individuals with COPD, the simple act of breathing takes more calories than what we are able to take in. The result of this is either chronic weight loss or the inability to gain weight. People experiencing this should eat snacks loaded in calories. While not considered healthy for “normal” people, these foods might be something like pudding made with whole milk, cheese that is not “reduced” or “low fat,” eggs and buttered popcorn. If eating dairy foods ( a problem for some with COPD as they can result in more mucus) drink plenty of water afterwards. Fried, greasy and spicy foods, carbonated soft drinks and vegetables such as Brussels sprouts and cabbage can also cause bloating.

If you require oxygen, be sure to use it while eating. This will help you get less short of breath and also aid digestion.

If you still want to go out and have a nice meal, here are some tips that will make your meal easier and more comfortable:

1. Restrict foods that can cause bloating like raw fruits and vegetables.

2. Try to eat foods that you don’t have to chew as much like mashed potatoes or soup.

3. Eat slowly, taking time between bites.

4. Don’t rush off after you eat. Take some time to not only digest, but also to enjoy the company and the experience.

5. Once again, if you use supplemental oxygen, make sure you use it when you are eating!

There is no reason a person with COPD cannot go out and enjoy a meal with family or friends.  Be sensible, allow yourself plenty of time and have a great time!

-The COPD Coach

Ask the Expert is aimed at providing information for individuals with COPD to take to your doctor, and is not in any way intended to be medical advice.

If you would like to submit a question to the Coaches Corner email us at coachescorner@copdfoundation.org. We would love to hear your questions and comments. You can address your emails to any of the following: COPD Coach, Caregiver Coach, COPD Doctor or COPD RT.

 

Category: Ask the Expert, Community, Healthy Living, Management, Personal Stories | 3 Comments » | » Share

Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week–How are you celebrating?

March 13th, 2013 | Author: Katelyn Turner

Did you know that this week, March 10-16 is Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week? Pulmonary rehabilitation (Pulmonary rehab) does not improve lung function, not even a little bit. It works with the patient to improve overall physical ability, health management and emotional function. When lungs are damaged, they’re damaged for good. That’s what makes Pulmonary Rehab such a challenge compared to Cardiac rehab in which case you can repair and strengthen the heart.

Your regimen can consist of exercising, nutrition counseling, and education about your disease. Instead of just dealing with one physician, you may be working with a team—specialists in the different areas that make part of your rehab program, such as doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, dietitians, and exercise specialists.

Education about your disease is a very important step in improving your health, and this may be part of your rehab program. You may learn about your symptoms, available treatments, and techniques to manage your symptoms including what to do in an exacerbation.

Knowing the importance of pulmonary rehab, the COPD Foundation has created the Pulmonary Education Program (PEP).

What is PEP?

The COPD Foundation recognizes the challenges and high costs confronted by pulmonary rehabilitation facilities in providing individuals impacted by COPD, as well as their caregivers, with current, credible, and quality educational materials. Individuals with COPD who participate in pulmonary rehabilitation are actively working to improve their lives through education and self management programs. The COPD Foundation wants to assist in these efforts by providing educational materials for pulmonary rehabilitation centers and their staff, free of Screen shot 2012-11-14 at 1.55.31 PMcharge.

In addition, this program offers a unique opportunity to reach individuals diagnosed with COPD and ensure that they receive ongoing support, resources, and the necessary tools for proper disease management to promote long-term benefits after rehabilitation. Participating pulmonary rehabilitation centers will be asked to assist in outcome measurements. In addition, pulmonary rehabilitation centers will allow individuals with COPD opportunities to provide feedback regarding PEP.

What do you get?

Three Kits:

Pulmonary Rehabilitation Centers, materials and information designed specifically for the pulmonary rehabilitation staff.

Participant Welcome Packets: This packet is provided to every COPD individual who enrolls in the Pulmonary Education Program. The packets will include essential materials beneficial for them, as well as caregivers.

Participant Graduation Packets: This packet will be provided to individuals with COPD who complete their pulmonary rehabilitation program, offering them a connection for successful continuation of self-management.

Other Benefits

Education Days: The COPD Foundation will provide pulmonary rehabilitation centers with the opportunity to host education days in their communities. A COPD Foundation Education Day is a full-day event featuring expert speakers for both patients/caregivers (4 hours) and health care professionals (4 hours CEU/CME). A wide range of topics including but not limited to: pathology, treatment, self-management, nutrition, exercise, health care reform, lung transplant, etcetera will be presented.

All materials and shipping, free of charge, including COPD educational materials for health fairs, in-patient education and more!

Ongoing support after graduation

We know you work hard in pulmonary rehab to help your patients breathe better and improve their health and well being!  However, too often after graduation they fall back to old ways and into a downward spiral, slipping back into inactivity and repeated exacerbations, with or without hospital readmissions. The COPD Foundation’s PEP (Pulmonary Education Program) On Track with COPD Ongoing Support Program is designed to provide ongoing information, support, motivation and accountability to Pulmonary Rehab graduates in order that they continue, long-term, with the gains they made in Pulmonary Rehab. Even for patients who participate in Phase III, On Track may be of benefit by providing this additional layer of connection and support.

For more information, contact Jane Martin: jmartin@copdfoundation.org.

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Inspiration For Life: AACVPR Initiates Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week

March 4th, 2013 | Author: Fabiana Talbot

Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week, initiated by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR), aims raise general awareness about the role of pulmonary rehabilitation in enhancing the quality of life of individuals with chronic lung disease.  This year’s theme, INSPIRATION FOR LIFE recognizes those who struggle to overcome shortness of breath and the pulmonary professionals who work  to improve patients’ everyday life.

pulmonary-rehab

(taken from forhealthcare.com)

Educational events will be held across the country during the week of March 10-16, informing individuals with COPD about the vast benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation.

So why is pulmonary rehabilitation so important?

Pulmonary rehabilitation can drastically improve your lung function and help slow the progression of your COPD.  It involves a combination of exercise, disease management training, and counseling.  There are various components to a specific rehab program, and your regimen is decided by what you and your physician feel is best for you.

Your rehab program will help you set goals which are the types of activities and exercises you want to do. This will include both exercise regimens as well as daily activities like doing chores and walking around the neighborhood. Your exercise regimen will help strengthen the muscles in your body as well as your lungs.

Education about your disease is a very important step in improving your health, and this may be part of your rehab program. You may learn about your symptoms, available treatments, and techniques to manage your symptoms including what to do in an exacerbation.

To learn more about the benefits of Pulmonary Rehab, please visit the COPD Foundation’s Big Fat Reference Guide, or call our C.O.P.D. Information Line to find a rehab center near you.

Has Pulmonary Rehab improved your quality of life?  Share your story with us below!

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Don’t Let COPD Control Your Life

February 19th, 2013 | Author: Fabiana Talbot

COPD is commonly considered a “smokers disease,” but did you know that 25-45% of patients have never smoked?  Second-hand smoke, occupational dust and chemicals, air pollution, and genetic factors also cause this disease.

“COPD is not just a disease of the elderly…a lot of people think of COPD as effecting people 65 and over but the prevalence rate of people 54 to 64 years of age,” said John Walsh, the co-founder and president of the COPD Foundation.

Many people mistake increased breathlessness and coughing as a normal part of aging.  “There are 15 million people diagnosed with COPD and an estimated 12-15 million symptomatic but not diagnosed, which is one of our big challenges,” said Walsh.

A few years ago, the NY Times covered a story about a woman who attributed her breathlessness to age and weight gain — only to find out later that COPD was the source of her breathing problems.  She maintained a positive attitude and did not allow COPD to dictate her life.  Her commitment to a regular exercise routine empowered her to take control of her health.

Tell your friends and family about the online COPD Risk Screener.  If someone you love exhibits warning signs of COPD, whether or not they smoked in the past, tell your doctor!

 

 

 

 

Category: Comorbidities, General, Healthy Living, Management, Personal Stories | 4 Comments » | » Share

Enjoy a COPD-Friendly Valentine’s Day

February 13th, 2013 | Author: Sheela Cao

Valentine’s Day is rapidly approaching, and what better time of the year is it to show your love and appreciation to the people you care about? Usually, roses, chocolates, and nights out on the town are what people plan for February 14th every year—but what about good old fashioned romance?

old_couple_3413123

(taken from http://justspokenthoughts.wordpress.com/)

As an individual living with COPD, talking with your partner about sexual concerns and needs may deepen your relationship. It may help youbetter adapt to changes in the way you feel and function. We believe whatever your age, lifestyle,health or marital status, feeling satisfied with your sexual and intimate experiences adds to the quality of your life.

Being diagnosed with COPD can change the way individuals and their partners think or feel about themselves and each other. Psychological and social hurdles to intimacy can be more difficult to address. However, they can be dealt with. When either partner is frightened, angry, depressed or anxious, it is harder to be intimate. A depressed person with COPD may stop doing the things he or she usually does to stay attractive. Changes in job, social roles or physical appearance can affect the sense of selfworth of COPD patients. (Physical appearance can be changed by medication, weight loss or the use of portable oxygen and nasal cannula.) A COPD patient’s personal independence as well as the way their partner perceives them can all be affected.

What can you do about it? It may take some time to resolve or adapt to the larger emotional issues. In the meantime, try to omit or reduce all sources of stress and anxiety that you can. Plan some relaxed time for yourselves when you know you are unlikely to be disturbed. Give yourselves as much time as you need to unwind. Sharing a bath or massaging one another are two ways to relax and feel intimate. Focus on the positive.Tell your partner what you like him or her to do. Tell your partner what feels good. Do not forget to tell each other what you like about each other.

For more information on this, please visit Chapter 9 “COPD and Sexuality” in the COPD Foundation’s Big Fat Reference Guide.

We hope you all have a wonderful Valentine’s Day!

 

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