Many people assume that the longer they live, the less capable they are of improving various aspects of their lives. For example, some people take for granted that you can’t learn a musical instrument as an adult. These people are often told throughout their lives by their parents or friends that if you want to learn something complex, you have to start when you’re younger. It’s also assumed that you’ll stop progressing very early on in your life.

Fortunately, this is not always the case. While studies have shown that children are able to learn more easily due to an undeveloped prefrontal cortex, this does not mean that adults can’t become well-versed in a particular skill. And more importantly, this doesn’t mean that there is no reason for learning something even if you’re faced with the reality that you will never reach your full potential.

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Being diagnosed with COPD is similar to the situation discussed above. Many people diagnosed with COPD are immediately hit with a sense of inferiority. They begin to think that they’re no longer capable of things that they previously were. And for some people, this can even lead to a self-defeating attitude that can be very counterproductive when it comes to your health and happiness. In this post, we’re going to take a look at seven different things that you should never stop pursuing, even after being diagnosed with COPD.

Your Relationships

If you’re like most people, your relationships play a key role in your well-being and happiness. Despite how busy your day gets, you probably ensure that you put enough time aside to spend with your family and friends. Studies have shown that, not only do healthy relationships increase our perceived level of happiness, but they also have real clinical effects that can affect us both psychologically and physically. Furthermore, this study states that these relationships may be especially important in treating COPD due to the high levels of anxiety and depression among this demographic.

Family relationships primarily have an effect on the onset and course of depression. In other words, positive interactions with your loved ones may cause depression to develop more slowly and ease some of the burden when you have depression. This study also found that people who are dissatisfied with their marriage are about three times more likely to experience an episode of depression over the course of a year than people who are satisfied with their marriages. Finally, people who experience “perceived criticism” from family members are more likely to experience a release of depressive symptoms.

You’ll be happy to know that this isn’t the only study that confirms these findings. Depression has been studied in many other chronic conditions and relationships consistently rank among the most important determining factors. According to this study of lung cancer patients, people who were married had a greater survival rate than those who were not. It also found that people with the most severe symptoms had smaller social networks and were more likely to experience comorbid conditions like traumatic stress, anxiety, in addition to physical symptoms.

So now that we’ve established that your relationships play an important role in helping you manage COPD, you’re likely wondering how you can actually improve your relationships. Many people believe that they have good relationships already, so there’s no point in worrying about it. However, even if you already have positive relationships, there’s a good chance that you can take steps to improve them.

According to the University of Delaware, the first step in improving relationships with family members is to become a better listener. Rather than being quick to react to what someone is saying, take the time needed to fully understand what they’re saying and focus your attention equally on how they’re feeling as much as what they’re saying. It also helps to eliminate as many distractions as possible such as your cell phone, the TV, or anything else that could take your attention away from the conversation.  

Another aspect of building good relationships is to make time for people. In this day and age, it’s becoming increasingly more difficult to make time for friends and loved ones because there are so many things to schedule around. This is no different for COPD patients because your day is likely full of pulmonary rehab, doctor’s visits, and you might even work a part-time or full-time job. 

Your Hobbies and Pastimes

Hobbies and pastimes may not seem like something you should be focusing your attention on. But the truth is, the older you get and the more COPD symptoms progress, the more important your pastimes become. This is because even as your respiratory symptoms progress, you’ll still be able to improve at hobbies like playing music, card games, puzzles, and more. All of which will keep your mind occupied, improve your mood, and help prevent issues like anxiety and depression.

According to the Lung Institute, hiking, reading, and puzzles are three of the best hobbies you can have as a COPD patient. Hiking is one of the best ways to get out and enjoy the great outdoors without doing anything too strenuous. However, there are several important considerations you should make before going on a hike. Extreme weather, either hot or cold, can exacerbate your COPD symptoms. As such, it’s important to check the weather beforehand and make sure it’s comfortable enough for a hike. Read through this post to learn about preventing heat-related COPD symptoms. Another factor you should consider is outdoor air quality. Visit AirNow.gov and type in your ZIP code or city to check the air quality in your area. 

Reading is the second hobby that the Lung Institute recommends. Reading is unlike any other hobby in that it allows you to learn about any topic you want without ever leaving the comfort of your living room. Whether you’re into historical books, fantasy, or educational books, there is something out there for everyone. What’s more, reading content is more accessible than it ever has been before. You can read books directly off your phone, computer, or tablet, order them online which is far more affordable than you might expect. 

If reading isn’t exactly your thing, there are always puzzles or games. Jigsaw puzzles are a great way to occupy your time and they can even be used as a socializing tool or teambuilding exercise if you want to spend more time with friends and family. If you’d like to expand your vocabulary, crossword puzzles might be something to consider. Or if interested in working with numbers, give Sudoku a try. You can either print them off, find them in magazines, or install an application on your smartphone or tablet. 

Your Exercise Routine

According to Everyday Health, moderate exercise makes it easier for COPD patients to breathe by strengthening respiratory muscles and helping the body use oxygen more efficiently. In many ways, however, this can be a vicious circle because many COPD patients find themselves unable to exercise in the first place. This can lead them to outright stop trying to implement an effective exercise routine into their lives.

The solution to this is to speak with your doctor about joining a pulmonary rehabilitation program. During this program, you will not only learn how to exercise correctly with COPD, but you will also learn what causes flare-ups and exacerbations so that you can avoid them in the future. Many COPD patients do not know very much about their condition or even what it is when they’re first diagnosed, so pulmonary rehab is one of the most effective ways to learn about it and address any concerns you may have.

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Generally speaking, your exercise routine is something that you can always improve on. Whether you just started pulmonary rehab or you’ve been exercising on your own, it can be extremely beneficial to try new exercises. If you see improvements in your symptoms, you can make gradual adjustments to your exercise routine, however, if not you can try something else. If you’re in need of guidance be sure to consult your doctor.

Your Diet

Many people would argue that your diet is equally important, if not more important than your exercise routine. The food you eat is inextricably linked to your lung, heart, and circulatory health because the nutrients you gain from your food can benefit (or harm) your overall health. While you might believe that you already maintain a healthy diet, when it comes to coping with a chronic condition like COPD, it’s more about maintaining the right diet for your needs. For example, if you’re someone who’s underweight because of your COPD, you will need to consume more calories and more protein to get back up to a healthy weight.

Your Sleep Schedule

Sleep is vital for anyone’s health, but especially so for people with COPD and other chronic respiratory ailments. While COPD doesn’t cause sleep disorders or vise versa, they often occur simultaneously in a condition called COPD-OSA overlap syndrome. People may live their whole lives with this condition without realizing it and it can lead to loss of sleep, chronic daytime fatigue, and even increase your risk for conditions such as high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke.

Aside from getting more sleep, you should take the opportunity to take a sleep test (polysomnography). These tests are done by trained professionals who will monitor your brain activity, breathing rate, and heart rate as you sleep. This information can be used to determine a number of things such as if a sleep disorder is present. It can even help your doctor understand how your COPD is affecting your sleep at night so that you know whether to increase or decrease your oxygen supply while you sleep.    

Your Mental Health

While we’ve already mentioned two things you can do to improve your mental health including improving your relationships and spending time with your favorite hobbies, there are many other things you can do as well. Mental health issues look different for everyone. Some people experience regular anxiety or depression whereas others experience it off and on, like with a change of seasons. Others have had anxiety so long that they may not even realize they have it.

One of the best ways to combat mental health issues if you have COPD is to attend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This is a type of intervention that’s designed to pinpoint where your negative or unconstructive thoughts are coming from and take steps to change them. CBT is used by people of all ages and with a variety of different mental or physical conditions. It’s becoming increasingly popular among COPD patients because the idea of seeking help for mental health conditions is becoming de-stigmatized.

Your Goals and Aspirations

Last but certainly not least, your goals and aspirations should never stop changing and improving even after you’re diagnosed with COPD. Far too many people believe that being diagnosed with a chronic condition means letting go of your dreams or goals, but this couldn’t be farther from the truth. While COPD should be taken seriously, it’s not a doomsday scenario like many people make it out to be. In fact, people who follow a strict treatment plan often see significant improvements to both their symptoms and their life expectancy.

If you want to stick with your short- and long-term goals, it’s always best to write them down. According to Forbes, there are two reasons why this is the case: external storage and encoding. External storage simply means that you will have a physical reminder of what your goals are. You can post sticky notes around your home or around the office to remind yourself to stay on track for what you’re trying to accomplish. The other aspect of this, encoding, refers to your brain's biological ability to remember things better when they’re written down. Studies have shown that note takers are able to retain about 23% more information than those who do not take notes. 

Conclusion

COPD is one of the leading lung conditions in the world and it’s even one of the leading morbidities in general. While COPD can lead to debilitating symptoms like a chronic cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath, this condition is unique in that it develops over the course of many years. This means that it’s very possible to live a long and happy life after being diagnosed with COPD.

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One of the most important aspects of happiness is being able to always learn and improve at things that are important to you. In this post, we highlighted seven things you should be focusing on. If you can think of anything else, however, be sure to create your own list and make reminders so that you remember you’re never too old to pursue things that are important to you.

If you’re interested in reading more articles about living a rewarding life with COPD, supplemental oxygen therapy, smoking cessation, or holistic health, be sure to bookmark our blog page. And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comment section below or reach out to us by phone or email.

It seems like no matter where we go these days or what we’re doing, we’re always using technology. While several decades ago, it may have been possible to avoid using a cell phone or the internet, this becomes increasingly difficult as nearly everything around us is moving digital. According to the Pew Research Center, 95% of adults between the ages of 50 and 64 own a cell phone, and 79% of people in the same age group own smartphones. These numbers are only expected to increase over the years.

Although the pros and cons of smartphone use are hotly debated, it’s fair to say that they’ve afforded us easier access to information than ever before. And if you’re someone with a respiratory illness like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), you know that technology enables you to stay connected more easily with friends and loved ones, and research information about managing and treating your disease. What’s more, most of these resources are free and easy to use.

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If you’re a COPD patient who’s interested in technology that allows you to interact with your disease in unique and beneficial ways, stick around. We’re going to be taking a look at some of the best mobile applications you can have on your smartphone. In the meantime, if you’re in the market for a portable oxygen concentrator, feel free to reach out to our respiratory specialists in Denver, Colorado. LPT Medical offers the lowest prices on the latest portable oxygen concentrators including the Caire FreeStyle Comfort, Inogen One G5, and the Respironics SimplyGo.

AirNow Mobile Application (Android and Apple)

If you’ve read any of our blog posts here at LPT Medical, you know how important air quality is to us. While cigarette smoking is still the primary cause of COPD, exposure to outdoor air pollution, and indoor irritants is still a significant risk factor for contracting COPD. this is why it’s of the utmost importance to be conscious about the air we breathe and take steps to plan our life around these issues. While there will always be poor air quality due to wildfires and carbon emissions, we can take steps to live healthier lives.

If you read our post about wildfires, you know that we discussed a very important component of air quality: the air quality index (AQI). This is a broad term used to describe the overall quality of air outdoors. It’s an aggregate score of five major types of pollutants including carbon monoxide, particle pollution (PM2.5 and PM10), ground-level ozone, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. The AQI scale runs from 0 being perfect air quality and 500 being the absolute worst. Generally speaking, COPD patients should not be outside if the AQI is over 100, but this will depend on the severity of your symptoms.

Rather than having to go to the AirNow website to check the AQI in your area, the AirNow Mobile application allows you to do it anywhere in the world from the convenience of your smartphone or tablet. You can save a variety of different locations to easily check the AQI all over the country and you can even view the AQI forecast in your area to make it easy to plan your week. Since all of the information is pulled straight from AirNow.gov, you can rest assured that it’s up-to-date and factual.

Breathe2Relax (Android and Apple)

Most people give very little or no thought to the way they breathe — but they should! The way we breathe is directly linked to many of the body’s functions including, sleep, digestion, and cognitive function. Simply by becoming more self-aware of our breathing habits and implementing techniques like deep breathing and diaphragmatic breathing, we can begin to reverse the negative effects of shallow, ineffective breathing. This is imperative for COPD patients who have significantly reduced lung function compared to the general population. 

Another problem with ineffective breathing is that it can cause anxiety. The Breathe2Relax app was created specifically to target this type of breathing and correct it so that you can feel more at peace and relaxed in your day-to-day life. One of the techniques it focuses on is diaphragmatic breathing which teaches you how to breathe using the diaphragm muscles below the lungs rather than using the chest muscles to breathe. Many people find it difficult to learn this technique from simply reading about it, so this app is more interactive to ensure you do the exercises correctly. Another great feature of this app is that it can connect with your Apple Watch to measure your heart rate and provide you even more detailed information about your health.

If you’d like to learn more about breathing exercises for COPD, we’ve created a great comprehensive guide. In this post, we take a look at 6 key breathing exercises that all COPD patients should know about including:

• The stop, rest and continue technique
• Pursed lips breathing
• Coordinated breathing
• Deep breathing
• Diaphragmatic breathing
• And a relaxed posture
  
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NCI QuitGuide (Android and Apple)

According to the American Lung Association, 85 to 90 percent of COPD patients contract their disease through cigarette smoking. While not all people continue smoking after being diagnosed with COPD, you may be surprised to find that around 38% do. Unfortunately, many people believe that the damage has already been done, and continuing to smoke will not affect them, however, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Any amount of smoking, whether it’s one cigarette a week or a pack a day will contribute to lung inflammation, and thus, increase the rate at which COPD progresses.

Another problem with smoking as a COPD patient is that it significantly increases your risk of experiencing a flare-up or exacerbation. In short, an exacerbation is a sudden increase in respiratory symptoms such as breathlessness, chest pain, coughing, or wheezing. Acute exacerbations can be severe and even lead to hospitalization if they aren’t dealt with swiftly and efficiently. Smoking also impairs your immune system’s responsiveness making you more likely to contract a lung infection. Infections are also the most common cause of COPD exacerbations. For a more detailed look at the importance of smoking cessation, please visit our article titled: 15 Important Things That Happen When You Quit Smoking.

While there are many “quit smoking” apps out there, we chose NCI QuitGuide because it was created by the National Cancer Institute. This is one of 11 government organizations that makes up the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in the United States. NCI QuitGuide is not necessarily designed to be an all-in-one smoking cessation tool, but it can be used in tandem with other methods like nicotine replacement therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Be sure to consult with your doctor to determine which method is best for you.

QuitGuide is a simple mobile application that allows you to track cigarette cravings, mood, and your reasons for quitting. It also displays information about your smoking cessation including the amount of money you’ve saved, days smoke-free, and provides you with milestones to reach. This app is perfect for anyone who wants to see the tangible effects of smoking cessation. The best part of all is that it’s free. There’s no need to worry about paying an upfront fee or paying a subscription of any kind.

The COPD Pocket Consultant Guide (Android and Apple)

We’ve referenced the COPD Foundation many times and you’re likely familiar with COPD360social, a free social networking site for people with COPD. However, you may be less familiar with their mobile application, the COPD Pocket Consultant Guide. This app has tools for healthcare providers, caretakers, and patients, so it’s important that you select the option that applies to you when you first open it. Once you have it set up, however, you’ll find that you have a variety of resources at your disposal.

The “For My Next Visit” section is designed to help you prepare for your next doctor’s visit. This is a simple tool that displays a bunch of “questions” and “symptoms.” You can then go through and select the questions you’d like to ask your doctor upon your next visit, along with any symptoms that have changed since your last one. You can then either save your results or print them out to show your doctor.

The “Wallet Card” section is designed to work like a digital version of your medical information card. Through this tool, you can save important information about your oxygen concentrator flow setting, CPAP or BiPAP settings, and a whole host of other things such as your physician contact information and insurance provider information. The best part about this feature is that it allows you to secure all of this important information using face identification technology. This way, you ensure that only you can view this information.

The third feature of this app is the training video section. Pulmonary rehabilitation, inhaler therapy, and nebulizer therapy are key components of most COPD treatment plans, and these videos will show you exactly how to do these things effectively. Believe it or not, studies show that many people do not follow their treatment plan, especially when it comes to using an inhaler. This app provides the easiest solution to this with all the training videos in one area.

The next feature of this app is the “Activity Tracking” section. This section lists out a bunch of daily activities such as cleaning, making the bed, and brushing your teeth, then you get to choose the level of difficulty you have doing these things. Fill out this form once a month and then print it out to see what kind of progress you’re making in your day-to-day life.  

An action plan is a series of steps you will take if you encounter a specific problem. The COPD Pocket Consultant Guide divides your symptoms into three different categories: green, meaning you feel good; yellow, meaning you feel worse than normal; and red, meaning you are experiencing serious and disruptive respiratory problems. Go over this section of the app with your doctor so that you’re prepared for days where your symptoms increase.

Last but certainly not least, there is a section titled “more” that has additional resources for you to view. This includes links to COPD360social, the COPD Foundation blog, the COPD Patient-Powered Research Network (COPD PPRN), a COPD Assessment Test (CAT), and a help page if you’re experiencing any issues with the app or you have any questions about managing your disease.

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All Respiratory Disease and Treatment (Android)

The last mobile application we’re going to go over is not necessarily specifically designed for COPD patients, but it’s more of an educational resource about all respiratory diseases — chronic and acute — and how they’re treated. This is a useful app if you’re someone who simply enjoys learning about the lungs and how to take care of them. It can also help you put COPD into perspective and clarify any confusion about its similarities and differences when it comes to other lung diseases.

The best advantage of using this app is that you won’t have to waste time scouring the internet for information about COPD and other lung diseases. Simply open up the app and you’ll be able to view a substantial amount of information about COPD like a definition, risk factors, symptoms, causes, home remedies, and much more. It’s also handy to have on-the-go if a question comes to mind while you’re away from your computer at home. The only downside is that this app is only available on Android. 

Conclusion

The world is a more connected place than ever before. One of the biggest benefits of this is that we can have easier access to information in the palm of our hands, pretty much wherever we go. If you’re a COPD patient, you need to stay up to date on how to treat your disease, as well as how to use things like inhalers, nebulizers, and oxygen devices. The apps listed above are just a few of the free resources you have available to you if you use a smartphone like an Android or an iPhone. 

Looking for more ways to stay connected? Telehealth technology is reshaping the way we view healthcare and it’s becoming increasingly more accessible for COPD patients like you. Check out this blog post where we feature portable oxygen concentrators like the Caire FreeStyle Comfort and the Inogen One G5 and the unique technologies they’re bringing to the oxygen industry. And in the meantime, stay tuned to our blog where we discuss helpful information about COPD and COPD management.

If you have a condition such as chronic obstructive respiratory disease or pulmonary fibrosis, it is possible that you will eventually require supplemental oxygen therapy as a main treatment method if you do not already.

The nature of these respiratory diseases is that the conditions tend to get worse overtime due to environmental stress and your body’s natural aging process. Among the 16.4 million people who have reported that they have been diagnosed with COPD, approximately 800,000 for those people also receive long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT). 

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Long term oxygen therapy is an essential part of many people’s daily lives, and if you are one of the 800,000 people utilizing oxygen therapy everyday, it is important to understand all of your options when it comes to oxygen devices. Having the best device for your lifestyle will help you reach your goals so you can live a long and happy life. 

In this blog we want to explain to you all of the ways portable oxygen concentrators differ from traditional oxygen therapy methods like liquid and gas tanks. This will show you how important it is for your wellbeing to own an oxygen device that motivates you to do better rather than just helping you get by. 

Long Term Oxygen Therapy Benefits 

No matter what type of oxygen device you own it is important to first acknowledge the benefits of long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT). LTOT has been widely acknowledged by medical professionals and respiratory specialists as a tool or treatment to increase the life expectancy in patients with severe hypoxemia. 

Out of all of the treatments necessary for managing and living with respiratory conditions such as COPD, oxygen therapy is one of the treatments that can actually add years to a respiratory patient’s life. Of course taking medication, eating a healthy diet, and taking pulmonary rehabilitation courses are all great steps towards living a healthy life with a chronic respiratory disease, but LTOT is the most important on par with quitting smoking. 

If you have COPD and severe resting hypoxemia where your oxygen saturation levels are less than 88% you should be prescribed LTOT for at least 15 hours daily, and your doctor will need to prescribe you oxygen at a specified flow rate. 

Your flow rate will correspond to the severity of your condition in certain situations, for example while you rest or exercise, and you will need to adhere to the oxygen prescription that your doctor wrote in order to take full advantage of your oxygen therapy. 

These benefits include: 

• Reduced shortness of breath
• Increased energy 
• Helps improve quality of sleep 
• Helps to improve exercise tolerance 
• Fewer complications and hospitalizations 
• Increases survival 
• Ability to travel by air with a portable oxygen concentrator

Owning a Portable Oxygen Concentrator 

On the surface, LTOT offers respiratory patients a number of health benefits, but owning a portable oxygen concentrator (POC) gives oxygen patients benefits on a much deeper and a much more human level. Rather than just giving you the oxygen you need to survive, a POC is a tool that gives oxygen patients the ability and confidence to reach their goals, whether that is to start walking more or traveling to see their family and everything in between.

Ability to Exercise 

POCs like the Caire Freestyle Comfort and Inogen oxygen concentrators are very lightweight yet very powerful pulse flow portable oxygen concentrators. Because these devices are lightweight, it makes it easy for you to bring with you on walks, bike, ride, or to your pulmonary rehabilitation classes. 

These devices also have great battery life, meaning you can stay out longer and exercise with your device without anxiety that you will run low on oxygen. The Freestyle Comfort and the Inogen one series  all have the option to upgrade to a larger battery, one that lasts longer even if you have to increase your oxygen output while you are exercising. 

Exercise is critical, even if it is just a walk a day, as a respiratory patient you are benefited greatly from improving your physical strength and your endurance. That being said, physical activity does not always come naturally, and finding the motivation can be difficult. 

Having the right oxygen equipment that will help you to reach your goals makes it easier to find motivation to get up and do a little bit of exercise everyday. Rather than lugging around a heavy oxygen tank, a lightweight portable oxygen concentrator is the perfect accessory for the gym or a walk around the park!

Ability to Travel on an Airplane 

Liquid and gas oxygen tanks are never permitted on any airplane, not in your carry on or checked baggage. Clearly this is limiting oxygen patients everywhere from experiencing the joys of vacation or traveling for their business or career. 

If you have a POC you will be able to travel again with ease and comfort. Even in 2021, during the global pandemic, air travel has more risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19, but as a oxygen patient with a portable oxygen concentrator you will be able to travel again once it is safe with ease. 

Click here to read Everything you Need to Know About Traveling with Oxygen Equipment in 2021  

Saving Money 

Having a chronic illness is expensive, no matter what type of insurance you have, there are a lot of costs associated with hospital and doctor visits, medical equipment, medication, therapy, exercise classes, and so much more. These costs add up over time, and the recurring payments will break the bank overtime. 

Click here to read How to Budget and Afford a Portable Oxygen Concentrator 

One of the most important aspects of owning a portable oxygen concentrator besides the health benefits, are the financial savings. Many people shy away at the first sight of the upfront costs associated with POCs. For example Inogen costs much more than the initiative costs of the most basic oxygen tanks, however, overtime the costs of refilling your oxygen tanks and renting oxygen while you travel will greatly outweigh the upfront cost of a portable oxygen concentrator. 

 Every Time you have to get your tank refilled with oxygen, you have to spend valuable time and money. With a POC, all you have to do is remember to recharge the battery, and you will have oxygen everywhere you go for free!

With a POC you are never wasting oxygen, even if you forget to turn off your device when you aren't using it. There are plenty of times where your oxygen tank will continue to emit oxygen even when it doesn't need to, and every time this happens you are wasting money. 

Peace of Mind You Will Never Run Low on Oxygen 

Beyond the health benefits and the financial savings, you are also giving yourself peace of mind when you have your own portable oxygen concentrators.

Devices like the SeQual Eclipse 5 are known for their durability and reliability. The SeQual Eclipse 5 was actually designed for the U.S. military, and it is one of the most popular continuous flow oxygen devices today. 

When you purchase a new POC from LPT Medical, you will get a 3 year warranty, and even if you decide to buy a used device, you will still get a warranty! The warranty protects you from spending too much money on the rare malfunctions and other issues that may arise. This peace of mind alone gives you the freedom to enjoy life to the fullest and take advantage of all of the benefits oxygen therapy can provide you

Battery Life that Lasts 

Battery life is one of the most important aspects of owning a portable oxygen concentrator, it is essential that you are looking into the battery life of the device you are interested in before you buy one. 

If you need a high oxygen output, understand that the battery life will be affected by this, and it is probably a good idea for you to purchase a bigger battery for your device. For example, inogen systems all come with an inogen 8-cell battery but for an additional yet reasonable cost you can get the bigger Inogen 16-cell battery that will last longer. 

Having two batteries and an external battery charger is the best option for oxygen patients who travel a lot, or simply enjoy being on the go for long periods of time. With the external charger, you can charge one battery while using the other, and switching your batteries is very easy.   

Talk with your respiratory specialist about the battery life of all of the devices you are interested in, and also ask them about buying a larger battery if you are interested in going longer periods of time with your oxygen device. 

Getting a bigger battery is not essential, remember that you can use your oxygen device while you are charging it, so if you like to rest in the middle of the day, this is a perfect opportunity to plug on your POC. Also device like the Caire Freestyle Comfort come equipped with UltraSense Breath Detection Technology, which is a breath detection feature that makes this oxygen unit one of the most efficient and effective on the market. Rather than providing you with a constant stream of oxygen, the Freestyle Comfort delivers oxygen only when a breath is detected. This “bolus” of oxygen is precisely synced with your breathing ensuring no oxygen is wasted. 

This technology is perfect for while you rest in the middle of the day, because your oxygen device will not keep you up or wake you from a nap, it simply give you the oxygen you need and nothing more. 

Overview 

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The benefits of long term oxygen therapy are undeniable, and the lifestyle improvements you gain from owning a POC compared to alternative oxygen devices are also very evident. 

If you are still curious about the differences between owning a POC compared to an oxygen tank please take the time to read some of the blogs on our respiratory resource page, or simply call 1(800)-946-1201 to speak with a respiratory specialist. 

Supplemental oxygen is a type of medical therapy used to treat chronic lung conditions like cystic fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, and COPD. The aim of supplemental oxygen is to maintain a patient’s blood oxygen levels which are vital for systemic health. Every organ in the body requires oxygen in order to function properly, so using supplemental oxygen as it’s advised by your doctor can provide you with immense short- and long-term benefits.

Despite how important supplemental oxygen is for respiratory patients, receiving a prescription for oxygen therapy can be a scary experience. You likely have a lot of thoughts and concerns running through your mind and you’re likely overwhelmed by the prospect of being connected to an oxygen delivery device. While these concerns are certainly justified, it’s important to take a step back and begin to clarify your concerns with your doctor. Chances are, as you learn more about oxygen therapy and become more experienced with using it, many of your concerns will begin to disappear.

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To help you organize your thoughts, we’re going to be discussing 14 questions you should ask your pulmonologist about supplemental oxygen therapy. Feel free to either print out this article or take notes so that you know exactly what to ask your doctor during your next visit. If you enjoy this article and you’re looking for more information, be sure to read through our post titled “16 Questions You Should Ask Your Doctor About COPD.”

1.) Is Oxygen a Necessity or a Suggestion?

Chances are, you or someone that you know has fallen back on a prescription at some point. Either you never make it to the pharmacy to pick up your medication or you simply stop using the medication for one reason or another. This Harvard Medical report states that many people either forget to use their medication, or they never fill it due to high copayments. So, naturally, you might wonder whether or not your oxygen therapy prescription will follow a similar trend. As a general rule of thumb, you should take what your doctor says seriously, because it’s unlikely that he/she would make you go out of your way or spend extra money on something that isn’t necessary. However, it doesn’t hurt to address these concerns so that your doctor can clarify the rationale behind your oxygen prescription.

2.) What are the Benefits of Oxygen Therapy?

The second thing you should ask your pulmonary doctor about are the benefits you can expect to reap from using supplemental oxygen. The air around us contains about 21% oxygen, but for someone with impaired lung function, this is not always enough for them to sustain their blood oxygen levels. The goal of oxygen therapy is to provide the lungs with a higher concentration of oxygen in order to reduce the load on the lungs. You may experience additional benefits from using supplemental oxygen based on the severity of your disease. Be sure to ask your doctor about this. 

3.) What is My Flow Rate?

Your flow rate determines the amount of oxygen that you will be receiving when you put on the nasal cannula. It’s imperative that you know the exact amount of oxygen that you should be receiving because inhaling too much oxygen can lead to a condition called oxygen toxicity. This condition results in dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and eventual lung damage. Conversely, receiving too little oxygen will not provide you with the full benefits of supplemental oxygen. 

Oxygen flow is measured using one of two different measurements. Pulse dose oxygen devices are measured in milliliters per minute (ml/min) and continuous flow oxygen devices are measured in liters per minute (LPM). The amount of oxygen that you’re prescribed will be based on the severity of your respiratory impairment, but generally speaking, most people need less than 2 LPM of oxygen.

4.) How Many Hours a Day Should I Use Oxygen?

Knowing how long you should be using oxygen is just as important as knowing your oxygen flow setting. If you’re using oxygen inconsistently, you might see a lot of your respiratory symptoms start to return. Long-term oxygen therapy is usually done for at least several hours a day, and your doctor will work with you to determine the best time to use it. If your doctor prescribes you with 24/7 oxygen, then you should discuss with your doctor about using an oxygen concentrator which doesn’t need to be refilled constantly like oxygen tanks or liquid oxygen tanks.

5.) What Type of Oxygen Device Should I Buy?

You might be surprised to find out how many oxygen devices there are on the market. You’ll have a whole host of options to choose from including traditional oxygen tanks, liquid oxygen tanks, stationary oxygen concentrators, and portable oxygen concentrators. But as someone who’s new to supplemental oxygen, you likely don’t know where to even begin with choosing one of these. Your doctor will likely have some information for you regarding which oxygen devices you should avoid and which ones you should consider.

It’s important to be careful when you’re purchasing an oxygen device. You may encounter companies that try to sell you oxygen without a prescription or that boasts prices that are significantly lower than any other company. However, these are most likely scams. Before making any decisions, be sure to research the company that you’re buying from to make sure that their products are reliable and that they follow all laws and regulations. For more information about how the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates oxygen, please visit this page. 

6.) Is it Okay to Adjust My Flow Rate Depending on How I’m Feeling?

If you have a chronic respiratory condition like COPD or pulmonary fibrosis, it’s not uncommon for symptoms to come and go. One day, you might be out of breath or lightheaded and the next you could feel perfectly fine. Because of this, you’re going to want to clarify with your doctor when it’s okay to adjust your oxygen flow and when you should not adjust your oxygen flow. The reason it’s important to ask this question is because your increase in symptoms may be due to something completely unrelated to your blood oxygen levels. In which case, increasing your oxygen flow would not benefit you.

7.) How Can I Track My Blood Oxygen Level?

A pulse oximeter, or pulse ox device, clips onto your finger and measures the saturation of oxygen in your blood (SpO2). They are noninvasive and they work by passing rays of light through your finger to measure the amount of oxygen-carrying hemoglobin. While they aren’t the most accurate method of measuring blood oxygen levels, they are very lightweight and portable meaning you can pack one in your purse or handbag for easy access. If your doctor hasn’t already provided you with one, it’s worth mentioning it so that you have a way of monitoring your oxygen levels. To learn more about blood oxygen levels, read this post.

8.) Is Oxygen Therapy Safe?

Since oxygen is a controlled substance in the United States and requires a prescription, you may be wondering if it’s even safe to use in the first place. The answer to this question is “yes,” however, there are some things you should be aware of. Firstly, as aforementioned, using more oxygen than you’re prescribed will put you at risk of experiencing oxygen toxicity. Secondly, the safety of oxygen therapy depends heavily on the type of oxygen device you’re using. 

Traditional oxygen tanks are the most dangerous because they contain compressed oxygen and they’re also heavy and bulky. Portable oxygen concentrators are the least dangerous oxygen device because they are lightweight and do not contain compressed oxygen. Oxygen is an “oxidizer” meaning it increases the flammability of anything it comes into contact with. So, you should never smoke near your oxygen device or use it near an open flame.

9.) Should I Be On Oxygen When I Sleep?

If your doctor prescribes you with 24/7 oxygen, you might be wondering how this will work when you’re sleeping. Your breathing rate and depth fluctuate a lot when you sleep so the amount of oxygen that you’re receiving could change throughout the night. This is why it might be worth it to invest in a portable oxygen concentrator like the Caire FreeStyle Comfort or the Inogen One G5. Unlike oxygen tanks, these devices closely monitor your breathing as you sleep and adjust your intake accordingly.

If you have a sleep disorder like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), you may need to use your PAP device and your oxygen device at the same time while you sleep. PAP therapy is of critical importance for OSA patients because it keeps their airways open as they sleep allowing them to get restful sleep without interruptions. To use your CPAP device with your oxygen device, you need to be using a continuous flow oxygen unit and have a bleed in adapter that connects the tubing together. The Respironics SImplyGo is the perfect portable oxygen concentrator for CPAP compatibility.

10.) How Can I Eliminate Discomfort While on Supplemental Oxygen?

For the most part, oxygen therapy shouldn’t cause any discomfort. However, some people encounter issues with the nasal cannula such as irritation inside the nose due to dryness or some other reason. Humidifiers can actually be attached to your oxygen device to help ease the discomfort and there are a number of other accessories you can purchase that make the process more comfortable. We actually wrote a guide discussing some of the issues oxygen patients face and how to solve them. Check it out here. 

11.) Can I Exercise on Oxygen?

Consistent moderate exercise is crucial for pulmonary wellness. Not only does exercise improve the strength of your lungs but it also increases the efficiency that your heart pumps oxygen throughout your body. So, just because you’ve started oxygen therapy does not mean that you should stop exercising. Check out this post which has some tips for exercising with an oxygen device and be sure to ask your doctor for advice as well.

12.) What Do I Need to Know to Travel With Oxygen?

Traveling around the world with COPD is much easier than ever before thanks to portable oxygen concentrators. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the organization that oversees all commercial flights in the United States has approved most POCs for in-flight use. However, to make sure you have everything you need, you should contact your airline at least 48 hours before your flight. Most airlines require that you have at least one and a half times as much battery life as the duration of the flight. This will make up for any delays that may occur before and after you land.

13.) How Do I Maintain My Oxygen Device?

With the advent of the novel coronavirus, cleaning has taken on a whole new meaning. No matter what type of oxygen device you decide to use, you should take the time to clean it regularly. What’s more, nasal cannulae and oxygen tubing should be replaced every two weeks to ensure it’s clean and ready for use. If you purchase a portable oxygen concentrator you should remove the particle filters each week and wash them off. This will ensure that the air you’re inhaling through the cannula is clean and free of dust and dirt.

14.) Will I Need to Get Retested For Supplemental Oxygen?

Doctors typically use arterial blood gas analysis, pulse oximetry, and various lung tests to determine your need for supplemental oxygen. However, you may need to take on-going tests to help your doctor determine whether or not you still need oxygen in the future. Ask your doctor what kind of tests you will need to take and how often you should come in for a checkup once you are using your oxygen device. Some patients find it helpful to get a certificate of medical necessity which can help you file insurance claims and apply for benefits.

Conclusion

Supplemental oxygen is a very important facet of your treatment regime if you have COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, or any other number of lung conditions. Unfortunately, it’s something that takes time to get used to and learn about if you’ve never done it before. Many people don’t even know what questions they should be asking their doctor so we hope that this guide will help with demystifying oxygen therapy.

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Here at LPT Medical, we take your search for an oxygen therapy device very seriously. We work with some of the top brands in the industry such as Inogen, Respironics, AirSep, and Caire in order to provide our patients with the best oxygen devices on the market for an affordable price. Our respiratory specialists will work with you one-on-one to determine what your medical needs are, then they will help you narrow down your options based on your lifestyle and preferences. We also have a number of buying options like new, refurbished, and used units so you can choose which one best fits your needs.

Feel free to reach out to us either by email or phone to get started finding an oxygen device for you.

Respiratory conditions are some of the most common illnesses in the world. According to HealthDay, about one in every seven people in the United States has some type of respiratory disorder such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and some people have more than one. While many people are aware of what kinds of lung diseases there are, there isn’t a lot of awareness surrounding the global burden of lung disease and how much harm they actually cause.

Although COPD is a disease that develops slowly over the course of many years, it puts the patient at risk for many other conditions such as recurring lung infections, pulmonary hypertension, and even cardiovascular disease. In this post, we’re going to take a look at one of the lesser-known side-effects of COPD called acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We’ll discuss exactly what this condition is, its symptoms, as well as how it’s linked to COPD and other chronic illnesses.

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As always, if you have any questions about what you read here, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comment section below and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. 

What is Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome?

Acute respiratory distress syndrome is a life-threatening condition that causes the tiny air sacs in the lungs called alveoli to fill with fluid. It’s referred to as an “acute” illness because it usually develops quickly and without much warning. Since the alveoli are responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide to and from the blood, patients with ARDS will experience a sharp decline in their blood oxygen levels. This is called hypoxemia, and over time, it can lead to tissue and organ damage because they rely on oxygen to function properly.

ARDS is considered a type of respiratory failure. This is an umbrella term that includes a wide range of chronic and acute conditions like COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and asthma. There are fewer than 200,000 cases of acute respiratory distress syndrome each year making it a fairly uncommon condition. The survival rate of ARDS is between 50% and 70%. Symptoms of ARDS vary from patient to patient, but severe shortness of breath, low blood pressure, and confusion or dizziness are the most common. 

In ARDS, the lungs go through several different phases. These phases vary from patient-to-patient but we’ve outlined the basics of each for your convenience.

Exudative

“Exudate” is a term that refers to the buildup of fluid due to cellular damage or inflammation. In the case of an ARDS patient, water, protein, and inflammatory and red blood cells leak from surrounding blood vessels into the alveoli, preventing the transfer of oxygen into the blood. What also occurs during this phase is reduced lung compliance. In other words, the lungs become stiff, losing a lot of the elasticity that allows you to fill them with air fully. This is why mechanical ventilation is often the first step in solving ARDS because it reduces the physical burden of breathing for the patient.

Proliferative

Cell proliferation is when a cell grows and divides into two daughter cells. The type of proliferation that occurs in ARDS is called fibroproliferation and it’s when the alveolar structure begins to repair itself and re-establish the barrier function. This is also when fibroblasts begin to proliferate. Fibroblasts are the most common cell found in connective tissue. They secrete the protein collagen which creates a structural framework for many tissues in your body. Typically, the proliferative phase of ARDS lasts around 7 to 14 days after the incident.  

Fibrotic

The final stage of ARDS is known as the fibrotic stage. Pulmonary fibrosis refers to the development of scar tissue in the lungs. If inflammation and fluid buildup continue in the lungs it can lead to the formation of scar tissue which puts you at a high risk of pneumothorax. This is when one or both of the lungs deflate. Check out this article we wrote that discusses pneumothorax in detail.  

What Causes Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome?

Acute respiratory distress syndrome causes are divided into two different categories: direct (pulmonary or primary) lung injury or indirect (extrapulmonary or secondary) lung injury. Direct lung injury occurs within the lung epithelium and indirect lung injury is a systemic disorder that diffusely damages the lung epithelium.

Primary Lung Injuries that Cause ARDS

Pneumonia

Pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome are very similar. They both result in the buildup of fluid in the alveoli of the lungs. However, pneumonia is caused by either a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection, whereas ARDS has a number of direct and indirect causes. Pneumonia is very common with over 3 million cases in the United States each year. Pneumonia can be a life-threatening condition for infants, people over the age of 65, and people with serious underlying health conditions.

Certain types of pneumonia can be prevented with vaccinations and bacterial infections can be treated effectively with the use of antibiotics. Pneumonia progresses to ARDS when the fluid buildup does not improve and the patient experiences worsening breathlessness and inability to breathe without the use of a ventilator. According to an article published in the Oxford Medical Journal, pneumonia is responsible for 31% of all patients who develop ARDS.

Thoracic Trauma

Thoracic trauma is another way of saying physical trauma that’s done to the chest. According to Science Direct, trauma patients account for 10% to 30% of all patients who develop ARDS. If you experience a chest injury, no matter the severity, be sure to speak with your doctor about the potential risk of developing ARDS.

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Smoke or Gas Inhalation

Airborne particles like smoke and gas are a risk factor or direct cause of many chronic lung conditions like COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, and more. People who work in industrial settings are highly susceptible to respiratory complications because they’re often exposed to high levels of air pollution for prolonged periods of time. However, everyone is at risk of the negative effects of air pollution. Visit AirNow.gov to learn more about the air quality in your area.

Secondary Lung Injuries that Cause ARDS

Severe Sepsis

Sepsis is a blood condition that results when you have an unusual reaction to an infection. In a normal immune response, your body sends immune cells and various chemicals to fight off the threat. However, sepsis occurs when the immune response spreads throughout your body causing inflammation. If sepsis is severe enough, it can begin to damage organs throughout your body including the lungs. Any type of infection can cause sepsis, so it’s important to keep an eye out for the warning signs.

The group of people most likely to experience sepsis are people over the age of 65 and people with weakened immune systems, so people with diabetes or an autoimmune disease are at high risk The symptoms of sepsis include confusion, body aches, shortness of breath, a fever, and a high heart rate. Sepsis typically develops pretty quickly after an infection, but the longer it prolongs without being treated, the higher the risk there is of the patient developing severe sepsis. Antibiotics are the primary treatment method for sepsis, but if damage has already been done, the patient may require surgery in order to remove damaged tissue.

Pancreatitis

The pancreas is an organ that sits just behind the lower part of the stomach. It’s part of the endocrine system and it’s responsible for secreting hormones and fluids that assist with the digestion of sugars, fats, and starches. Pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed and it’s unable to perform its job correctly. Pancreatitis is usually caused by collateral damage from abdominal surgery, alcoholism, certain medications, or gallstones. It can also be acute, coming on quickly, or chronic, developing slowly over the course of many years. Similar to sepsis patients, pancreatitis patients may experience inflammation in other parts of the body due to the release of chemicals into the bloodstream.

Drug Overdose

According to PubMed, alcohol, cocaine, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, and opiates can all cause acute respiratory distress syndrome. Studies have shown that about 10% of all ARDS cases are drug induced.  

How are ARDS and COPD Linked?

ARDS and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are commonly confused, but they are not the same condition. Whereas ARDS is a condition that develops quickly and can often be life-threatening if it’s not treated quickly, COPD is a condition that develops over the course of many years. About 85 to 90% of COPD cases are caused by cigarette smoking, whereas ARDS has a number of different causes, some of which we have listed above. Although COPD doesn’t directly cause ARDS, it is a risk factor.

COPD is very uncommon in people under the age of 40, so the demographic of COPD patients alone puts them at a higher risk of ARDS. Secondly, the vast majority of COPD patients are either current smokers or have smoked in the past. It’s estimated that around 30% of COPD patients are current smokers. Smoking is known to have a number of adverse effects on the immune system including increased susceptibility to influenza and pneumonia. 

What’s more, smokers experience more severe and longer-lasting illness due to a lack of protective antioxidants in the blood. Current or previous smokers are at a higher risk of contracting and experiencing severe symptoms from sepsis, pneumonia, and pancreatitis, all of which are causes of ARDS.  

How is ARDS Treated?

Mechanical Ventilation

A ventilator is a device that assists a patient with the physical act of breathing. Since ARDS causes the lungs to fill with fluid, breathing becomes very labored meaning the patient will struggle to catch a breath and they may even struggle to expel air from the lungs. The ventilator will ensure that the patient is able to completely fill their lungs.

Supplemental Oxygen

Oxygen therapy differs from ventilation in that the air is not forced into the patient’s lungs. Rather, a high concentration of oxygen is released into either a nasal cannula or an oxygen mask and then it’s inhaled by the patient. Depending on your circumstances, your doctor may put you on both a ventilator and supplemental oxygen. Maintaining healthy blood oxygen levels is imperative because it promotes the proper function of all organs in your body, thus reducing the risk of complications due to ARDS.

Fluid Management

In order to get ARDS patients off of ventilation and supplemental oxygen the fluid that has built up in the lungs needs to be drained. This is a very difficult task because consuming too many fluids can exacerbate this issue and consuming none could lead to heart and kidney problems. Many doctors will prescribe a medication called a diuretic which helps them gradually release fluids from their system. 

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)

ECMO is an extremely complex process that involves removing blood from the body, removing carbon dioxide, then re-oxygenating it and putting it back in the body. Essentially, this process allows medical specialists to bypass the heart and lungs allowing them to heal. ECMO is only done in medical emergencies because there are a lot of risks involved.

How Can ARDS be Prevented?

Smoking Cessation

Smoking is the leading cause of preventable illness in the world. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smokers have a life expectancy that is 10 years less than that of nonsmokers. Smoking not only damages and inflames the lungs, but it also suppresses your immune system which is needed to fight off infections that can cause ARDS.

Get Vaccinated

If you’re someone who’s at high risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome, getting vaccinated for pneumonia, influenza, and other diseases could be life-saving. However, before getting any vaccines you should speak with your doctor who will examine your medical history and help you determine which vaccines you should get and which ones to avoid. It’s estimated that about 5% of critical coronavirus (COVID-19) cases lead to ARDS so if you’re concerned about this, address them with your doctor.

Visit a Doctor if You’re Sick

Most healthy people simply stay home if they’re sick. However, if you’re at high risk for ARDS, you should keep in touch with your doctor to discuss your symptoms. Since ARDS develops quickly and it can be life-threatening, it’s best to know ahead of time what the warning signs are so that you can visit the emergency room.   

Conclusion

COPD and ARDS are two separate conditions, but they are linked in a number of ways. Firstly, the damage to the alveoli in ARDS patients is similar to that found in emphysema patients. What’s more, COPD patients are more likely to experience severe ARDS in relation to the general population. Many COPD patients are smokers which also puts them at a high risk of experiencing ARDS. If you want to reduce your risk of severe respiratory events like this, your best bet is to follow your treatment plan and quit smoking immediately. It’s also important to seek immediate medical attention if you experience a traumatic injury or develop a lung infection.

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One of the most beneficial things you can do for yourself if you have COPD is to follow your daily treatment plan. This includes maintaining a healthy and well-balanced diet, sticking to a moderate and consistent exercise routine, and keeping your blood oxygen levels normal. At LPT Medical, we aim to simplify your oxygen therapy routine by offering low-cost and convenient oxygen devices called portable oxygen concentrators. Devices like the Caire FreeStyle Comfort and Inogen One G5 weigh under 5 pounds and they’re small enough to carry under your shoulder without discomfort. Since portable oxygen concentrators are electronic devices, you simply need to keep them charged.

Give us a call or send us an email today to speak with an oxygen concentrator specialist.

Anyone who reads our articles regularly should be pretty well-acquainted with the term chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It’s one of the leading causes of death in the United States and it’s largely caused by preventable risk factors like cigarette smoke and air pollution. But there’s another common lung disease that’s often overlooked due to its many similarities with COPD. This disease is called bronchiectasis (brong-kee-EK-ta-sis).

Bronchiectasis is a condition that leads to permanent damage in the bronchial tubes, the main passageway leading to the lungs. As the airways widen and thicken, bacteria and mucus begin to build up leading to frequent infections and blockages. While there is no cure for bronchiectasis, it can be managed effectively and further damage can be prevented with a proper treatment plan.

While bronchiectasis has a lot in common with COPD, asthma, and cystic fibrosis (CF), these are all different conditions. In this post, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about bronchiectasis including symptoms, risk factors, treatment options, and more. We’ll also help you clarify these conditions so that you don’t get them confused. If you have any questions, be sure to fill out the contact form at the side of the page so that one of our respiratory specialists can reach out to you.

What is Bronchiectasis?

The respiratory system is much more complicated than it appears on the surface. While its primary function is to bring oxygen into the body and remove carbon dioxide, the lungs rely on a whole host of other factors in order for this process to work as it should.

One of the most important functions is the production and use of secretions like mucus, phlegm, and sputum. While you may know these as the annoying substances you cough up when you’re sick, they also play a vital role in the respiratory process. 

Mucus — a sticky and slimy substance — is part of your innate immune system, your body’s natural defense against foreign invaders. It’s produced by the mucous membranes in the nose and sinuses. Phlegm is a similar substance but it’s produced in the lungs and the lower respiratory tract airways.

In a healthy person, mucus lines the throat, lungs, and nasal passages keeping it from drying out or becoming inflamed. It also acts as a sort of filter by trapping dust, pollen, and other airborne particles that could damage your lungs. It even has antibodies in it that work to locate and neutralize bacteria that enter your body.

Normally, mucus is able to flow freely throughout the respiratory system, but in a patient with bronchiectasis, it becomes stuck in the lungs due to abnormal dilation of the bronchi. This results in what the American Thoracic Society refers to as the “vicious cycle hypothesis” of bronchiectasis. Here’s an overview of what this looks like:

1. Abnormal mucus clearance
2. Bacterial colonization
3. Neutrophil inflammation (proteases)
4. Airway destruction (bronchiectasis)
5. Repeat

Let’s take an in-depth look at each one of these steps.

Abnormal mucus clearance

Mucociliary clearance is one of the most essential innate defense mechanisms of the lungs. During this process, the protective mucus layer, cilia, and the airway surface liquid layer work to remove mucus and potentially harmful foreign substances from the lungs.

The cilia are specialized organelles found in the respiratory tract. They move in a rhythmic pattern that keeps mucus and harmful substances from getting trapped. However, a condition known as primary cilia dyskinesia (PCD) results in abnormal cilia and an inability of the body to clear mucus properly — as a result, this is often the first step in the development of bronchiectasis.

Asthma and Cystic Fibrosis (CF) are two other conditions associated with the pathogenesis of abnormal mucociliary clearance. Studies have found that asthma patients who have a difficult time managing their disease are more likely to experience complications that can lead to bronchiectasis. 

Another factor that impacts the clearance of mucus is the contents and viscosity of the mucus itself. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic condition caused by a mutation in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR). This gene is responsible for providing instructions for creating a channel that transports particles into and out of the cells. This often impairs the flow of water in tissues, leading to viscous mucus that doesn’t flow freely.  

Oftentimes, medical experts will categorize bronchiectasis into one of two groups: cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (CFB) or non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB). CFB patients will likely need to be treated for their underlying cystic fibrosis symptoms in order to see notable improvements whereas NCFB patients may require any number of treatments depending on what is causing the abnormal mucus clearance. 

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Bacterial colonization

The term “colonization” simply refers to the gathering of bacteria on a surface such as the airways, skin, mouth, or intestines. In the case of bronchiectasis, bacteria begin to colonize in the bronchial tubes, the airways that lead to the lungs. If the immune system isn’t able to neutralize the bacteria, it could lead to an infection.  

Neutrophil inflammation (proteases)

A neutrophil is a white blood cell that fights infections and heals damaged tissue in the body. A low neutrophil count in the body (neutropenia) is associated with an increased risk of infection, whereas a high neutrophil count (neutrophilia) is typically caused by infection or injury. 

Airway destruction (bronchiectasis)

The final part of the cycle is airway destruction. Repeated instances of infection and airway inflammation eventually lead to permanent and irreversible damage to the airways. Normally, the bronchial tubes narrow smoothly towards each lung allowing for air to easily transfer into and out of the body. However, inflammation caused by bronchiectasis will eventually cause the bronchial tubes to become scarred and ineffective. The cilia which help to move mucus will also be damaged.  

Symptoms of Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis symptoms can take months or years to develop making it a difficult condition to detect. Like many lung conditions, bronchiectasis is often shrugged off as natural signs of aging or it’s confused with other conditions like asthma or COPD. Regardless, there are a number of symptoms you should look out for if you think you have bronchiectasis:

• A persistent, chronic cough
• Frequent production of sputum
• Chest pain
• Recurring chest infections
• shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Coughing and wheezing
  
  

Since bronchiectasis is a progressive disease, you may notice symptoms becoming worse over time. For example, after getting sick, you may notice more chest pain, tightness or breathlessness. Severe bronchiectasis may lead to more serious conditions such as low oxygen levels, collapsed lung, respiratory failure, or even heart failure. 

Common Causes of Bronchiectasis

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection that can occur in one or both lungs. It causes inflammation in the alveoli, tiny air sacs at the end of the bronchial tubes that are responsible for transferring oxygen and carbon dioxide to and from the blood. Pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi. 

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is another common cause of bronchiectasis. This is a highly contagious infection that typically attacks the lungs, but it can spread to other parts of the body too including the spine and the brain. In the early 1900s, it was a leading cause of death, but it has a much better survival rate now because of the widespread use of antibiotics to treat it. 

Aspiration

The term “aspiration” refers to a substance such as saliva, food, or medicine entering the lungs. Sometimes, this can be harmless, but other times it can lead to choking or even a serious infection known as aspiration pneumonia. This is typically not contagious and is usually treated with antibiotics.

Obstructive airway disease

Obstructive airway diseases like asthma, COPD, and cystic fibrosis can all be significant contributors to the onset of bronchiectasis because they impair a person’s ability to clear mucus and may even contribute to compromised immunity. Your doctor will closely monitor your condition to ensure that all underlying conditions are accounted for.

Risk Factors of Bronchiectasis

Risk factors of bronchiectasis include the following:

• Age — bronchiectasis can be contracted at all ages, but it’s much more common in people over the age of 65.
• Gender — bronchiectasis is more common in women due to hormone types and hormonal events such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause.
• Cystic fibrosis — while only about half of bronchiectasis cases are caused by CF, 50 to 70 percent of children with CF have bronchiectasis by 3 to 5 years of age.
• Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis
• Cilia function disorders
• Autoimmune disease
• Immunodeficiency
  
  

How is Bronchiectasis Diagnosed?

Unfortunately, bronchiectasis is commonly underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed due to the fact that it has so many similar symptoms to conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and COPD. In these situations, it may go months or years without being treated effectively. To avoid this, your doctor may perform any number of tests that can rule out other conditions.

First and foremost, your doctor will take a look at your medical history. The following may indicate that you’re at a higher risk of contracting bronchiectasis:

• Family history of bronchiectasis
• A history of childhood respiratory symptoms or infection
• Smoking history
• Evidence of an inflammatory disorder (muscle pain, skin rashes, or joint problems)
• Frequent infective exacerbations

Next, your doctor will perform a clinical examination. This includes the following:

• Pulmonary function tests (PFT) such as spirometry or peak flow
• Testing for the presence of sputum
• Tests for a systemic inflammatory disorder
• Stethoscope testing to check for irregular noises in the lungs
• Blood or sweat tests can be used to rule out different types of bronchiectasis (CF bronchiectasis or non-bronchiectasis)
  
  

Last but not least, your doctor may use high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) to check for bronchiectasis symptoms. He/she will look for the following:

• Bronchial wall dilation
• Lack of bronchial tapering
• Lobar collapse
• Mycetoma formation
• Aspergillus fumigatus
  
  

HRCT tends to be the most conclusive diagnostic tool for determining the type and severity of bronchiectasis. However, your doctor will likely use many of the methods above in order to more accurately diagnose your condition.  

How is Bronchiectasis Treated?

Bronchiectasis treatment is varied and depends on the underlying cause of the condition. In general, it can be treated with physical therapy, hydration, and medicines. However, if the bronchiectasis is isolated, your doctor may recommend surgery. Conversely, if the bronchiectasis is widespread and you risk respiratory failure, he/she may recommend oxygen therapy.

The objective of bronchiectasis treatment is to remove mucus from the lungs, treat infections quickly, treat underlying conditions that could be causing bronchiectasis, and to prevent any life-threatening complications. While bronchiectasis is a progressive disease, breaking the “vicious cycle” we discussed earlier can prove extremely effective in slowing the progression of the disease. 

Antibiotics

An antibiotic is a type of medicine that helps prevent and stop infections that are caused by bacteria. If you’re suffering from a viral infection, your doctor will not prescribe antibiotics because they will not be effective.

Mucus Thinners

Because bronchiectasis patients have poor mucociliary clearance, they usually need to take medication that can assist with removing mucus from the lungs. Expectorants are a type of medication that loosens mucus so that it can be coughed up. Mucus thinners like acetylcysteine can also help with this process. 

Hydration

Hydration is important for everyone, but for bronchiectasis patients, it could be a matter of life and death. Your doctor will likely put you on a strict diet requiring you to drink a certain amount of water each day. You might need to avoid alcohol and food that’s high in sodium as well. 

Physical Therapy

Chest physical therapy (CPT) or physiotherapy is a chest percussion technique that’s used to loosen and dislodge mucus that gets stuck in the lungs. More often than not, this procedure is done by your doctor or a trained professional but self-treatment is sometimes advised with the use of tools like inflatable therapy vests. These use high-frequency airwaves to force mucus into your upper chest making it easier to clear.   

Other Treatments

The above treatments are commonly used to treat bronchiectasis but in rare cases, other treatment options may be advised. These include bronchodilators that relax muscles in the airways; corticosteroids used to reduce inflammation; and oxygen therapy to raise blood oxygen levels. In very rare cases, surgery may be advised.

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Bronchiectasis Prevention Methods

While bronchiectasis is largely brought on by genetics, there are several lifestyle changes that you can make to reduce your chances of contracting it. 

• Maintain proper hygiene, i.e. wash your hands, sanitize your home and workplace.
• Ensure you are up-to-date on annual influenza and pneumonia vaccines.
• Seek immediate treatment for lung symptoms like a chronic cough, chest pain, and chest tightness.
• Avoid harmful airborne irritants like car exhaust, fumes, and cigarette smoke.

As with most chronic lung conditions, early prevention and diagnosis are key. The sooner you can implement these prevention techniques, the better your outcome will be.

Bronchiectasis Versus COPD

While bronchiectasis and COPD may produce some similar symptoms, they’re very different diseases. COPD is one of the most common morbidities, affecting about 16 million people in the United States alone. It’s primarily caused by preventable means such as the inhalation of cigarette smoke and other harmful airborne contaminants — about 85 to 90 percent of COPD patients have smoked. 

Bronchiectasis, on the other hand, is far less common than COPD. It’s estimated that 110,000 people have bronchiectasis in the United States and it affects people of all ages. Unlike COPD, lung damage from bronchiectasis is the result of severe and recurrent lung infections that damage the bronchial tubes, and in turn, lead to more infections. Studies have shown that comorbidities of COPD and bronchiectasis are common, but researches don’t yet know all the details about their correlation. 

Conclusion

Bronchiectasis receives far less media attention than conditions like COPD, asthma, and lung cancer, but it’s one that everyone should be aware of regardless of your age. The good news is that, with early diagnosis and proper lifestyle changes, bronchiectasis patients will see a huge improvement in their quality of life and life expectancy.

Ultimately, your best course of action is to make healthy lifestyle choices like exercising frequently, maintaining a healthy diet, and avoiding cigarettes or other drugs. If you experience chest pain, frequent lung infections, or any of the symptoms listed above, be sure to visit your doctor or pulmonologist immediately.