When you depend on supplemental oxygen to keep you well, a reliable portable oxygen concentrator is all but a necessity. Portable concentrators are uniquely useful because they turn regular, ambient air into concentrated medical grade oxygen for you to breathe.

That means there are no heavy, flammable tanks that need to be refilled or replaced. You'll have an unending supply of oxygen as long as long as you have battery power.

Portable concentrators can be life changing; they allow you to leave home, stay active, and go about all your daily tasks with convenience and ease. Many models even offer optional backup batteries so you can go out with confidence and use your portable concentrator even longer without interruption.

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Because your health and comfort depends on it, choosing a portable continuous flow oxygen concentrator that fits your needs and lifestyle is an important decision. That's why, in this article, we've provided you with information about the top four continuous flow portable oxygen concentrators on the market.

We've included everything you need to know about their unique features, oxygen output, battery life, and more to help you make the best decision possible. Listed in no particular order, here are the top 4 portable continuous flow oxygen concentrators.

SeQual eQuinox

The SeQual eQuinox is one of the most advanced continuous flow portable oxygen concentrators you can find. It's one of the most popular units on the market because of its sophisticated features and extremely compact design.

SeQual eQuinox Features

A step above the Sequal Eclipse 5, the SeQual eQuinox is smaller, lighter and packs a lot of power. It is loved for its high oxygen output, great user interface, and convenient battery options.

At only 14 lbs, it's packed with options and features you won't find in any other continuous flow portable concentrator in its class. Now let's take a closer look at the eQuinox's strengths.

Sophisticated, Multi-Lingual Voice Interface

With the SeQual eQuinox, you'll never have to worry about low battery or malfunctions. The eQuinox has a convenient audible interface that will speak to you and alert you about any problems or changes with the device.

Instead of having to constantly look at the screen to check battery life and flow rate, you can rely on the eQuinox's voice alerts to keep you updated. It even uses a backup 9-volt battery to keep the alarm powered even if the main battery runs out.

However, if you prefer a silent device or need to quiet the device temporarily, you can always mute the alarms at any time.

Here are the different alarm features included in the SeQual eQuinox:

• Warnings about low battery life
• Warnings when oxygen purity is low
• Alerts you to unit malfunctions
• Tells you your flow rate setting when it's changed
• Multiple language options, including English, Spanish, French, and more (8 total!)

Hassle-Free Battery

One of the most important aspects to consider when choosing a portable oxygen concentrator is how conveniently it will fit into your daily life and activities. Size and weight are some of the most obvious convenience factors, but the battery design plays a big part as well.

If you cannot easily change out new batteries, keeping your device charged will be a a pain. Luckily, the SeQual eQuinox features a front-loading battery to make switching out and recharging batteries as easy as possible.

You can remove the battery from the eQuinox oxygen concentrator while it's still in its cart with the simple push of a button. Then, to replace it, you simply push the new charged battery back into the slot and it will click right into place.

What's more, you can use the SeQual eQuinox's full functionality wherever you go, even while it's charging! Whether you're on battery power, charging through AC wall power, or charging through DC in your car, you can use all 3 continuous flow settings and all 9 pulse flow settings.

However, it does have some charging limitations. The eQuinox will only charge your battery on the DC power supply if you are using a continuous flow setting of 2.0 LPM or lower, or a pulse flow setting of 6 or lower. If you are using anything higher, the eQuinox will run off of your vehicle's battery to preserve your concentrator's battery life.

Superior Oxygen Output

Portable constant flow oxygen concentrators are sometimes inadequate for patients with high oxygen demands. Luckily, the SeQual eQuinox is at the top of its class, producing an impressive 3 liters of oxygen per minute.

The eQuinox's continuous flow settings can be adjusted lower or higher depending on your preferences. It can output anywhere from 0.5 liters per minute at the minimum up to 3 liters maximum, and can be adjusted at 0.5 liter intervals within this range.

For maximum versatility, the eQuinox also has 9 pulse flow settings, and is fully compatible with CPAP and BiPAP devices. The high oxygen output and multiple settings makes the eQuinox uniquely accessible to a wide variety of patients with different oxygen needs.

A Variety of Battery Size Options

When you need your portable oxygen concentrator to last longer on a single charge, the SeQual eQuinox has you covered. Along with the 12-cell battery that the eQuinox comes equipped with, you can also purchase an extra 24-cell battery for extra power.

The 24-cell battery doubles the device's life between charges, making it last nearly six hours (on pulse setting 2) instead of the three that you get with the 12-cell. However, the larger battery adds weight to the device, making it slightly heavier to cart around.

Estimated Battery Life for SeQual eQuinox 12-Cell Battery:

• Continuous Flow Rate 1: up to 2.16 hours
• Continuous Flow Rate 2: up to 1.21 hours
• Continuous Flow Rate 3: up to 0.80 hours
• Pulse Flow 1: up to 2.82 hours
• Pulse Flow 2: up to 2.78 hours
• Pulse Flow 3: up to 2.38 hours
• Pulse Flow 4: up to 2.32 hours
• Pulse Flow 5: up to 2.22 hours
• Pulse Flow 6: up to 1.70 hours
• Pulse Flow 7: up to 1.56 hours
• Pulse Flow 8: up to 1.28 hours
• Pulse Flow 9: up to 1.0 hours

Estimated Battery Life for SeQual eQuinox 24-Cell Battery:

• Continuous Flow Rate 1: up to 4.84 hours
• Continuous Flow Rate 2: up to 2.75 hours
• Continuous Flow Rate 3: up to 1.84 hours
• Pulse Flow 1: up to 6.03 hours
• Pulse Flow 2: up to 5.94 hours
• Pulse Flow 3: up to 5.39 hours
• Pulse Flow 4: up to 4.94 hours
• Pulse Flow 5: up to 4.75 hours
• Pulse Flow 6: up to 3.85 hours
• Pulse Flow 7: up to 3.33 hours
• Pulse Flow 8: up to 2.72 hours
• Pulse Flow 9: up to 2.15 hours

SeQual eQuinox Specifications:

• Weight: 14 lbs with 12-cell battery, or 16 lbs with 24-cell battery
• Dimensions: 13.6” height, 10.6” length, 7.4” width
• Flow Rates: 0.5-3.0 LPM continuous flow, pulse flow settings 1-9
• Battery Life: Up to 2.75 hours on continuous flow (at flow level 2), up to 5.94 hours on pulse flow (at flow level 2)
• Power: 85-264 VAC, 47/63 Hz, 12V Nominal
• FAA Approved: Yes!
• Warranty: 3 Year warranty

What's Included in the SeQual eQuinox Package:

• SeQual eQuinox Portable Oxygen Concentrator device
• AC & DC Power Supply
• 12-Cell Batery
• Filter
• Tubing
• Travel Cart
• Accessory Bag
• Manual
• 3 Year Warranty

Optional Accessories for the SeQual eQuinox:

• External Battery Charger
• Extra AC/DC Power Supply
• Extra 12-Cell or 24-Cell Battery
• Additional Filters
• Extra Travel Cart
• Extra Accessory Bag

What Makes the SeQual eQuinox One of the Best Continuous Flow Oxygen Concentrators

Offering up to 3.0 liters of continuous-flow oxygen per minute and an intuitive voice interface, the SeQual eQuinox is an extremely powerful and feature-rich portable oxygen concentrator.

The eQuinox makes recharging and replacing batteries easier than ever with its multiple battery options and convenient front-loading design. It also makes charging on-the-go a cinch, maintaining full functionality even when plugged in to your car charger.

At only 14 pounds, the eQuinox is 30% lighter than it's predecessor model, and it sits at the top as one of the most versatile, transportable oxygen concentrators you can buy.

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SeQual Eclipse 5

The SeQual Eclipse 5, the model preceding the eQuinox, remains one of the most well-known and popular portable oxygen concentrators. It's for good reason, too; as the fourth model in the series, it has earned a reliable reputation and has benefited from a multitude of improvements and adjustments over the years.

And since it comes from one of the most experienced and trusted brands in the industry, you know it's a machine you can depend on on.

SeQual Eclipse 5 Features

The SeQual Eclipse 5 is versatile, powerful, and comes with many state-of-the-art features. Its long-lasting battery, user-friendly controls, and great oxygen output makes it an ideal all-purpose oxygen concentrator for any occasion.

Unmatched Oxygen Output

The SeQual Eclipse 5 is ahead of its competitors, outputting more oxygen than most other portable concentrators. It can provide up to 3.0 liters per minute, making it a great choice for patients with high oxygen needs.

Like the eQuinox, the Eclipse 5 has 9 pulse flow settings and continuous flow that can be adjusted to put out between 0.5 and 3.0 liters of oxygen per minute. It is also fully compatible for use with CPAP and BiPAP machines, making it a great choice for both daytime and nighttime use.

Convenient Charging Options

Like the eQuinox, the Eclipse 5 is a trusty device for road trips and travel. You can use all of its features while it charges and every flow setting on the AC power.

Even when it's plugged into your DC car charger you can use it on every oxygen setting! However, it will only recharge your battery if you are using continuous flow settings 0.5-2.0 liters per minute, and pulse flow settings 1-6.

This puts it far ahead of the Eclipse 3 and other portable concentrators that don't work well, or at all, on DC charge. This makes it more reliable, more transportable, and makes long car rides worry-free.

Easy-to-Use Controls

The user-friendly touch screen is another great feature included in the SeQual Eclipse 5. With just a few simple, well-labeled buttons, operating this portable oxygen concentrator is just about as easy as it gets.

The LCD screen is large, clear, and displays both the device's remaining battery life and your current oxygen flow setting. It also has a small LED warning light to alert you to if there is ever a mechanical problem that needs to be addressed.

The controls include a simple power button, two arrows to adjust flow settings up and down, and a separate button to toggle between continuous flow and pulse flow oxygen delivery.

Long-Lasting Battery

When you're looking for a portable oxygen concentrator that you can rely on wherever you go, a long-lasting battery is key. That's why the SeQual Eclipse 5 is a great choice to take on the go.

Compared to other portable concentrators, the Eclipse 5 has an impressive battery life. It lasts up to 5.1 hours on pulse setting 2, and nearly 4 hours on the lowest continuous flow setting.

Estimated Battery Life for SeQual Eclipse 5:

• Continuous Flow Rate 1: up to 3.7 hours
• Continuous Flow Rate 2: up to 2.0 hours
• Continuous Flow Rate 3: up to 1.3 hours
• Pulse Flow 1: up to 5.4 hours
• Pulse Flow 2: up to 5.1 hours
• Pulse Flow 3: up to 4.9 hours
• Pulse Flow 4: up to 4.0 hours
• Pulse Flow 5: up to 3.7 hours
• Pulse Flow 6: up to 3.5 hours
• Pulse Flow 7: up to 2.5 hours
• Pulse Flow 8: up to 2.0 hours
• Pulse Flow 9: up to 1.7 hours

SeQual Eclipse 5 Specifications:

• Weight: 18.4 lbs
• Dimensions: 19.3” height, 12.3” length, and 7.1” wide
• Flow Rates: 0.5-3.0 LPM continuous flow, pulse flow settings 1-9
• Battery Life: Up to 2.0 hours continuous flow (at flow rate 2), up to 5.1 hours pulse flow (at flow rate 2)
• Power: 100-200 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 12V Nominal
• FAA Approved: Yes!
• Warranty: 3 Year warranty

What's Included in the SeQual Eclipse 5 Package:

• SeQual Eclipse 5 Portable Oxygen Concentrator device
• AC & DC Power Supply
• One Rechargeable battery
• Filter
• Tubing
• Travel Cart
• Accessory Bag
• Manual
• 3 Year Warranty

Optional Accessories for the SeQual Eclipse 5:

• External Battery Charger
• Extra AC/DC Power Supply
• Extra Rechargeable Battery
• Extra Travel Cart
• Convenient Wheelchair Pack
• Protective Weather Cover
• Upgraded Deluxe Accessory Bag
• Extra Standard Accessory Bag
• All-in-one Travel Kit Accessory Bundle: includes one battery, one external battery charger, and one upgraded deluxe accessory bag

What Makes the SeQual Eclipse 5 One of the Best Continuous Flow Oxygen Concentrators

As one of the longest-lasting, most trusted models on the market, the SeQual Eclipse 5 is a great all-around choice for portable oxygen.

Its long-lasting battery, ease-of-use, and unmatched oxygen output makes it the perfect device for a variety of needs. And with its multitude of settings and accessories, you'll find that it's comfortable and convenient for both travel and everyday use.

GCE Zen-O

Although it's new to the market, the GCE Zen-O is quickly becoming one of the best-selling top-of-the-line portable oxygen concentrators. It's one of the most convenient continuous flow concentrators yet with a lightweight, durable design that makes it easy to take with you wherever you go.

GCE Zen-O Features

The GCE Zen-O is popular for its compact design, simple controls, and multiple flow settings. It is small and light enough to wear on your body, but still packs all the features and power you could want from a portable oxygen concentrator.

Lightweight, Travel-Friendly Design

The GCE Zen-O has one of the most compact designs of any constant flow portable oxygen concentrator yet, making it a great choice for trips and physical activities. It also comes with multiple transport options so it's comfortable to bring along no matter how you like to travel.

Like most other portable concentrators, the Zen-O comes with a wheeled travel cart to save you the trouble of carrying the weight. But, for even more flexibility, the Zen-O also comes with a handy, wearable custom carrying case so you can easily tote it on your person.

With the custom case, you can wear it over your shoulder or simply carry it by the handle. The case also helps to protect the portable concentrator from damage and wear while still letting you access all of the device's buttons and controls without having to take it out of the case.

When you are feeling breathless, fatigued, or simply don't want to carry the weight of the 10-pound machine, you don't have to. You can always use the Zen-O with the wheeled travel cart to save yourself energy and effort.

Simple & Easy to Use

Another of the Zen-O's great features is its easy-to-learn controls. It has a basic button interface and a large, clear screen to make operation as simple and easy as possible.

The clearly-labeled control panel lets you control the oxygen flow rate with basic arrow buttons and has an oxygen delivery mode button to quickly switch between pulse and and continuous flow. There are also buttons for muting the alarms, powering the device on and off, and for checking the remaining battery life.

The Zen-O's screen also makes it easy to monitor and control your oxygen delivery. It displays all the important information you need at a glance, including battery life, your oxygen flow rate, and warnings about problems or malfunctions with the device.

Flexibility for Both Pulse and Continuous Flow

The GCE Zen-O packs a lot of oxygen flow options in one tiny, 10-pound package. The ability to vary flow settings and operate while charging the Zen-O makes it perfect for 24-hour use as both a stationary and portable device.

The Zen-O can run pulse settings 1-6, which is great for daytime pulse-dose oxygen needs. It can also provide a continuous oxygen flow at up to two liters per minute, making it a great nighttime oxygen supply.

While plugged in to AC wall power, the Zen-O's continuous flow setting is fully compatible with CPAP and BiPAP machines. This makes it versatile enough to meet a variety of patient oxygen needs and to use at any time of day.

Extended Battery Options

Despite its small size, the GCE Zen-O has flexible battery options to allow you to keep it going longer in between charges. It can run on the standard single battery or you can pop in two batteries at a time to make the device last twice as long.

With the single battery, the Zen-O weighs 10 pounds and lasts about 4 hours on pulse setting 2. It's perfect for short errands, outings, or for bringing with you around the house.

Estimated Battery Life for GCE Zen-O with One Battery:

• Continuous Flow 0.5: Up to 3.0 hours
• Continuous Flow 1.0: Up to 1.75 hours
• Continuous Flow 1.5: Up to 1.25 hours
• Continuous Flow 2.0: Up to 0.75 hours
• Pulse Flow 1: Up to 4 hours
• Pulse Flow 2: Up to 4 hours
• Pulse Flow 3: Up to 3 hours
• Pulse Flow 4: Up to 2.25 hours
• Pulse Flow 5: Up to 2.0 hours
• Pulse Flow 6: Up to 1.75 hours

Using the Zen-O with two batteries adds two extra pounds to the device's total weight, bringing it to 12 pounds total. But with double the battery life, making the Zen-O a bit heavier is certainly not a bad trade-off.

Estimated Battery Life for GCE Zen-O with Two Batteries:

• Continuous Flow 0.5: Up to 6.0 hours
• Continuous Flow 1.0: Up to 3.5 hours
• Continuous Flow 1.5: Up to 2.5 hours
• Continuous Flow 2.0: Up to 1.5 hours
• Pulse Flow 1: Up to 8 hours
• Pulse Flow 2: Up to 8 hours
• Pulse Flow 3: Up to 6 hours
• Pulse Flow 4: Up to 4.5 hours
• Pulse Flow 5: Up to 4.0 hours
• Pulse Flow 6: Up to 3.5 hours

The two battery options make it easy for you to customize your device based on your changing, everyday needs. You can use the single battery for brief activities and put in a second battery for longer journeys.

GCE Zen-O Specifications:

• Weight: 10 lbs with one battery, 12 lbs with two batteries
• Dimensions: 12.3” high, 8.3” long, 6.6” wide
• Flow Rates: 0.5-2.0 liters per minute continuous flow, pulse flow settings 1-6
• Battery Life: Up to 1.5 hours on continuous flow, up to 8.0 hours on pulse flow
• Power: 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz; 24 VDC
• FAA Approved: Yes!
• Warranty: 3 Year warranty

What's Included in the GCE Zen-O Package:

• Respironics SimplyGo Portable Oxygen Concentrator device
• AC & DC Power Supply
• One 12-cell battery
• Custom Carrying Case
• Tubing
• Padded Handle Strap & Padded Shoulder Strap
• Wheeled Travel Cart
• Manual

There's always so much to look forward to during the summer months: warm weather, lush trees, and all kinds of outdoor activities. It's a beautiful season, and for many of us it provides a much-needed rest from the cold, harsh winter weather.

However, many of the things that make the summer months so pleasant are at odds with COPD. If you don't take the right steps to protect yourself from heat, pollen, and humidity you might find that the summer weather makes your COPD symptoms even worse.

Luckily, many people with COPD have found ways to beat the summer heat and minimize their symptoms during the hottest season of the year. In this guide, we'll help you learn what to look out for and give you plenty of simple, effective solutions for managing your COPD during the summer months.

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Why the Summer is Challenging for People with COPD

Heat

Spending time in the hot, summer sun can be a major energy sapper for anyone. When you have COPD, however, high temperatures can be particularly hard on your body.

Hot weather can quickly make you dehydrated and even cause bronchospasms, which constrict your airways and make it hard to breathe. Hot air alone can make you feel short of breath, and dehydration from the heat can thicken mucus in your airways and make it even more difficult to breathe.

When your body is fighting a disease like COPD, the muscles in your chest and respiratory tract have to work harder to help you breathe, especially when you are physically active. When you're out in the summer sun, the heat puts even more strain on your body and can make you feel exhausted very quickly.

That's because, when you're baking in the sun, your body has to work particularly hard keep your internal temperature at a healthy 98.6 degrees. That means sweating, panting, and using extra energy to help your body cool down fast.

This can make you feel exhausted and fatigued after even short bouts in the heat, and can be dangerous if you don't take steps to protect yourself. In extreme cases, you could get heat stroke or experience an  exacerbation of your COPD symptoms.

One study from John Hopkins University found that people with COPD are more likely to experience reduced lung function, increased symptoms, and exacerbations when exposed to temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. They were also more likely to require rescue medicine and medical intervention when exposed to extreme heat.

Humidity

Have you ever stepped outside on a hot, humid day, taken a deep breath, and felt like the wet, heavy air was difficult to breathe? Extreme humidity during the summer can have that effect on most healthy people, and it can be an even bigger problem for people who have COPD or other respiratory problems.

Humidity tends to peak during the summer months, and the sweltering heat makes it all that much more of a problem. Breathing hot, humid air just isn't easy or comfortable for most people, and if you have COPD, it can make it very difficult to breathe.

However, humidity affects people, including patients with COPD, in different ways. While studies show that the optimum level of humidity for people with COPD is usually about 40 percent, individual preferences for and reactions to humidity vary widely from person to person.

One of the things that makes humidity problematic for many people with respiratory problems is the fact that it tends to trap smog and other toxic particles that contribute to air pollution. It also allows harmful microbes like mold, fungi, and dust mites to thrive, which can cause significant respiratory irritation.

Because of this, air quality in the summer tends to be poorer than other times of the year, especially on the hottest, most humid days. That's why doctors and other health professionals recommend that people with COPD carefully plan their time outdoors and take extra precautions to avoid making their symptoms worse in the summer.

Humidity and worsened air quality in the summer can take a huge toll on your energy and ability to breathe if you're not careful. Make sure to regularly check your local weather report or airnow.gov for the day's heat, humidity, and air quality so you can plan and prepare your days accordingly.

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Pollen

Along with increased smog and air pollution, the summer air brings with it another major respiratory irritant: pollen. It's one of the most common triggers for allergic reactions that affect the respiratory tract, and at least ten to thirty percent of people worldwide suffer from these types of allergies, known as allergic rhinitis.

If you suffer from allergies and COPD, exposure to pollen can cause a variety of symptoms, including sneezing, wheezing, and increased mucus in the respiratory tract. Allergies can also cause your lungs and airways to become irritated, swollen, and inflamed, which can increase chances of infection and make it even more difficult to breathe.

These allergic reactions stack on top of already existing symptoms and can make your COPD even worse. That's why it's important to do everything you can to reduce allergens in your home and reduce your symptoms when they cannot be avoided.

Techniques for Managing Your COPD This Summer

When you have COPD, it's important to protect yourself from extreme weather and take care when doing any activities in the summer heat. Luckily, there are a lot of things you can do to protect yourself and your lungs from the temperature, humidity, and poor air quality during the summer.

In this guide, we're providing you with a huge list of tips and ideas for staying cool, healthy, and active this summer. You'll see that, with a little thought, planning, and prevention, you can find a way to enjoy all your favorite summer activities without letting it take a toll on your breathing.

How to Manage Hot Summer Days with COPD

Managing the extreme heat of the summer when you have a disease like COPD requires a bit of extra planning and preparation. If you spend too much time in the heat without proper protection, it can worsen your symptoms and leave you dehydrated and fatigued.

The following section will give you a variety of tips and ideas for keeping safe and cool during the hottest days of the season. Using these techniques, you can find a way to enjoy all your favorite summer activities without risking your health and wellness.

Schedule Time Outdoors During Cooler Parts of the Day

During the height of the summer, the daytime weather just gets too hot to bear. On these days, going outside anytime near midday, when the temperature peaks, can be risky.

But as long as you keep tabs on the daily weather forecast it's possible to plan around the heat. That way you can always stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day, and then plan outdoor activities for when the temperature is more mild.

If you limit your time outside to cooler times like the early morning and late afternoon, you will have more energy and less difficulty managing your COPD symptoms. You'll be able to better regulate your body temperature, breathe easier, and have better physical endurance.

Go Indoors When Necessary

When it's bright and sunny and there's fun to be had outside, it can be hard to force yourself to take it easy. But when the temperatures are extreme, it's completely okay and necessary to pace yourself and take breaks from the sun.

When you plan to spend time in the heat for any extended period of time, make sure you have an air-conditioned, indoor, or shaded area to retreat to when needed. Make it a habit to drink plenty of water and take regular, planned breaks so your body doesn't have a chance to get too overheated or fatigued.

Even healthy people often don't realize that they're suffering from heat exhaustion until it's too late, which is why it's so important to be prepared. When you have COPD, the risks of heat exhaustion are even greater, and even spending short times in extreme temperatures can cause your symptoms to get significantly worse.

Dress for the Heat

When you're outside in the summer heat, your first line of protection from the sun is your clothing. Make sure to wear lightweight clothing and choose light colors that won't absorb the sunlight.

Clothes that are thin and loose-fitting are best at keeping you cool because they allow air to flow through and won't stick to your skin when you sweat. Wide-brimmed hats can also be surprisingly effective at keeping your face and neck cool.

Drink More Water than Usual

It can sometimes be difficult to remember to drink enough water on normal days, but on hot, summer days it's absolutely necessary to stay hydrated. Dehydration alone can make your symptoms worse when you have COPD, but combined with high heat and humidity it can be dangerous and make it very difficult to breathe.

The summer heat makes your body lose water more quickly and require extra fluids to stay healthy. You'll have to increase the amount of water you drink from what you're used to in order to compensate for this loss.

Whenever you leave the house or spend time outside, make sure to bring a large bottle of water along so you won't get dehydrated. If you're going to be out in the heat for an extended period of time, make sure you have access to extra water and an air-conditioned space to cool down when necessary.

Don't Over Exert Yourself

Physical activities that are easy under normal circumstances can be difficult or exhausting when the sun is beating down. That's why it's important not to get discouraged if you find yourself having less endurance during the summer.

Even if you find the summer heat makes you unable to do as much as you are usually able to, don't push yourself too far. But don't use the heat as an excuse to give up on your exercise plan or other activities you enjoy, either.

It's important to stay active at all times of the year, and you can always move your plans indoors or make other adjustments when the heat is wearing you down. You might find it helpful to break up your exercise into smaller chunks, take more breaks throughout the day, and give yourself more down time to recover in-between activities.

Spend Plenty of Time in Air-Conditioned Spaces

The John Hopkins study on the effects of heat on people with COPD confirms that cooler air is not only more comfortable, but is also healthier for people with the disease. Spending too much time in the heat can cause worsened symptoms in both the short and long term, and increase the chances of exacerbations and hospitalizations.

Extended time in the heat can also increase your risk of illness and symptoms if you are overweight, elderly, or have another chronic disease like diabetes or heart disease. These illnesses are often associated with COPD, and may make the summer heat even more harmful to your body.

If you have an air conditioner at home, make sure it gets regular service and stays working properly during the summer. If you don't have air conditioning or you have an older, inefficient unit, consider investing in a new one or getting window AC units for the rooms in your home that you use the most.

If you don't have AC, try to go out and spend the hottest times of the day somewhere that does have air conditioning. You might go to a friend or family member's house, the library, or another public indoor space.

Get a Portable Air Conditioner

Image courtesy of Best Digs

Just like many people use a space heaters to warm up small rooms in the winter, you can use a portable air conditioner to cool down in the summer. You can use one in your home to cool a single room and save money on whole-house AC, and you can also take it with you on-the-go.

A portable AC unit is especially handy at work, where you don't have control over the thermostat. Especially if you have a partially enclosed area, like an office cubicle, a portable air conditioner can be very effective at keeping you cool without forcing your coworkers to turn up the office AC.

Use a Buddy System

If your COPD is very severe or you are recovering from an exacerbation, it might be a good idea to recruit a friend or family member to help you stay safe and healthy during the summer. Just having someone call and check up on you a couple times a day can help you avoid heat-related problems and get help when you need it.

When you are exhausted or ill from being in the heat too long, it can make you feel tired and confused to the point that you don't realize you're in danger. Sometimes it takes someone else checking in with you to notice the signs of heat-induced illness and realize that you need to go inside and cool down.

A buddy system is a support system that will allow you to feel more secure and ask for help and supplies when you need them. If your windows get stuck, your AC unit isn't working properly, or any other problems crop up, you can always ask for advice or assistance whenever someone checks in.

How to Manage Summer Humidity with COPD

Keeping out of the heat can be as simple as staying indoors, but avoiding humidity is a bit more tricky. When the weather outside is humid, it can be very difficult to keep it from making the air in your home damp and humid as well.

Most doctors recommend keeping the humidity levels in your home under 60 percent, because anything higher can encourage mold growth. For people with COPD, most doctors recommend an optimum humidity level of 40 percent, although individual preferences may vary.

Luckily, there are steps you can take and devices you can buy to keep your home from becoming a damp, musty swamp during the summer. The following section will give you a variety of ideas and techniques you can use to protect yourself from the humidity.

Vent Home Appliances Outdoors

Some common home appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and stoves can significantly increase the humidity levels in your house if you're not careful. But if you make sure to properly vent these appliances, you can keep your home's humidity levels low.

Dishwashers and clothes dryers often already have ducts installed to vent humid air outdoors. However, sometimes these ducts can become clogged with dust and lint and need cleaning.

If you notice that your home gets humid when you run the dishwasher or dryer, you might want to get the air ducts checked to make sure they're clean and working effectively. If your dishwasher and stove don't have outside vents, you can turn on the stove fan or open a nearby window when they're running to help vent the moist air.

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Vent the Room When You Shower

Anyone who's taken a hot shower knows how humid and sticky it can make the air in the room. It's a common source of increased moisture in many people's homes, and it can be particularly problematic for people with COPD.

Without proper ventilation, running a hot shower produces extremely humid air that can encourage mold growth and increase humidity in other rooms in your home. Luckily, most places in the US have strict building codes for bathrooms that require a window or a fan-powered vent to allow you to vent the humid air outside, instead.

Before you shower, make sure to open a window or run the vent fan so the humid air doesn't build up in your house. If you find that the humidity still bothers you or you experience increased breathlessness while showering, using cooler water or installing an extra vent can help.

Get a Dehumidifier for Your Home

Most people are familiar with humidifiers, and many use them during the winter to add moisture to the bothersome, dry air. However, many people are unaware that you can also get dehumidifying devices to pull extra moisture out of the air during the hot, humid seasons.

There are many different types of dehumidifiers to choose from and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. What kind you should get depends on how humid the air in your house gets and how large of a space you need it to work for.

There are many small, affordable dehumidifiers that work in smaller rooms and spaces. These are great for bedrooms, offices, and other small areas that you spend a lot of your time in. You can even get a portable dehumidifier if you think you will need to carry your dehumidifier from room to room often.

Although it can get quite expensive, you can also get a whole-house dehumidifier that attaches to your house's main HVAC ventilation system. These large devices filter moisture out of all the air that flows through your air ducts and is the most effective way to make your home less humid.

Run the AC

Even if you don't want to install a whole-house dehumidifier, an efficient AC unit is often enough to do the trick when the humidity is mild. Air conditioners remove a certain amount of moisture from the air as part of their normal air-cooling process, and it can be an effective way to reduce the overall humidity in your home.

However, when the humidity gets very high, a regular air conditioner probably won't be enough to keep you comfortable. AC units can only scrub so much moisture from the air, which is why having a good dehumidifier is important if you want more control over the humidity in your home.

Check Weather Reports and Plan Accordingly

Your local daily weather report should include a variety of information about the temperature and humidity levels. If you keep track of the forecast, you can plan your week around the days that are most humid.

Sometimes the best way to avoid worsened symptoms is to just stay indoors as much as possible on very hot, muggy days. Keeping your doors and windows shut will keep the air in your home as dry as possible and also keep out pollen, mold, and smog.

If you have a dehumidifier, daily weather reports will help you know when to turn it on before your house gets unbearably humid and you notice your symptoms acting up. Running your AC along with your dehumidifier is even more effective, and it's the best way to stay cool and dry during the most uncomfortable parts of the summer.

How to Manage Summer Irritants with COPD

Along with the heat and humidity, summer brings a greater risk of respiratory irritation from pollen, mold, and smog. That's why it's important for people with COPD to monitor and prepare for poor air quality during the summer months.

The following tips and techniques will help you protect your lungs from air pollution and other irritants both outdoors and in your home. By taking these steps, you can reduce your allergy symptoms, prevent respiratory irritation, and make it easier to breathe this summer.

Check Air Quality and Pollen Reports

There are many air quality factors you have to take into account during the summer when you have COPD. Pollen, mold, smog, and other respiratory irritants can worsen your symptoms and make it more difficult to breathe if you don't take steps to avoid them.

Luckily, local news stations and other organizations release air quality reports and allergy forecasts every day to help people like you. You should always check the day's air quality index (AQI) before planning outdoor activities and stay indoors if the outlook is not good.

The AQI rates air quality on a six-point scale from good to hazardous, and you can check it here at airnow.gov. If you have allergies, you should also keep an eye on the daily allergy and pollen report, which you can check at pollen.com.

Get a High Quality HVAC Air Filter for Your Home

Image courtesy of Ivy Dawned on Flickr

Even when you're indoors, you can't totally escape the effects of the dust, pollen, and mold that the summer weather brings. That's why choosing a high-quality HVAC air filter, and replacing it regularly, is important for managing COPD symptoms in the summer.

Air pollution and other irritants come in through your windows and vents and cause you to experience worsened symptoms indoors. Pollen, mold, and dust from outdoors can also hitch a ride on you and your pets, sticking to shoes, clothes, and hair.

When you go inside, all of these irritants get transferred to your carpets and furniture, where they collect and build up. Then they kicked up into the air as you go about daily activities, worsening your indoor air quality, inflaming your lungs and airways, and making it more difficult to breathe.

The best way to combat the pollen, dust, and mold that circulate through your house is to get a high-quality air filter that catches pollen, mold, dust, and other particles that could aggravate your COPD. It's important to choose carefully and look at the filter's specifications before purchasing, because some filters remove many more types of irritants than others.

Clean Carpets, Rugs and Furniture Often

All of the air pollutants, pollen, and dust that come in from the outdoors tend to settle and build up in your carpet, couches, drapes, and other places. That's why it's important to keep your floors, furniture, and other surfaces clean, especially when allergens and air pollution are more prevalent.

Regular vacuuming, dusting, and sweeping is one effective way to remove respiratory irritants that have settled on surfaces in your home. It keeps these particles from building up, inflaming your lungs, and making it hard to breathe.

If you have a choice, hard flooring is much better than carpet when it comes to keeping dust, pollen, and other lung irritants at bay. Getting rid of rugs, drapes, and other fabrics that attract and collect particles can help improve your symptoms and the air quality in your home.

Change Clothes and Shower Often

When you spend time outdoors, mold, pollen, and other lung irritants cling to your clothes and hair. To avoid tracking these harmful particles and allergens int

Allergy season is a nuisance for anyone who suffers from allergies, but it can be a serious struggle for people who also suffer from COPD. Common allergens like pollen, dust, and mold can not only cause uncomfortable allergic reactions, but they can also irritate your lungs and airways and make it more difficult to breathe.

At least one in five people in the US suffer from allergies, and that includes many people who also have COPD. Unfortunately, there hasn't been a lot of research on how the two conditions interact, and there are few official treatment guidelines to help COPD patients manage their allergies.

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However, thanks to research from John Hopkins University, we do know that people who suffer from both allergies and COPD are more likely to have worsened symptoms and shortness of breath. They are also more likely to experience exacerbations, which are episodes of increased symptoms that can be serious and even require hospitalization.

Currently, the best known way handle allergies when you have COPD is to treat the symptoms with medication. The best treatment, however, is prevention to keep you from having allergic reactions at all.

If you do your best avoid exposure to pollen, dust, and other allergens, then you can prevent your symptoms from worsening in the first place. That's why, in this guide, we're going to give you a variety of effective tips and techniques to help you keep allergens at bay and prevent them from making your COPD worse.

How Allergies Affect COPD

Seasonal nasal allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis, tend to peak in the summer. However, they can start as early as the spring and last late into the fall, since these warmer months are when plants, mold, fungi, and dust mites thrive.

Some people experience allergies during the winter, too, although it is less common. Most winter allergies come from spending extra time in indoor places with dust and mold.

All of these different factors can trigger respiratory symptoms for the more than 24 million people in the US who suffer from seasonal allergies. But for people who suffer from COPD as well, the pollen, mold spores, and generally poor air quality can actually make their disease worse.

If you suffer from allergies and breathe in allergens like pollen or mold, it triggers the release of histamine that affects your upper and lower respiratory tracts. Histamine causes an inflammatory response, causing irritation, swelling, and increased mucus secretion in the lungs and airways.

Here are some common symptoms associated with seasonal allergies:

• Itchy, watery eyes
• Runny nose
• Nasal and sinus congestion
• Excess mucus production
• Coughing and sneezing

As you can see, many allergy symptoms are respiratory symptoms that have the potential to interact or compound with existing symptoms of COPD like coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. For example, an allergic reaction can cause excess mucus production and swelling in the airways, which in turn blocks airflow and makes it even more difficult to breathe.

In extreme cases, this can cause a COPD exacerbation, but even minor allergic reactions can be troublesome. When COPD already makes it difficult to breathe and keep your airways clear of mucus, you can't afford to have allergies making the problem even worse.

If you experience allergy symptoms on a regular basis, especially if you notice that they get worse when you spend time outdoors, you might be suffering from seasonal allergies. You should visit your doctor as soon as possible to get an evaluation so you can find an allergy medication to control your symptoms.

Allergies can be uncomfortable for anyone, but if not properly treated they can be serious and debilitating for people who suffer from other respiratory conditions like COPD. It's important for COPD patients to take any increase in respiratory symptoms seriously, because they can quickly lead to serious complications or exacerbations.

Talk to your doctor about tips and techniques for reducing allergens in your home and keeping your symptoms in check when your allergy triggers can't be avoided. Make sure to follow your COPD treatment plan whenever you experience worsened symptoms, and seek medical attention if they get severe or don't go away.

To prevent your symptoms form getting to that point, continue reading this guide for a multitude of tips and tricks to help you avoid and eliminate allergy triggers this season. We've put together a number of ideas and techniques that will help you keep your home hypo-allergenic and allow you to stay happy, healthy, and comfortable throughout allergy season and the rest of the year.

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How to Manage Summer Allergies When You Have COPD

Know Your Triggers

Allergens are everywhere; in the air we breathe, the food we eat, and in our carpets, furniture, and clothes. However, how these allergens effect every individual person is different, and some people are more sensitive to certain types of allergens than others.

If you have COPD and suffer from allergies, it's important to talk to your doctor about your symptoms so you can identify the source. Getting an allergy test or keeping a diary of your symptoms can help you narrow down the possibilities and help you better understand what triggers your allergic reactions.

Once you know what's causing your allergies, you can take steps to avoid coming into contact with whatever causes your symptoms. Read all of the tips in this article to learn techniques for doing just that and to find new ideas and inspiration for keeping your allergies at bay.

Check Allergen Reports

There are many places you can check to get information about allergy conditions in your local area on any given day. You can check your local weather report, pollen.com, or other online sources like The Weather Channel to get daily forecasts for the levels of pollen and other particles in the air.

Some allergy reports give detailed information for specific types of pollen, including pollen from trees, grass, and weeds. This can be helpful if you know which specific plants and types of pollen tend to trigger your allergy symptoms.

You can use this information to schedule outdoor activities and plan your exercise on days when pollen levels are lower. When pollen and other allergens are high, it's best to stay indoors as much as possible to keep it from making your COPD worse.

Take Daily Allergy Medication

No matter how hard you try, you're not going to be able to avoid all of your allergy triggers all the time. Your symptoms are bound to act up at least occasionally, and doctors often recommend taking daily allergy medicine all throughout the allergy season to prevent symptoms before they get worse.

If you suffer from allergies and COPD, it's essential to talk to your doctor and get an allergy medication that works for you. If you don't treat your symptoms daily, they can continue to get worse and cause your COPD to flare up.

Many people have to try a few different allergy medications before they find one that effectively treats their symptoms. Make sure to take your medicine as directed and work with your doctor to find a medicine that's effective for you.

Also, remember than many kinds of allergy medications work best when you take them consistently at the same time every day. They are often less effective if you take them irregularly or skip a dose, which can worsen your symptoms and make your allergies more difficult to control.

Stay Indoors When Pollen and Humidity are High

Sometimes the best way to avoid allergens is to avoid going outside altogether. Of course, you can't avoid going outdoors all the time, but it's a good idea when the allergy forecast looks bad.

Whenever pollen levels are extremely high, you should try to stay indoors as much as possible. Close all your windows, shut all your doors, and turn on your home ventilation system to control allergy levels in your house.

Humid days can also be a problem, since they tend to encourage mold and dust mites to proliferate. Humidity traps smog and lowers air quality, which can be especially irritating to your lungs and airways if you have COPD.

Take Antihistamines

Even if you take allergy medication daily, your allergy symptoms can still act up for many reasons. Being sick, fatigued, or exposed to allergens on high-pollen and high-humidity days can trigger allergic reactions that take a little extra help to keep at bay.

When this happens, taking an antihistamine like benadryl can give your body the extra help it needs to get over the symptoms. However, use them carefully, because antihistamines can sometimes dry up your mucus, make it thicker, and cause you to have even more trouble breathing.

That's why it's important to talk to your doctor before you use any new medication. Whenever your symptoms get worse, you should always follow your COPD action plan first and consult a medical professional before trying any other medicine.

See a Doctor if Your Allergies Get Out of Hand

Sometimes, despite your best efforts to avoid triggers, an allergy attack can hit you out of nowhere. When you have COPD, it's important to seek medical attention right away if your symptoms suddenly worsen and don't get better fast.

Doctors can prescribe you oral or nasal steroids to deal with acute allergy attacks and COPD exacerbations. They can also give you antihistamines, steroid shots, and breathing support if you need them.

Get an Allergy Tracking App for Your Phone

Checking multiple weather and allergy forecasts every day can be bothersome and easy to forget. Luckily, there are a number of great android and iPhone apps you can get that let you track allergy forecasts right on your phone.

Pollen.com has a popular app for both iPhone and android called Allergy Alert that tells you everything you need to know about pollen levels in your area. You can input multiple locations and get accurate 5-day allergy forecasts with detailed information about the types of pollen that are prevalent.

The Allergy Alert app also includes an allergy diary where you can record your daily symptoms and keep track of how your allergies change throughout the season. You can even print out your diary as a chart or calendar to help you and your doctor keep tabs on your symptoms.

Other great allergy apps include WebMD Allergy, Zyrtec AllergyCast, and Allergy Advisor. You can download all of these apps from the Apple or Google app stores.

Allergy-Proof Your Home

Get a Good HVAC Air Filter

All home HVAC ventilation systems include an air filter that has to be cleaned or changed out on a regular basis. Some filters only need to be changed once per season, but others should be swapped out more often, every couple of months or so.

Not all air filters are created equal, and some are much more effective than others at getting out the tiny particles that trigger allergies. Most filters include a MERV rating, which is a standard rating that tells you what kinds of particles a filter can and cannot screen out.

A lower MERV rating is associated with low-quality air filters, while high MERV ratings are given to more effective filters. You should always look for a hypo-allergenic air filter that's fine enough to catch tiny allergens like pollen and mold spores.

Get a Good Air Purifier

While a decent HVAC air filter is important for indoor air quality, you can step it up a notch further by getting a mechanical air purifier. These devices use multiple filters and even UV light to remove allergens from the air much more effectively than an HVAC filter alone.

Air purifiers come in a variety of qualities and sizes, and what kind you get depends on your individual needs. You can get a small, portable device for use in a single room or you can even get a large, whole-house air purifier that hooks up to your home's main ventilation.

Some air purifiers are better than others, and their advertising can be deceptive. Look for air purifiers that are certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) to ensure that the one you buy can filter common allergens from the air.

HEPA filters are considered to be one of best high-quality air purifiers and is the gold standard for mechanical air filtration. They use multiple filtration steps and can screen out least 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns or larger from the air.

Use Smooth Surfaces and Avoid Fabrics

Hardwood floors and tile are much easier to clean than carpet, and they don't collect pollen and other particles like carpet fibers do. Likewise, decorating with fabrics like curtains and rugs provides more places in your home for allergens to build up.

To prevent bothersome allergens and harmful irritants from hanging around your home, make sure to vacuum and dust all surfaces in your house regularly. Don't forget little-used areas like basements and closets, and consider getting rid of rugs, curtains, and other items that attract dust.

It can also help to furnish your house with couches, chairs, and other furniture that won't collect allergens. Wood, leather, and other similar materials are easy to wipe clean, while soft fabrics attract pollen and dust and are difficult to clean thoroughly.

Rinse Off after Being Outside

It's a good idea to take a shower or a quick rinse when you arrive home after being outdoors. Especially if you've been near a lot of grass, trees, or other foliage, you could be carrying a large amount of pollen and mold spores on your person.

But if you take the time to rinse the allergens out of your hair and skin, you'll avoid carrying them around with you throughout the day. It will also prevent you from scattering allergens about your home where they can build up and make your symptoms worse for days.

Change Clothes When You Come Indoors

Pollen and other allergens tend to stick to your clothes and shoes when you spend any extended amount of time outdoors. Especially if you don't have time to shower, you should change into a fresh set of clothes so you don't track allergens all throughout your house.

De-clutter and Deep Clean

Dust mites, mold, pollen, and other allergens can hide in any nook and cranny. That's why it's important to do a thorough, deep cleaning at least a couple times a year, especially if you suffer from allergies.

Your deep clean should include removing any clutter and cleaning behind furniture, cabinets, and other belongings. You don't want to leave any stone unturned, that way you start out with the cleanest, most allergy-free space possible.

You should also extend your deep cleaning to other spaces you spend time in, like your car and garage.  Clear out any clutter, vacuum your car seats and mats, and don't forget to wash the outside, too.

Replace the Cabin Air Filter in Your Car

If you have a long commute or take extended trips in your car, having a clean cabin air filter can improve your allergy symptoms. The cabin air filter traps particles from the air that flows through your car's ventilation system, and you should replace it often during the summer when it collects extra pollen and mold.

How often you should do this depends on your car, and your owner's manual will help you figure out the exact time frame. However, as a general rule, the Car Care Council recommends changing out your cabin air filter at least every 12,000 to 15,000 miles you drive.

Dust and Vacuum Regularly

A good air filter or purifier will remove most allergens from the air in your house, but it can't do anything about the dust, pollen, and mold spores that settle on the surfaces in your home. To get rid of all that, you have to dust, vacuum, and sweep regularly.

Don't forget to clean out-of-the-way spaces like high cabinets, closets, corners, rugs and drapes. These are common places where dust and mold tend to collect that people commonly overlook when cleaning.

Check Problem Areas for Mold and Mildew

Image courtesy of carlpenergy on Flickr.

There are certain places in houses that tend to have a higher risk of mold build-up. These include basements, bathrooms, attics, crawl spaces, and any areas that might get damp.

You should inspect these areas in your home somewhat regularly to spot mold and mildew growth before it gets out of control. Some mold spots can be cleaned yourself by hand, but you might need to call in a professional for larger problems.

It's also important to identify and repair any leaks in your pipes so they don't cause mold to grow in your walls. If you notice your allergies are acting up in your house, getting it thoroughly inspected for mold and fungus by a professional could help you find and take care of any problems.

Promptly Clean Damp Spots

Water mishaps are not uncommon occurrences in homes. You can never predict when a faucet will burst or a heavy storm will flood your basement.

What you can do, however, is make sure to clean up any spills, floods, or other damp spots as quickly as possible after they happen. If any area remains damp for more than 48 hours, you're almost certain to get mold growth.

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Control the Humidity in Your Home

When the humidity in your house climbs higher than sixty percent, the chance for mold growth greatly increases. That's why you should try to keep your home's humidity levels between thirty and fifty percent.

You can do this by using a dehumidifier when the weather is especially humid outside. You can get small, portable dehumidifiers that work for a single room, or you can invest in whole-house units that pull moisture out of all the air in your home.

Running the air conditioner in the summer is another effective way to reduce moisture in the air, as long as the humidity isn't too high. It also helps to vent appliances like dishwashers and dryers outdoors, and to make sure you always open your window or turn on your vent fan when you take a shower.

Wash and Groom Your Pets

If you have pets, they can be a major contributor to your allergies. It's important to wash and groom them regularly to reduce the amount of allergens they bring into your house.

When dogs and cats go outside, all kinds of pollen, dust, and mold spores that are in the grass and in the air stick to their fur. When they come inside, all of those allergens are transferred from their fur onto any carpet, clothes, and furniture they come in contact with.

Giving your pets baths and brushing them regularly helps prevent these allergens from building up in their fur and causing your allergies to act up. It also helps to keep your pets off of your furniture and bedding, so you won't be sitting and sleeping in places where your pets have tracked pollen.

Get a HEPA Vacuum Cleaner

A regular old vacuum can get a lot of the pollen, dust, and other allergens out of your carpet and furniture, but it can only do so much. Sometimes vacuuming can even scatter these particles into the air and actually make your allergies worse.

In order to allergy-proof your home more effectively, you can get a vacuum with a HEPA filter that removes at least 99.97 percent of particles that are 0.3 microns or larger. A regular vacuum can only filter particles that are 50 microns or larger.

Just make sure you get a HEPA filter-compatible vacuum that's large enough to fit the size of your home. Otherwise, you'll end up having to change the filter quite often in order to keep it working properly.

Conclusion

When you have COPD, any problems that affect your respiratory tract and make it difficult to breathe are automatically more serious. Even minor allergies can lead to worsened coughing, wheezing, and breathlessness associated with COPD.

Fortunately, it is totally possible to take control over your allergies and keep yourself healthy during allergy season. It just requires some extra cleaning, extra planning, and arming yourself with the right equipment to keep allergens out of your home.

The relationship between allergies and COPD is still not completely understood, and doctors are still trying to gather more research and information on this topic. But for now, treating symptoms with medication and avoiding the allergens that trigger them are the best way to handle allergies when you have COPD.

If you use the techniques in this guide you'll be able to better protect your lungs and airways from allergy-triggering particles like like pollen, mold, and dust. You'll be able to breathe easier, feel better, and enjoy life even when allergy season is in full swing.

Managing a lifelong, chronic disease like COPD can take a lot of time, energy, and motivation. Even if you have a straightforward treatment plan, adhering to that plan perfectly and consistently every day can be a challenge and a drain on your mental resources.

Many people with COPD have difficulty fitting medication and lifestyle changes into their daily life. As a result, many patients find themselves missing medications, skimping on physical activity, or giving up on their healthy diet and nutrition plan.

If you don't have a good system and routine for taking care of yourself and your COPD, it can take a huge toll on your life and severely disrupt your daily routine. And if your daily life is chaotic, it makes it all too easy to give up on things like your hobbies, interests, and social life that are vital for a happy, healthy life.

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But living with COPD doesn't have to be isolating or anxiety-inducing. There are a multitude of ways to simplify and streamline your daily activities to make managing your COPD much easier.

This article includes more than 60 tips and life hacks you can use right now to simplify your life and make caring for yourself and your COPD much easier. All you have to do is take these tips to heart and put them to work in your everyday life, and you'll soon be managing your COPD like a pro.

Tips for Hacking your Medication Routine

1. Keep Your Pills in an Obvious, Convenient Place

If you have difficulty remembering to take your medication at the right times, you might need to put them in a more convenient spot. Put some thought into where you are most likely to notice them to help remind you as you go about your day.

It's best to keep them out on the counter in a part of the house where you spend a lot of time rather than tucked away in a cabinet. Consider keeping your medication in the kitchen if you take your pills at mealtimes, or keep nighttime pills ready by your bedside for maximum convenience.

2. Use Containers or Pillboxes to Manage Your Pills

Pill organizing containers are great because they make it easy to keep track of your pills and when you need to take them so that you'll never forget to take a medication. They also allow you to set out your pills ahead of time so that you can stay on top of your medicine schedule without having to dedicate any brain power to it during the week.

3. Set Timers

While some lucky people can remember important tasks and times without any reminders, most of us need assistance to remember to do things at certain times. That's why you should always set alarms for when it's time to take your medication instead of relying on your memory alone.

If you have a cell phone or watch, you can set alarms to remind you every single time you need to take your medication. You can make a note on each alarm to remind you what medication it's for and even set a unique alarm sound for each medicine.

If you set up recurring alarms, you'll only have set them once and they will automatically repeat day after day and week after week so you never have to worry about it again. If you don't know how to do it yourself, have a friend or family member help you, or follow these tutorials for Android (https://www.askdavetaylor.com/can-i-set-a-repeating-alarm-in-android/) and iPhone.(https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207512)

4. Use Smart Medication Technology

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There's a whole new market for “smart,” wireless pill bottles that help you keep track of how many pills you have and even when to take them. Some can be set to give you physical reminders by chiming and flashing, and can even send customized reminders to your email or smartphone if you happen to miss a dose.

Although this technology is relatively new and pricey, it's a great all-in-one option for anyone who has trouble taking medication on time, especially when other techniques don't seem to work. Some smart pill bottle options include Pillsy, AdhereTech, and SMRxT.

5. Remind Yourself with Notes and Post-its

Setting timers and using smart technology works great for many people, but sometimes the old-fashioned methods work better than anything else. You can use a physical calendar to mark what medications you take on which dates and cross them off when you take them.

Another time-honored technique is the post-it method. To remind yourself to take your medication throughout the day, write a note to yourself on a sticky note and leave it where you're certain to see it when you need to.

It's best to leave sticky note reminders on places you're likely to look at the same times every day. Many people have success posting them on their bathroom mirror, work desk, fridge, or on their front door.

6. Lump Your Medicine in with Another Daily Routine

Many people find it's easiest to remember to take their medication if they pair it with another task they do every day. Think of an activity you do reliably at the same time every day, and use that habit to remind you to take your medicine.

You could pair morning or afternoon medications with activities like exercising, brushing your teeth, or eating a meal. Remember to take evening medications by pairing them with activities like watching a favorite show, taking a walk, or preparing for bed. Mealtimes work great as reminders, too!

Diet Tips and Life Hacks for Better Nutrition

7. Start Simple and Go One Step at a Time

Going all out with a brand new diet or trying to do too much at once is a recipe for failure. When you want to make long-term, sustainable changes to your eating habits, it's best to start small.

Think about some simple ways you can replace foods in your diet with healthier versions. You could try opting for wheat pasta or wheat bread instead of processed, white grains, or make the switch to buying low-sodium versions of your favorite snacks.

Start by making small changes, one or two things at a time, and then add more healthy choices after you've mastered the previous step. If you take it slow and steady and give yourself time to adjust, you'll find that improving your diet and nutrition doesn't have to be hard or unpleasant. It just takes consistency and determination.

8. Make Healthy Snacks Easier to Access

Source: Martijn van Exel

Oftentimes we get stuck in the habit of snacking on chips and processed snacks because they are easy and convenient. Healthy snacks, by contrast, often take time and effort to prepare.

Luckily, all you have to do is prepare nutritious snacks ahead of time to turn the tables around in favor of healthy foods. Anticipate your snacking moods by chopping up fresh fruits and veggies or preparing healthier, homemade versions of your favorite processed snacks.

You can make low-sugar and low-salt versions of many foods, including potato chips, yogurt, crackers, and granola. You can also mix up your own trail mix or buy healthier snacks like fruit bars from the store.

The main idea is to make healthy foods more available and convenient than unhealthy foods. If you always have some healthy snacks ready to grab, most of the time you won't even be tempted to go for the unhealthy ones.

9. Eat More Slowly

This might not be the most new or creative way to reduce calories or avoid overeating, but it's truly effective. Eating slowly works to help you eat less overall because it allows the food to settle in your stomach and make you feel full.

It takes time, sometimes 5-10 minutes or more, for your stomach to recognize you've had enough food and tell your brain to stop eating. So if you spread out your meals over a longer period of time, you'll start to feel full before you've eaten too much, instead of after.

10. Trick Yourself into Better Portion Control

A common cause of overeating and poor nutrition is improper portion control. It's easy to get used to piling large quantities of food on your plate to the point that anything less just doesn't seem like enough.

One way to trick yourself into eating less is to plate your food on smaller dishes. Putting a healthy portion on a large plate leaves too much empty space and makes the amount of food seem measly, but if you put it on a small plate your brain will hardly recognize the difference.

11. Sneak in More Veggies

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Source: Scott Veg

Ideally, you should be eating fresh veggies with every meal. But that doesn't just mean raw veggies from the produce section; frozen vegetables are often just as nutritious and more convenient to keep around for cooking.

If you have trouble stomaching a variety of veggies, try using them in new ways and in new recipes. You can even disguise them by pureeing them and adding them to pasta sauces, meatballs, and other mixtures. In the right meal with the right spices, you won't even know that they're there!

12. Don't Skip Breakfast

Living with COPD can be exhausting and fatiguing, partially because it requires your lungs to work harder and burn more energy to function. That's why it's very important not to skip meals, especially breakfast, so your body has a steady supply of fuel throughout the day.

13. Eat Smaller Meals Throughout the Day 

Eating more frequent, smaller meals is not only good for your metabolism and digestive system, but it can help with COPD symptoms as well. Eating large meals or overeating causes your stomach to expand and press on your diaphragm, causing discomfort and difficulty breathing.

Try reducing the size of your lunch and dinner and adding some planned snacks throughout the day. Some nutritionists even recommend eating 4-5 smaller meals spaced throughout the day instead of 2-3 big ones like most people do.

14. Get Creative with Your Fruits and Veggies

If the thought of snacking on raw fruits and veggies isn't appealing to you, try getting a little creative! With a juicer or blender you can make all kinds of healthy juices and smoothies using any kind of fruit or vegetable.

You can also try drying out fresh veggies and fruits to make delicious, healthy snacks to munch on at home or on the go. Just chop the produce up thin and lay it out on a baking pan, and add any seasonings you'd like (cinnamon and nutmeg are great for fruits!). Then all you have to do is pop them in your oven on the lowest heat setting and let them bake until they're all dried out.

15. Drink Water to Avoid Snacking and Overeating

Sometimes we feel hungry when, in reality, we're actually thirsty. The best way to find out which one it is, is to drink a big glass of water.

Chances are, if your body doesn't actually need food, your craving will go away within just a few minutes. If not, at least you're keeping yourself hydrated, and you will eat less with the water helping to fill you up.

16. Keep a Food Journal

Source: Ryan Snyder  

It's hard to improve your diet if you're not tracking what you eat. Keeping a food journal will help you better understand your current diet, recognize your progress, and identify areas where you can improve.

Food journals also help keep you accountable, so you can't “sneak” in snacks and unhealthy foods without considering the consequences. Just make sure not to leave anything out, even your “cheat” foods; after all, the only person you'd be deceiving and hurting is yourself.

Life Hacks and Tips for Getting Enough Exercise

17. Slip in Micro Workouts Throughout Your Day

When your days are busy it can be difficult to find enough free time to get all the exercise you need. If you struggle with this, you can try filling in the gaps by doing mini workouts or stretches throughout the day.

You can do a mini workout any time you have 30-seconds to a few minutes of down-time. Once you start looking for chances to fit them in, you'll realize that you have dozens of random opportunities throughout the day to do a couple stretches or leg lifts.

Here are some micro-workout opportunities to look out for:

• While waiting for food to cook in the microwave or oven
• During commercial breaks on TV
• Anytime you are waiting (e.g. while waiting for the shower to get warm, or for a guest to arrive, or for the bus or train, etc.)
• During down-time in between activities

18. Get a Fitness Tracker

If you need some extra help motivating yourself to stay active, try using a fitness band or pedometer to track your steps. You'll be surprised at how encouraging and motivating it is to watch your step count in real time throughout the day.

Some fitness bands also have extra features that can help you keep track of your health goals. You can find ones that help you track your calories, the length and quality of your sleep, and give you detailed charts and reports on your daily physical activity.

19. Stay Home

If you find that getting out the door is the hardest part of sticking to your exercise routine, an easy remedy is to just work out at home, instead.

Don't worry, you don't need to buy any special or expensive equipment if you don't want to. All you need is your body and a space big enough to move around.

There are thousands of exercise tapes and DVD's you can follow along with at home, and you can find thousands more on YouTube and elsewhere online. You can even choose from dozens of different styles and techniques—including aerobics, Tai Chi, Zumba, dancing, and much more—to keep it interesting and fun.

Here are some links to exercise videos that can help you stay in shape at home:

• Basic exercises and stretches for older adults (https://eldergym.com/exercises.html)
• Exercises to improve symptoms of COPD from the NHS (http://www.nhs.uk/Video/Pages/Pulmonaryrehabilitation.aspx)
• Recommended fitness DVD's for people with COPD (https://www.verywell.com/copd-exercises-914858)

20. Pay Yourself

Adults often offer rewards to children to convince them do things they don't want to do, but seldom think to use the same technique on themselves. Believe it or not, incentives and rewards can actually be a very effective motivation tool for adults, too.

Try taking the money that you would have spent on a gym membership and pay it to yourself for working out, instead! Spend that extra $20-$100 on something extra for yourself, as a treat for practicing self-discipline.

Make sure you budget it out and decide whether to pay yourself after every week, every month, etc. This method only works if you stick to the rules and only give yourself the prize money after you've reached your workout goals.

21. Break Your Workouts into Smaller Time Blocks

Some people like to get all their physical activity for the day in at once, in one long, intense workout. But many people, especially people with COPD, find that long, grueling workouts just don't work for them.

That's why breaking up physical activity into smaller, bite-sized chunks is a more effective exercise method for many people. Instead of dreading an hour-long workout all day, you can plan two or three short, painless 20-minute blocks of exercise to make it less daunting.

22. Set a Timer (Or Start a TV Show)

When it's time for your scheduled workout, set a timer so your brain knows there's a definite endpoint. You can start a video or TV show of the appropriate length to serve the same purpose (20 or 40-minute TV series work great).

When you break your exercise into smaller segments and set a time limit for yourself, you'll likely find that it's much easier to motivate yourself to get started and stay going. With the clock ticking down and a definite end in sight, it will be much easier to push yourself toward your activity goals.

You can boost your motivation even further by reserving a special show or video that you only let yourself watch during workouts. That will give you something extra special to look forward to every time you work out!

23. Choose Active Options

Source: Jonathan Lin

Every day you are faced with all kinds of minor choices, many of them having to do with physical activity.

You can choose between taking the elevator or stairs, or between a parking space at the back of the lot or a space near the door. How you decide when faced with these kinds of options can make a big difference in your overall amount of daily physical activity.

Consciously choosing to take the stairs wherever you go or replacing drives across the parking lot with a short stroll can truly add up over time. The best part is that it will hardly take any extra time, so you can get a little extra exercise without sacrificing your hobbies!

24. Bring a Friend

The hardest part of exercising is convincing yourself to actually get up and do it in the first place. That's when a workout buddy can make a huge difference.

If you schedule your workouts ahead of time with a friend it will be harder to change your mind or cancel on a whim. On days when you feel worn out or just don't feel like exercising, having a workout buddy to encourage you can be just the push you need to follow through.

25. Be Consistent

If you have difficulty getting enough exercise and physical activity, then you probably aren't following a consistent routine. Scheduling workouts at the same times every week and committing to them in advance is the best way to stick to a physical activity regimen.

If you've ever tried to stick to an exercise routine in the past, then you've probably experienced this first hand. When you work out on the same days every week, you'll build the habit fast and motivating yourself will become easier and easier every time.

However, when you vary your physical activity days or let yourself skip workouts, it's often very difficult to stay motivated and get back on track. Even though changes in your life and schedule are always inevitable, do your best to stick to your exercise plan no matter what. Even minor breaks in your weekly workout routine can set you back.

Tips for Staying Hydrated with COPD 

If you suffer from any number of respiratory ailments, you’re likely well aware of the important role oxygen therapy plays in your life. COPD patients, in particular, are able to significantly reduce chronic symptoms like breathlessness and chest pain by using supplemental oxygen on a daily basis. On the other hand, short-term oxygen therapy can assist patients in recovering more quickly after a hospital visit.

But if you’ve kept up with our blogs here at LPT Medical, you know that the way oxygen is administered is often just as important as using supplemental oxygen in the first place. Receiving too little oxygen might cause a flare-up in your symptoms, whereas receiving too much oxygen could lead to oxygen toxicity and other health complications.

One of the first things you should understand about oxygen administration is the difference between a pulse dose oxygen concentrator and a continuous flow oxygen concentrator. While each of these oxygen delivery methods is viable, they each have their pros and cons, and your oxygen therapy experience will vary greatly depending on which one you choose.

Ideally, this post will cover everything you need to know about pulse flow and continuous oxygen concentrators. However, if you still have questions, fill out the form to the right of the page and one of our respiratory specialists will reach out to you.

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What is a Continuous Flow Oxygen Concentrator?

As the name suggests, a continuous flow oxygen concentrator administers a constant flow of oxygen to the respiratory patient. A good analogy for continuous flow oxygen is a water fountain. When you use a water fountain, you don’t drink all of the water that is coming out of the spout. The water fountain puts out a consistent amount of water and the amount you drink is a product of the amount and the size of sips that you take. Similarly, with a continuous flow oxygen concentrator, the amount of oxygen that enters your lungs is a product of the amount and size of breaths that you take.

Another medical oxygen device that uses continuous flow oxygen administration are oxygen tanks. Since oxygen tanks used compressed oxygen they don’t need any electrical components to push oxygen out the nasal cannula. All they need is a nozzle that can regulate the amount of oxygen that is coming out of the tank. Liquid oxygen tanks use a similar principle, but instead of the oxygen being compressed inside the tank, it’s compressed as it exits the tank and turns to gas.

They Offer Great Versatility

Possibly the greatest thing about continuous flow oxygen concentrators is how versatile they are. Continuous flow units can be bought as either a portable or a stationary oxygen concentrator (home oxygen concentrator) so you’ll have options based on your wants and needs. Portable oxygen concentrators have batteries so you can use them wherever you want, however, stationary concentrators need to be plugged into a wall to operate.

Another great thing about continuous flow portable oxygen concentrators is that they typically offer a pulse flow setting as well. This can be confusing to many people because when they hear the term “continuous flow portable oxygen concentrator” they assume that it doesn’t offer a pulse flow setting. However, oxygen concentrators like the SeQual Eclipse 5, for example, offer continuous flow settings 0.5-3.0 LPM, but it also offers pulse flow settings 1 through 9. This is much more than what your average pulse flow oxygen concentrator will provide.

They’re CPAP Compatible

COPD commonly coexists with sleeping disorders like obstructive sleep apnea in what’s known as COPD-OSA overlap syndrome. This is partially due to the fact that OSA and COPD are both common conditions, but the higher likelihood of peripheral edema and increased BMI associated with chronic bronchitis also promotes OSA. As such, someone with COPD is more likely to experience sleep disorders.

When a patient with OSA sleeps, their airways collapse making it difficult to breathe properly. If this person also has COPD, they’ll be more likely to experience complications at night due to the restricted airflow. In these situations, it’s advised that the patient uses both a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine and an oxygen concentrator while sleeping. 

Continuous flow is the only type of oxygen administration that is compatible with CPAP and BiPAP machines. Some continuous flow oxygen concentrators can be attached directly to a CPAP machine, but others will require you to buy a “bleed-in adapter.” If you and your doctor determine that this is the best course of action for you, be sure to follow the directions closely in your oxygen concentrator user manual on how to set up and use the device correctly.

They’re FAA Approved

At this point in time, all continuous flow portable oxygen concentrators are approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for in-flight use. What this means is that if you ever need to fly across the country or even outside of the United States, you can do so with your portable oxygen concentrator at your side the whole time. While there are no restrictions on oxygen concentrators and flight attendants aren’t allowed to stop you from bringing one on board, you should make sure to contact the airline at least 48 hours ahead of your flight to let them know you’ll have a POC with you. Typically, they’ll ask that you have at least 1.5 times as much battery life as the duration of your trip and they may have an extra charge for a carry on item as well.  

They’re Heavy and Bulky

While continuous flow oxygen concentrators have plenty of benefits, we’d be remiss not to discuss the disadvantages as well. Possibly the biggest downside to these machines is that they’re bulky and heavy. Most continuous flow machines weigh between 10 and 20 pounds which tends to be too heavy for most people to sling over their shoulders. Instead, most patients find it more comfortable to use a wheeled cart which either comes with the concentrator or is sold separately.

One people dislike using continuous flow machines is that they’re more cumbersome and difficult to take out of the house. If you ever need to take public transportation, you may find yourself stressing out about your concentrator rather than focusing on what you’re doing. Taking a flight is especially difficult because there’s already limited foot space on a plane, but with a continuous flow POC, you’ll have even less.     

They Have Limited Battery Life

Battery life is one of the most important aspects of a portable oxygen concentrator because it determines how long you can be out of the house without having to find a place to recharge. Unfortunately, continuous flow machines don’t offer much in the way of battery life. The average machine will offer between 1 and 10 hours of freedom depending on the flow setting you use and the type of battery you are using.

While this may sound like a lot at first, once you actually get out of the house and start doing things, you’ll be surprised at how fast the time goes. You may find that it’s difficult to take long trips unless you bring extra battery packs. However, even if you do, you’ll have to stop frequently to replace the batteries. 

What is a Pulse Dose Oxygen Concentrator?

Pulse dose is the other major type of oxygen delivery along with continuous flow. Whereas continuous flow has been around throughout the whole existence of oxygen therapy, pulse dose is a fairly new technology. Rather than putting out a constant stream of oxygen, a pulse dose machine only puts out oxygen when the patient inhales. Essentially, they’re designed to detect a change of pressure in the user’s nasal cannula when they begin to inhale. It then administers a precisely timed oxygen bolus (dosage). 

Pulse dose regulators (oxygen regulators) can be attached to oxygen tanks and they perform the same function as a pulse dose oxygen concentrator would. Normally, oxygen tanks put out continuous flow oxygen, but the regulator will give you precise doses of oxygen that can help you ration the oxygen that’s left in the tank. Certain oxygen conservers can even be used with liquid oxygen tanks.

They’re More Technologically Advanced

One of the first things you’ll notice about pulse dose oxygen concentrators is that they’re significantly more complex than continuous flow oxygen concentrators; not in how difficult they are to use, but in the features that they offer. The Caire FreeStyle Comfort, for example, offers a built-in program called CAIREView. This program enables you to track important information about your oxygen usage including your time of use, oxygen flow setting, and more.

CAIREView is also equipped with something called “telehealth technology.” We talked about this extensively in a previous post, so feel free to check it out if you want to learn more. However, if you don’t want to get into the details, just know that it’s a technology that could be beneficial to a great number of people. Essentially, what it does is send information via a secure network to both the oxygen manufacturer and your doctor allowing them to see up-to-date information about your oxygen usage and the integrity of your portable oxygen concentrator.

While this is one of the first examples of the use of telehealth technology in oxygen concentrators, it’s a good sign for anyone who’s interested in achieving more freedom and independence from their portable oxygen device. With CAIREVIew, you’ll be able to leave your home knowing that you’re always being monitored by a medical professional. If something were to go wrong with your device, the oxygen manufacturer may be able to troubleshoot and fix it without you ever having to ship the device in and wait weeks or months to get it back. It could also save you a significant amount of time and money.  

They’re Small and Lightweight

Possibly the greatest benefit to using a pulse dose concentrator over a continuous flow concentrator is how small and lightweight they are. COPD has long been considered a debilitating disease because it’s characterized by chronic lung inflammation, breathlessness, and chest pain. What’s more, in the past, COPD patients had to carry around heavy oxygen tanks which set them back even more.

Pulse flow oxygen concentrators, fortunately, are the lightest oxygen therapy devices ever produced. Due to the way that pulse dose technology works, these concentrators are able to administer oxygen much more efficiently. Unlike continuous flow concentrators, there is no “wasted” oxygen with these units. All oxygen that is put out of the device will be inspired by the oxygen patient. As a result, oxygen manufacturers are able to make them much smaller and lighter to carry.

Another reason pulse dose oxygen concentrators are so efficient is that they have the best batteries offered on the market. These concentrators use lithium-ion batteries which are the same ones that are used in common electronic devices such as cell phones, tablets, and laptops. In the future, you can expect this technology to advance even more quickly due to the high demand for light and efficient portable electronic devices.

They Offer Greater Freedom

Freedom is one of the most fundamental human rights. Without freedom, we would not be able to pursue our dreams, go where we want, and do as we please. Unfortunately, chronic respiratory conditions like COPD and cystic fibrosis can restrict your freedom significantly. Many people with COPD spend their life letting their disease control and define them rather than taking control of their symptoms and taking their life back.

Instead of forcing you to depend on friends and loved ones like oxygen tanks do, pulse dose oxygen concentrators allow you to experience full freedom and independence. You’ll never have to go out of your way to refill your oxygen tank or rely on other people to help you transport your oxygen therapy machine. Since they’re so simple to use, there are no complicated functions that you’ll need to learn about to get started. Simply turn the power on, adjust your flow setting, and experience full freedom.

They’re FAA Approved

Just like continuous flow portable oxygen concentrators, pulse dose machines are approved by the FAA for in-flight use. In fact, pulse dose machines are favored by most airlines because they offer greater battery life and they take up much less space on the plane. They’re so small that you won’t even need to set them on the floor during take-off and landing, you can simply rest it under your arm where it will be secure.  

Another reason pulse flow concentrators are great for flights is because of their long battery life. A typical flight within the country will take around 2 to 5 hours, so having a concentrator like the Inogen One G5 which offers up to 13 hours of battery life on one charge will make this a breeze. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for continuous flow units. Since the batteries only last a couple of hours, you’re likely going to need to carry one or two extra batteries at the very least. This also means you’ll be spending more time swapping out batteries instead of enjoying your flight.

Conclusion

Currently, both continuous flow concentrators and pulse dose concentrators are viable for long-term oxygen therapy. Both types of oxygen administration afford you the freedom you need to go about your daily life without concern that your oxygen needs are met. However, if you want to get the oxygen machine that’s best for you, you should take some time to consider each option.

Continuous flow portable oxygen concentrators are very versatile. If you suffer from COPD-OSA overlap syndrome, your doctor may advise that you use both a CPAP machine and an oxygen therapy device at night. Continuous flow machines can easily be attached to CPAP and BiPAP machines at night, allowing you to sleep restfully without disruption. Many modern continuous flow concentrators also offer a pulse flow option which will afford you more options.

Pulse dose portable oxygen concentrators are best for people who want the lightest and most efficient machine on the market. The Inogen One G5, for example, weighs only 4.7 pounds which is less than half the weight of the lightest continuous flow units. They’re also significantly smaller meaning you’ll be able to carry them under your arm without bumping into anything or anyone around you. In general, pulse dose machines are the best option for the greatest number of people, but it’s important to speak with your pulmonologist as well as our respiratory specialists before making a decision.

Fill out the form at the side of the page and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible to discuss your portable oxygen concentrator options. 

There are many different conditions that can cause lung problems and emphysema, including a variety of heritable diseases. One of these is Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (also known as AAT deficiency or Alpha-1), a rare, incurable genetic disorder that most people have never heard of.

Alpha-1 is the result of a protein deficiency that can cause mild or severe damage to the lungs and liver. Many people with AAT deficiency experience asthma-like symptoms including breathlessness, wheezing, and coughing that can occur in childhood or later in life.

Because Alpha-1 is rare, most doctors don't routinely screen for the condition, and some people with AAT deficiency don't get diagnosed until they develop other liver problems or lung disease. This makes it a difficult disease to catch, especially since, for some people with Alpha-1, symptoms don't show up until late adulthood.

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Only about 100,000 people in the United States have been diagnosed with severe AAT deficiency, and there are still many things that doctors and scientists don't understand about the disease. For instance, doctor's don't understand why some people with Alpha-1develop liver disease at a very young age, while many others go their entire lives without experiencing any liver problems.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, you probably have a lot of questions and worries. That's why, in this article, we're going to walk you through everything you need to know to better understand the disease, including symptoms, potential complications, and what kind of treatments are available to help people with AAT deficiency.

What is Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is a rare, but potentially very serious, genetic disorder that mainly effects the lungs and liver. It occurs when a child gets defective AAT genes from their parents, which prevents their bodies from making enough of an important protein called the alpha-1 antitrypsin protein (AAT protein).

There are several different types of genetic mutations that can cause AAT deficiency, and some lead to more severe symptoms than others. Depending on their individual genes, a person with the disease can have different levels of AAT protein in their bodies, ranging from extremely low to only slightly lowered amounts.

Because of this, some cases of AAT deficiency are mild and don't cause many symptoms. Other cases can be very severe and lead to extensive lung damage, liver damage, and other complications.

People with severe AAT deficiency are prone to liver disease and cirrhosis as well as chronic lung infections, bronchitis, and emphysema. Because of this many people with the disease develop respiratory symptoms like wheezing and difficulty breathing as they get older.

Treatment for Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency depends on individual symptoms and the extent of damage to the liver and lungs. Most treatment plans focus on preventing organ damage by keeping the lungs and liver healthy, and avoiding irritants and toxinss that can damage them.

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How Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Affects Your Body

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency can take many different forms, and every individual case of the disease is unique. How exactly the disease effects the body depends on the type of genetic mutation that caused it as well as age, lifestyle, and exposure to environmental irritants like dust and smoke.

Problems caused by AAT deficiency are all related to the body making a dysfunctional version of the AAT protein. This protein is made primarily in the liver, and in healthy people it moves easily out of the liver and into the bloodstream, where it is carried to the lungs

.

People with Alpha-1 make an abnormal version of the AAT protein that gets stuck in the liver instead of moving into the blood. That means it can't make it into to the lungs to protect them from inflammation and irritation, leaving the lungs vulnerable to damage.

The symptoms of Alpha-1 and how severe they get over time varies widely from person to person. Generally, the less AAT protein a person has in their bloodstream, the more susceptible they are to lung damage and other symptoms.

A large number of people with AAT deficiency eventually experience some level of lung decline, usually between the ages of 20 and 50. Lung damage is accumulative, and how frequently the lungs get inflamed by infections and irritants like dust and smoke has a major effect on the severity of respiratory symptoms and complications.

Although slightly less common, Alpha-1 can also cause liver damage and scarring (cirrhosis). This can occur in both adults and newborn babies with AAT deficiency, although doctors don't understand exactly why it affects some but not others.

The following sections will give you a more detailed understanding of how AAT deficiency causes lung and liver disease in people with Alpha-1.

How AAT Deficiency Affects the Lungs

The AAT protein's purpose is to break down a powerful, caustic enzyme called neutrophil elastase. This enzyme gets into the lungs via white blood cells—immune system cells that circulate in every person's bloodstream ready to fight pathogens and infection when needed.

White blood cells release neutrophil elastase in the lungs whenever the lungs get inflamed by infections or irritants. This enzyme helps white blood cells dissolve bacteria and fight off disease, but it can also break down sensitive lung tissues if it's not tightly controlled.

In healthy people, neutrophil elastase doesn't cause any problems because the AAT protein breaks it down quickly before it can damage the lungs. Unfortunately, people with Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency don't have enough AAT protein in their lungs or bloodstream, so the powerful enzyme is left to wreak havoc in their lungs.

Leftover neutrophil elastase damages the tiny air sacs, called alveoli, that allow the lungs to absorb oxygen. Over the span of years, the lung tissue gets so damaged and scarred that it can't get enough oxygen into the bloodstream, causing lung disease and a variety of other complications as it worsens.

The best way someone with AAT deficiency can prevent this from happening is by taking special precautions to avoid lung infections and irritants like smoke. It is also important to treat any respiratory illnesses that you do get quickly and aggressively. Even minor lung illnesses like the cold or flu can recur again and again, causing chronic inflammation that, over time, can cause permanent damage to the lungs.

Most people with AAT deficiency experience some amount respiratory decline as they get older and their lungs accumulate damage. In people with severe AAT protein deficiency, this can eventually lead to chronic emphysema, shortness of breath, and other respiratory complications.

How AAT Deficiency Affects the Liver

Liver problems are much less common in people with Alpha-1, but when they do occur they can be serious and life-threatening. About five to ten percent of newborn babies with AAT deficiency are born with liver disease, but it's unknown why some babies and adults with Alpha-1 get liver damage while others don't.

Doctors and researchers only have a limited understanding of how AAT deficiency damages the liver and causes cirrhosis (permanent scarring). What they do know is that people with Alpha-1 get large build-ups AAT protein in their livers, which can make them prone to liver disease and dysfunction.

This happens because people with Alpha-1 make an abnormal version of the AAT protein that cannot exit the liver the same way that functional AAT protein does in healthy people. As a result, not enough AAT protein makes it into the bloodstream where it is needed to go to the lungs and protect them from inflammation.

Only about 15 to 20 percent of people with severe AAT deficiency ever experience symptoms of liver disease. For those that do, medications are available to help manage the symptoms and liver transplant surgery may be an option for people who develop life-threatening problems.

Causes of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin deficiency is caused by a defect in the gene that tells the body how to make the AAT protein. As a result of this mutated gene, people with the disease make a defective version of the protein that gets stuck in their liver instead of entering the bloodstream like it's supposed to.

This can cause liver problems and makes the lungs prone to inflammation. Over time, lung tissue can become damaged and scarred and lead to emphysema, trouble breathing, and low levels of oxygen in the blood.

In order to get AAT deficiency, you have to inherit two defective AAT protein genes from your parents. There are a couple different types of AAT gene mutations, and some cause a more severe protein deficiency than others.

Alpha-1 is inherited via a pattern known as autosomal codominance, in a way similar to how blood types are passed down through generations. The image below illustrates how this genetic inheritance pattern works.

Here are the three major types of AAT gene mutations:

• The Z mutation: People with this mutation have extremely low levels of AAT protein in their blood. This is the most common mutation that causes Alpha-1, and it can lead to severe symptoms and disease in people who inherit two copies of the Z gene (ZZ).
  
  
• The S mutation: People with this mutation have moderately low levels of AAT protein in their blood. This is a less common mutation, and usually causes less severe symptoms. People with two copies of the mutation (SS) usually do not have any symptoms at all.
  
  
• The M mutation: This is the normal, healthy version of the AAT gene. People with two copies (MM) of this gene type have normal levels of AAT protein in their blood and do not have Alpha-1. People with one normal copy and one mutated copy (MZ or MS) are considered carriers of Alpha-1.

You need to have two of these mutated genes in order to develop an AAT protein deficiency. However, it is possible to get the disease from any combination of the different AAT-deficient mutations.

For example, you could have one gene with the Z mutation and one with the S mutation and only develop a mild form of the disease, or you could have two Z genes (ZZ, the most severe form of the disease) instead. However, since they only have a very mild protein deficiency, people with two S genes (SS) usually don't develop any symptoms or complications at all.

If you only inherit one defective gene, and one normal (M) gene, then that makes you a carrier of Alpha-1. You won't experience any symptoms, but there is a chance you could give AAT deficiency to your children if you have them with someone who is also a carrier of Alpha-1.

Key Facts about Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency

Alpha-1 deficiency affects about 1 in every 2,500 people in the US. Even more Americans are carriers of the disease—an estimated 19 million people.

If the disease is caught and managed early, many people with Alpha-1 live just as long as people without the disease. With proper treatment and a healthy lifestyle, people with AAT deficiency can live long, active, and healthy lives.

People with the most severe AAT protein deficiencies (such as those with two copies of the Z gene mutation) are the ones that are most likely to develop serious, life-shortening diseases like liver damage and emphysema.

Because Alpha-1 is a relatively rare disease, it's not one that doctors routinely screen their patients for. Many people discover that they have Alpha-1 after they first develop breathing issues or show symptoms of liver decline.

Because the respiratory symptoms associated with AAT deficiency are so similar to other lung conditions, it's common for doctors to confuse the symptoms with asthma or smoking-induced emphysema. Fortunately, all it takes is a simple blood test to determine whether or not you have Alpha-1 deficiency.

Since so many people with Alpha-1 are misdiagnosed with other lung conditions first, medical professionals recommend that anyone diagnosed with a lung or liver disease get tested for AAT deficiency. Detecting the disease as early as possible is key for slowing or preventing further damage.

Unfortunately, researchers estimate that up to three percent of people living with COPD have undiagnosed Alpha-1 deficiency.

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Symptoms

The main symptoms of Alpha-1 include respiratory symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, and frequent respiratory illnesses. Signs of liver disease, like yellow-tinted skin and eyes, are slightly less common but can be an important early indicator of AAT deficiency.

Every case of Alpha-1 is different, and how the disease affects you depends on how severe your AAT deficiency is and a variety of other factors. Some people with Alpha-1 are born with liver disease, while others develop liver damage later in life, or not at all.

Your individual lifestyle and how careful you are to avoid respiratory toxins and other irritants can play a major role in what symptoms you develop and how severe they become. If you have Alpha-1, you should have frequent visits with your doctor to check for signs of liver and lung damage so you can treat it as early as possible.

If you have AAT deficiency, it is especially important for you to protect your lungs from smoke, infections, and anything else that could cause damage or inflammation. You should also take care to protect your liver to avoid developing symptoms of liver dysfunction.

While some people with Alpha-1 develop organ damage early in life, many others don't notice any symptoms until they are much older. The first symptoms of AAT deficiency can appear as late as fifty or sixty years old.

Common Respiratory Symptoms for Alpha-1

• Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing, especially during physical activity
• Cough, often with phlegm
• Wheezing, especially during exertion
• Frequent respiratory illnesses and infections (e.g. recurring colds)
• Chronic allergies that last all year

Common Liver-Related Symptoms for Alpha-1

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) that can be present at birth or occur later in life
• Frequent itching
• Pale colored stools or blood in stools
• Dark urine
• Fatigue
• Swelling in the abdomen (ascites)
• Swollen, enlarged liver (hepatomegaly) or spleen

Panniculitis is another possible symptom of AAT deficiency. It is a very rare skin condition that causes raised, painful bumps (nodules) or ulcers on the skin.

Complications with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency

Liver Disease

Low levels of AAT protein in the blood of people with Alpha-1 occurs because they make a version of the protein that won't leave the liver. As a result, it can't make it into the bloodstream where it's needed and instead builds up in the liver, leaving it prone to inflammation and disease.

Doctors and researchers aren't sure exactly how the buildup of AAT in the liver causes damage in some people with Alpha-1 but not others. However, they do know that, in rare cases, it can cause cirrhosis  and serious damage that leads to liver disease over time.

Only a small number of people with Alpha-1 develop liver problems, but all people with AAT deficiency should take precautions to protect their liver from damage. Alcohol, viruses like Hepatitis A and B, and certain medications like acetaminophen can be especially dangerous for people with Alpha-1.

Emphysema

If you have Alpha-1, your lungs are prone to repeated inflammation and infection that can permanently damage delicate lung tissue over time. Because of this, many people with AAT deficiency experience some sort of lung and breathing issues as they get older, and some develop a more serious lung disease called emphysema.

Emphysema is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that occurs when irritants, infections, or inflammation damages the tiny air sacs, or alveoli, in your lungs. This makes it difficult for your lungs to absorb oxygen and causes shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and other respiratory symptoms.

Damage to tissues in the lungs and small airways also makes it difficult to move air through the lungs. Unlike healthy, elastic lung tissue, damaged tissues lose their springiness and get stiff. This causes small airways to collapse, blocking air from flowing through and making it difficult to push all the air out of your lungs when you exhale.

Emphysema is an progressive lung disease with no known cure. That means there's no way to stop it from continuing to cause more and more lung damage over time, although medications and lifestyle changes can slow how quickly the disease worsens.

Exposure to toxins and other respiratory conditions can cause emphysema, but when emphysema is caused by AAT deficiency it is often referred to as Alpha-1 COPD. People with Alpha-1 tend to develop emphysema much earlier (by ten years or so) than “healthy” people who acquire it by smoking or exposure to other toxins.

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Panniculitis

Panniculits is a rare skin condition that a small percentage of people with AAT deficiency develop. It happens when the layers of skin just under the surface get irritated and cause rash-like raised, red bumps (called nodules) on the skin.

Panniculitis often develops in patches on the thighs and buttocks and any part of the skin that sustains damage. It often only takes minor injury or abrasion to cause nodules to form, which can happen during vigorous physical activity.

The severity of symptoms varies from person to person, ranging from minor irritation to severe pain and discomfort. In the worst cases, panniculitis nodules can turn into more serious skin ulcers, known as necrotizing panniculitis.

Fortunately, panniculitis is extremely rare, even in people with Alpha-1, and can often be treated with medications like corticosteroids, antibiotics, and augmentation therapy (described later in the section on treatments for Alpha-1).

Risk Factors for Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency

Since Alpha-1 is a genetic disorder, you can only get the disease is if you inherit two of the defective AAT protein genes from your parents. Unfortunately, there's nothing you can do to change your genetics if you get the disease, but a healthy lifestyle and medical treatment can have a major effect on how severe symptoms get over time.

People with Alpha-1 who smoke or are exposed to workplace hazards like dust, pollen, mold, and chemical fumes, are much more likely to develop respiratory problems and emphysema that those who aren't. People who have asthma, a family history of emphysema, or get repeated lung illnesses are also more likely to experience complications with AAT deficiency.

Alpha-1 is most common in white people of European and Middle Eastern descent, where up to 1 in 32 people are carriers of the disease. It is much less common in people with Asian and African ancestry.

Treatment for Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency

Treatments and medications for Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency are mostly aimed at preventing progressive organ damage and managing uncomfortable symptoms. The key focus is prevention, because lung damage and liver cirrhosis caused by AAT deficiency is permanent.

People with Alpha-1 usually need frequent medical checkups, a strict healthy lifestyle, and medication to protect their liver and lung function from declining. There is also a special treatment available, known as augmentation therapy, that can treat the underlying protein deficiency in people who have Alpha-1.

Lifestyle Habits to Treat Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency

Living a healthy lifestyle is an important part of preventing organ damage in people with AAT deficiency. This includes healthy eating, regular exercise, and avoiding substances that are toxic to liver and lungs.

Healthy Diet & Nutrition

Eating healthy, wholesome foods is an important part of any healthy lifestyle, but it's especially important for people with AAT deficiency. A balanced diet ensures that your liver and lungs have all the nutrients they need to stay healthy and work as efficiently as possible.

A healthy diet and portion control will also help you maintain a healthy BMI and avoid health issues like diabetes and heart disease. If you develop liver damage as a result of AAT deficiency, your doctor might recommend a special diet or supplements to help your liver function better.

Vaccinations

There are several vaccinations that are especially vital for people with Alpha-1 deficiency. These include the hepatitis A and B vaccines, the pneumococcal vaccine, and yearly flu shots.

The pneumococcal vaccine helps prevent pneumonia, a serious lung condition that is even more serious for people prone to lung damage and disease. Yearly flu shots are also important to protect the lungs against the influenza virus.

Getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and B protects the liver from deadly viruses that can cause liver damage and cirrhosis. Since people with Alpha-1are particularly prone to liver damage, this is an important precaution to take against liver disease.

Avoid Lung Irritants and Alcohol

If you have Alpha-1, quitting smoking is by far the most important thing you can do to increase your lifespan and prevent lung damage. Even minor lung irritation from secondhand smoke, dust, or mold can cause serious damage over time.

AAT deficiency also makes your liver prone to getting damaged, which is why doctors recommend that people with Alpha-1 avoid drinking alcohol. Excessive alcohol use can cause cirrhosis even in people who don't have the disease.

Here are some common respiratory irritants you should take care to avoid:

• Smoke, including secondhand smoke, from any source (campfires, wood burning stoves, incense, cigarettes, etc.)
• Chemical fumes