So, you've been diagnosed with a respiratory disease and your doctor says that you need supplemental oxygen in order to breathe better and stay healthy. After considering different options, you and your doctor now decide that a portable oxygen concentrator is the best piece of equipment to fit your needs. Now what?

Oxygen equipment can get pricey, so the first question you probably have is, “are portable oxygen concentrators covered by Medicare?” This is one of the most common questions we get asked, and, unfortunately, it's not an easy one to answer.

The simple answer is that, yes, it is possible to get Medicare and some insurance providers to cover part of the cost of a portable oxygen concentrator. But it's extremely unlikely to happen, and you have to know the whole story to understand why.

Why Insurance Doesn't Like to Cover Portable Oxygen Concentrators

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There are some very rare situations in which Medicare or insurance will cover the purchase or rental of a portable oxygen concentrator. However, even if they do, they don't cover the entire cost of the machine, you have to meet strict criteria to qualify, and each situation is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Medical insurance companies have a long reputation of finding any excuse to deny patients coverage for medical equipment and treatments. Unfortunately, Medicare is no exception. They have strict rules that make getting coverage difficult and burdensome, and they often find reasons to deny approval for a treatment even when a doctor says that it's the best option.

That's why, if you want the best possible chance of getting insurance or Medicare to pay for your equipment, you need to understand your provider's criteria. It's important to follow their guidelines meticulously, making sure you dot every “i” and cross every “t” to avoid getting rejected on a technicality.

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Medicare oxygen benefits can technically be used to rent a portable oxygen concentrator, but the problem is finding a Medicare supplier that offers them. Medicare reimbursement simply doesn't pay suppliers enough every month for them to be able to afford to offer portable oxygen concentrators. Because of this, most people have narrow options for supplemental oxygen and have to choose between either liquid or gas tanks.

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Other insurance companies, on the other hand, work differently. You will need to talk to your insurance provider to understand what kinds of oxygen supplies they cover and what requirements you need to meet in order to qualify.

Additionally, Medicare and private insurance companies usually require you to prove that you need portable oxygen, specifically, before they will consider covering the cost of a portable oxygen concentrator. This can be a difficult standard to prove, and varies between different insurance providers.

It's important to understand that, even if you find a provider that offers them, you're not likely to get the brand or type of portable oxygen concentrator that you want. Suppliers that offer portable oxygen concentrator rentals usually only carry a small selection, and there's no guarantee that you'll get a high-quality model.

What is Medicare's Criteria for Covering Oxygen Equipment?

Most insurance and Medicare providers will help you pay for some kind of portable oxygen equipment if you meet a specific set of criteria. Usually, this includes a doctor's recommendation and a thorough medical report that proves that you need supplemental oxygen to stay healthy.

Here is an example of Medicare's criteria for covering supplemental oxygen and related equipment:

• You have a serious lung disease (such as COPD, cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, etc.), or you have symptoms of low blood oxygen levels (such as pulmonary hypertension, erythrocythemia, congestive heart failure, etc.)
  
  
• Your health is likely to improve with supplemental oxygen therapy 
  
  
• You have medical tests from your doctor to prove that you have low blood oxygen levels (and these tests were taken while your condition was stable, e.g. not during an exacerbation)
  
  
• You have tried other medications and treatments, but are still unable to get enough oxygen
  
  
• You need oxygen therapy 24/7 (Medicare will not cover supplemental oxygen therapy if you only need to use it at night)

All of these criteria have to be verified by your doctor in writing before you can receive Medicare benefits for supplemental oxygen. Your doctor will also have to write and submit a detailed report of your oxygen needs, called a Certificate of Medical Necessity.

If you forget to include any required tests or paperwork, your provider will likely deny or delay your coverage. Therefore, it pays to be meticulous.

Look out for these common mistakes patients make when submitting their Medicare requests:

• Forgetting to include a detailed certificate of medical necessity written by your doctor
• Outdated test results, doctor's examinations, or certificate of medical necessity
• Missing appropriate medical tests proving low blood oxygen levels (hypoxia), such as an arterial blood gas test or oximetry test
• Missing mobility certification (to prove portable oxygen needs)
• Forgetting to include your oxygen prescription

What makes Medicare coverage even more complicated is the fact that Medicare oxygen benefits work on a 5-year cycle. This cycle begins the first time you get coverage for any supplemental oxygen supplies and starts over every five years.

The only time that Medicare will pay enough to purchase or rent new oxygen supplies is during the first three years, when they offer a higher monthly allowance. During the fourth and fifth years, however, the monthly allowance is much lower and only covers the cost of maintenance and care for the equipment you already have.

In order to even have chance at getting a portable oxygen concentrator from a Medicare supplier, you have to get the timing right. If you are already receiving oxygen tanks or other supplies through Medicare, you'll need to wait for the beginning of the next five-year cycle before any Medicare supplier will consider your request for a portable concentrator.

That's why it's important to sign up at the very beginning of the five-year cycle, that way your portable oxygen concentrator supplier can utilize the full amount of your Medicare benefits. Even then, if you do everything right, finding a supplier that offers portable concentrators near you and getting the supplies you want can be next to impossible.

The Trouble With Medicare Reimbursement: Monthly Rentals and Budget Cuts

The unfortunate truth is that, no, most Medicare and insurance providers will not help you pay for a portable oxygen concentrator. Even if your provider agrees to pay for your supplemental oxygen supplies, they will usually only offer enough to cover “cheaper” options like portable liquid or gas oxygen tanks.

These portable tanks are usually cheaper than portable oxygen concentrators in the short run, because the monthly fee to rent the tanks and equipment is relatively small. Most insurance and Medicare providers pay just enough to cover this monthly cost.

Unfortunately, what Medicare offers is usually just not enough on its own for suppliers to afford to give patients portable oxygen concentrators. Medicare pays for all oxygen supplies through a set monthly allowance, which, most of the time, is much too little for such a high-tech device. Because of this, most Medicare oxygen suppliers don't offer portable oxygen concentrators at all.

Even if both you and your doctor think that you need a portable concentrator, Medicare is only required to provide you with a supplemental oxygen supply that's adequate, not the oxygen supply that's right for you. Since that requirement can be satisfied with liquid and gas oxygen tanks, that's often the only Medicare-covered option available.

This is unfortunate, especially because renting oxygen tanks can end up costing more in the long run. The price of renting tanks month after month can quickly add up and be even more expensive than the one-time cost of purchasing a portable oxygen concentrator.

Unfortunately, Medicare and insurance providers tend to think more about short-term costs than long-term ones, and would rather collect the monthly payments for years than pay off a portable oxygen concentrator all at once. Even if you managed to find a provider that offers portable concentrators, the likelihood of getting the brand and model you want is slim to none.

Medicare reimbursement has gotten even worse since it started using the competitive bidding process as a cost-saving strategy. Competitive bidding means that Medicare licenses are only given out to medical equipment suppliers that offer lowest prices.

This results in Medicare offering even less money to pay for oxygen supplies, making it even more impossible for Medicare suppliers to afford to offer portable oxygen concentrators to patients.

But don't be disheartened! Even if your insurance or Medicare won't help you pay for a portable oxygen concentrator, there are other affordable options. Here at Life PT Medical, you can get discounted equipment and financing so you can afford a portable oxygen concentrator without dealing with insurance or Medicare at all.

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Solution #1: We Can Offer You the Cheapest Portable Oxygen Concentrators

It's tragic that most medical insurance providers won't meet their patients' needs and help them get the medical equipment that's right for them and their lifestyle. That's why we've made it our mission to offer portable oxygen concentrators at the lowest possible price, so you can afford to get the oxygen delivery system that's best for you.

The way we do it is by buying large quantities of wholesale portable oxygen concentrators in bulk so we can get the best prices on the equipment and keep our own costs low. That way, we can pass the discount on to you and offer portable oxygen concentrators at extremely low prices that you won't find anywhere else.

Our portable concentrators are so inexpensive that the manufacturers we buy from won't allow us to advertise our best prices on our website. You'll need to download our portable oxygen concentrator price list to see our lowest prices.

At LPT Medical we offer much more than just the lowest-priced portable concentrators around. We also offer monthly financing to make our equipment even more affordable and have a selection of like-new, used portable oxygen concentrators at an even further discounted price.

Solution #2: We Offer the Best Quality Second-Hand Portable Oxygen Concentrators

Even if you can't afford the cost of brand new equipment, you can get an even greater discount on one of our second-hand portable oxygen concentrators. We offer a good selection of lightly-used and refurbished portable concentrators that are thoroughly tested and reconditioned, so they're basically like new!

Our inventory of like-new portable oxygen concentrators is always changing, so make sure to check back with us often to see what we have in stock. And know that all of our machines are thoroughly inspected tuned up before going up for sale, so you always know you're getting the best quality.

Solution #3: We Offer Low Monthly Payments to Help You Finance Your Portable Oxygen Concentrator

We understand that many people don't have the money to pay for such an expensive piece of medical equipment out of pocket right away. That's why we offer monthly financing options to help you manage the cost and get the portable oxygen concentrator you want.

With our monthly financing program, you can afford the equipment you need now and pay back the cost over time in small monthly installments. That way, you can start benefiting from the comfort of a new portable oxygen concentrator right away.

The best part about our low monthly payments is that they allow you to get the exact brand and model of portable oxygen concentrator that you need without having to drain your savings or go through the insurance run-around. And once you've made your last payment, the oxygen concentrator completely belongs to you!

Solution #4: We Can Assist You in Getting Your POC Covered by Medicare

It's been a long time coming, but we are finally able to offer our patients assistance when it comes to covering the expenses of a portable oxygen concentrator through Medicare. We are one of the only online oxygen concentrator companies to be able to offer this service and we are delighted because it means we are able to get these units into the hands of more people who need them.

Typically, when you buy a portable oxygen concentrator, you're given a reimbursement code. You can then use this code to file a claim with Medicare or your private insurance company. The problem with this is that you are given virtually no assistance or instruction on how to actually file and win a claim with your insurance company.

With our new program, however, our respiratory specialists will work one on one with you and Medicare to help you get the reimbursement that you deserve! At the end of the day, this means you have one less thing to worry about. Medicare jargon can be confusing, but when you work with our team, you won't need to waste any time learning about it only to be disappointed that Medicare doesn't give you the answer you expected or wanted. Simply hand the work off to us and we'll gladly take care of it!   

Consider Your Options for a New Portable Oxygen Concentrator Today!

There are many ways you can benefit from using a portable oxygen concentrator instead of a multitude of heavy, cumbersome tanks. Using a portable oxygen concentrator can improve your mobility, allow you to travel, and can make a huge difference in your comfort and quality of life.

That's why it's important to us to help more people like you get the best portable oxygen concentrators at a reasonable, affordable cost. Because of our low prices and financing options, more people than ever before are able to afford and experience the benefits of using a portable oxygen concentrator.

Contact us today or call 1-800-946-1201 to get more information on our products and financing options. We can help you find the best option and experience the life-changing freedom of using a portable oxygen concentrator.

Portable oxygen concentrators are state-of-the-art medical oxygen units designed for mobility, reliability, and ease of use. Anyone who has been prescribed supplemental oxygen by their doctor is a good candidate for these units because they enable you to maintain your freedom and independence while ensuring your oxygen needs are always met. In the video above, we unbox one of the most popular portable oxygen concentrators on the market — the Inogen One G5.

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Inogen is one of the top manufacturers in the industry, consistently putting out reliable and affordable devices like the Inogen One G3 and the Inogen One G4. Their latest portable oxygen concentrator, the Inogen One G5, introduces some new features and improves upon several aspects of its predecessors such as battery life, oxygen output, and weight. Continue reading below to learn more about what the Inogen One G5 has to offer.

Outstanding Oxygen Output

Millions of people around the world rely on medical oxygen to keep themselves safe and healthy. The problem is that traditional oxygen therapy devices like oxygen tanks are extremely bulky and difficult to maneuver, meaning you need to sacrifice a significant amount of your freedom just to use one. However, the experts over at Inogen were able to craft an oxygen device that’s compact, lightweight, and offers up to 6 oxygen pulse flow settings that you can easily adjust on the fly depending on your needs.

The Inogen One G5 offers more flow settings than any other pulse dose concentrator on the market. What this means for you is that you’ll have more versatility than ever before. For example, if you’re exercising and your blood oxygen levels drop, you’ll be able to increase your oxygen flow to accommodate this change. What’s more, the Inogen One G5 has something called Intelligent Delivery Technology® built into it which closely tracks changes in your breathing and adjusts the oxygen delivery accordingly. You can even use your G5 unit while you’re sleeping!

Ease of Use

These days, technology is progressing at the speed of light and it can feel like a full-time job trying to keep up with everything. So, it’s understandable if you are discouraged by the idea of learning yet another electronic device. However, you might be astonished to find out just how easy the Inogen One G5 is to use. Watch the video above to see how quick and painless it is to unbox the Inogen One G5 and start using it.

On the user interface, you’ll notice that there are only five buttons: one for turning the device on or off; two for adjusting the flow setting up or down; one for notifications; and one for volume. That’s it! There’s no need to spend hours reading through the user manual just to get started. If you want, you can even give one of our respiratory specialists here at LPT Medical a call and we’ll walk you through the basics of your device and answer any questions you may have.

Long-Lasting Battery

Unlike oxygen tanks which need to be refilled daily or weekly, you’ll simply need to charge the battery to keep your Inogen One G5 running. Since the G5 is an electronic device, you can recharge it using any wall or car outlet. There are two different battery options including the 8-cell battery and the 16-cell battery. The 8-cell comes standard with every G5 unit, but you can always upgrade to the 16-cell if you think you’ll need more battery life.

The G5 utilizes powerful lithium-ion batteries like the ones found in modern cell phones and laptops. The smaller 8-cell battery will provide you with up to 5 hours of operating time on a pulse dose setting of 2 while the 16-cell will provide 10 hours of use. If you want to carry more than one battery at a time, you can use an accessory called the external battery charger to charge two batteries at once. This is ideal for people who are on the go or travel frequently.

Approved by the FAA

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) oversees safety regulations for commercial flights within the United States. Normally, the FAA does not allow oxygen devices on aircraft because they can be a hazard to passengers. However, the Inogen One G5 is so safe that it has FAA approval for in-flight use. This means that you can finally start traveling across the country or world again to visit friends and family or take a well-deserved vacation. But before you do so, you need to have at least one and a half times the duration of your flight in battery life, and you need to contact your airline at least 48 hours in advance. This will afford you enough time to complete any paperwork that they may require.

Advantages of the Inogen One G5

• It’s compact and weighs under 5 pounds
• It’s reliable and can be used 24/7
• It offers 6 pulse flow settings
• It closely monitors your breathing for optimal oxygen delivery
• It’s approved by the FAA
• It’s easy to use, clean, and maintain
  
  

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  Weight	4.7 Pounds
  Dimensions	8.15" H x 7.19" L x 3.26" W
  Flow Settings	Pulse Settings 1-6
  Sound Level	37 dBA @ Setting 2
  Expected Battery Life	Up to 10 hours

Caregivers are either naturally selfless people or they becomes selfless as their role of a caregiver develops. Caregivers take on a difficult job that often requires sacrifice in order to care for their loved one. This article is for you, the caregivers out there who need some advice about how they can continue to care for their loved one, but also take care of themselves.

It is so important for you to take care of yourself because only when you first help yourself can you effectively help others. Caring for yourself is one of the most important—and one of the most often forgotten—things you can do as a caregiver. When your needs are taken care of, the person you care for will benefit, too.

We hope that the caregiver and the patient can read this article together and find helpful ways to work through their difficulties managing and treating COPD together.

What is COPD

The first thing you must do is to understand what Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is, and there are three main forms of COPD:

1. Chronic bronchitis, which involves a long-term cough with mucus
2. Emphysema, which involves damage to the lungs over time
3. Some patients have both conditions listed above

All of which make it hard for the COPD patient to breath because their airways become inflamed, damaged, and restricted by excess mucus. This causes a number of other issues throughout their body across all of their systems. With lack of oxygen comes low blood saturation levels, bone decay, added stress on the circulatory system, and a list of other complications.

COPD is treatable, and people can live with this disease for many years despite how severe it gets. There are ways to learn how to manage the disease and even slow down the progression of COPD. It requires a strict treatment plan that the COPD patient and their caregivers can develop with their doctor. Actually executing this treatment is the hard part, and where the caregivers role is essential.

So let's talk about our caregivers.

Being a caregiver

There are over 40 million families worldwide in the caregiver role for a spouse, parent, friend, or other loved one, no matter the circumstance this is no easy task but it is an important one. It should not be taken lightly! Both the patients and the caregivers are in a hard position where intense lifestyle changes and everyday norms are flipped upside down.

If the patient has a condition like COPD, the caregiver's role likely evolved over time once their symptoms started progressing and through the diagnosing process, rather than a sudden change like an accident where a patient was healthy one day and hurt the next.

Because COPD is a progressive disease meaning it gets worse over time, both the caregiver and the patient will go through different stages of the disease together changing and altering everyday activities to adjust to a more comfortable lifestyle.

As a COPD caregiver, your main focus will inevitably be your loved one. However, your own health and well-being is important for you and the one you are caring for. This means remembering to take care of your own needs. As we mentioned above, this is not an easy job, and it is easy to feel overwhelmed.

Here are some tips for taking care of yourself as a caregiver:

Some of the most common impacts caregiver experiences are listed below:

• Sleep deprivation
• Poor eating habits
• Failure to exercise
• Failure to stay in bed when ill
• Postponement of or failure to make medical appointments for themselves

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If you experience any of these lifestyle changes as a caregiver it is important to find tips for managing and adjusting your habits in order to live a more productive and happier life.

Here are some tips you can focus on. These tips were developed to help you get into a sleep scheduled, eat healthier foods, exercise more regularly, taking care of yourself when sick, and to remind you that you should make medical appointments for yourself when necessary.

Tip #1 Reducing stress

Caregivers are under a lot of stress all day long everyday, one of the best easy to avoid feeling stressed is to adjust to a strict sleeping schedule. Studies show the effects of sleep deprivation are related to a person's exposure to severe environmental and operational stress and negatively impacts their cognitive performance. This particular study sourced from Springer Link explains the results of a study that sleep deprivation and environmental stress adversely affects a person’s performance and mood.

You can also work to recognize stress warning signs early. This means realizing your irritability, sleep problems, and forgetfulness early on so it doesn't get worse. You can learn how to recognize your own warning signs, and be capable of making effective changes. Donʼt wait until you are overwhelmed.

You can also begin to identify the sources of your stress. Ask yourself, “What is causing stress for me?”

Sources of stress might include:

• you have too much to do
• family disagreements
• feelings of inadequacy
• the inability to say no

After you can put a source to your stressful feelings identify what you can and cannot change.

Remember, we can only change ourselves and our own behavior, and someone else’s actions are out of our control. When your focus is wrongly adjusted on things you cannot change or control, you will only increase your sense of frustration.

Ask yourself, “What do I have some control over? What can I change?” and even if you can only make a small change, this can make a big difference.

The last thing is to take action. These types of active decisions to reduce stress gives you back a sense of control that you deeply need. Stress reducers can be simple activities:

• Walking
• Other forms of exercise
• Gardening
• Meditation
• Having coffee with a friend
• Identify some other stress reducers that work for you

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Tip #2: Set goals for yourself

You can set a variety of goals all having different timelines, and it's a great way to stay in check with what matters to you.

Some goals you might try to set are:

• Taking a break from caregiving
• Get help with caregiving tasks like bathing and preparing meals
• Engage in activities that will make you feel more healthy

You do not want to get overwhelmed with accomplishing too many goals at once. Instead focus on one of two so that you can work towards those ideas productively.

The next step is to make an action plan, you can do this by asking yourself, “What steps do I need to accomplish to reach my goal?’” Then you can determine which step you will take first, and when.

Here is an example of how to set and make a plan for accomplishing goals:

Tip #3 Finding a solution

Your priority as a caregiver has been to seek solutions for your patients to difficult situations. You also have to do this for yourself!

If there is an issue in your life, for insistence, you are not going to the doctor for your own check ups or you get out of bed while you are sick, you must start taking action to solve this.

Making active choices to change the situation at hand will encourage a positive attitude, also giving you more confidence in your abilities.

Tip #4 Find accurate information

COPD is not always genetic, and it most often caused by smoking or inhaling harmful irritates, therefore, you may have never known anyone with COPD in your life, so understanding this new disease as a caregiver, can come as quite a shock.

A quick google search isn’t always the best way to research aspects about COPD especially because COPD is not a one size fits all diagnosis. This means that whoever you are taking care of with COPD is very different than anyone else with the same diagnosis.

The first thing is creating a strict treatment plan with your doctor, as well as establishing a relationship with your doctor, physical therapist, pulmonary therapist, or other related health care professional. Your doctor will create a specific treatment plan for their COPD and how COPD affects your life. By establishing a relationship you will be able to call and ask questions, seek help, and advice, rather than guessing.

One of the most important parts about a patients COPD treatment regime is long term oxygen therapy. Oxygen therapy is used for COPD who’s oxygen saturation is 92% or below while breathing air. This means the patient has a low enough blood oxygen level, also known as dyspnea, to qualify for a long term oxygen prescription.

The most effective, modern, and cost effective option for long term oxygen therapy, is utilizing a portable oxygen concentrator. These devices are built to last a long time, and they are designed to be portable, and can even be taken on airplanes.

As a caregiver, it is important for you to be able to take time off, and rest.

If your loved one with COPD has their own portable oxygen concentrator, they will be able to take it with them alone to the store, or feel comfortable walking by themselves, because some units like the Caire Freestyle Comfort only weigh 5 pounds! This way if you need to take a break, you can ask for help.

It gives the person in your life with COPD a sense of independence from you (the caregiver) which is also a very motivating feeling for them!

Finding information about oxygen therapy can be very confusing, the first thing you should know is that not everyone with COPD needs oxygen therapy, only those who have very low blood oxygen levels. You could actually over-saturate your blood with oxygen, which has adverse consequences and can be very dangerous. This is the reason why you will need a written prescription from your doctor in order to buy a portable oxygen concentrator from a licensed distributor.

A reliable place you can speak with a respiratory specialist who knows how to connect any patient with the best portable oxygen concentrator of 2020 is at LPT Medical. You can reach out by phone 1(800)-946-1201 or by email at info@ltpmedical.com.

Tip #5 Effective communication

Being able to communicate as a caregiver is hugely important for yourself, and the one you are caring for. Being able to communicate in ways that are clear, assertive, and constructive, helps you to find the help and support you need.

Communicating is not the easiest thing, but here are some things you can practice to get better at it:

• Try to express your feelings using “I” messages rather than using “you” messages. For example saying “I am angry” rather than “You are making me angry” is much more productive and allows you to speak about your emotions without blaming the other person making them become defensive.

• Accept the emotions of others and respectfully take into consideration their point of view. Avoid intentionally hurting anyone’s feelings by violating their rights, you can do this by recognizing another person’s right to express their feelings.

• Be clear and direct with your words. Speak directly to the person. Do not expect the other person to know how you feel if you haven’t explained your emotions. There are no mind readers. When you are direct about what you need or feel, you are respecting the other person's opinion by directing the conversation in a productive manner. It also allows the other person to speak freely and openly about their emotions and the chances of reaching understanding are greater.

• Be a good listener. Listening is the most important aspect of communication.

Overview

Having COPD is a challenging diagnosis, it requires you to alter your daily lifestyle, break bad habits, and much more. With the help of a caregiver, to comfort and support you, you will be able to stick to a treatment regimen that is healthy and promotes an active lifestyle.

As a COPD patient it is important for you to work with your caregiver in times of hardship, and to frequently do things independently when you can. That means you might need to find innovative ways to do your own chores by carrying your own oxygen device. Even if you need a higher output of oxygen, the Respironics SimplyGO is the lightest pulse and continuous flow concentrator on the market, and give the oxygen user freedom and independence that is healthy for the caregiver and patient's relationship.

We hope all the caregivers and COPD patients can find a rhythm going through their day to day lives living with COPD. We hope these tips are helpful for the caregiver to continue to take care of themselves in order to be the best caregiver for their loved one.

Living with a chronic disease like COPD requires making a variety of changes and lifestyle adjustments. You have to pay extra attention to your overall health in order to keep your lungs and body in the best shape possible.

Of all the healthy habits you can pursue, eating a nutritious, wholesome diet is one of the most important and beneficial. It can also be one of the most challenging to commit to, because it requires you to give up some of the junk food and unhealthy snacks you enjoy.

Eating unhealthy foods isn't just bad for your metabolism or waistline, but can also increase your risk for a variety of conditions including diabetes and heart disease. If you have COPD, eating certain foods can even put strain on your lungs and make it more difficult to breathe.

That's why, in this article, we're going to help you get a jump start on a healthier diet by telling you about eleven foods you should avoid when you have COPD. We'll show you what foods to cut down on, what foods to cut out completely, and what foods you can eat as a healthy alternative to junk in your diet.

So, if you want to improve your diet and learn how to avoid foods that can exacerbate your COPD, this article is for you. You'll learn how your diet can affect your COPD symptoms, how to avoid hidden sources of sugar and salt, and how to start putting together a healthy COPD diet plan that works for you.

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The Foods You Eat Can Affect Your COPD

Image courtesy of FFCU.

Many people with COPD and other lung diseases don't realize how much their eating habits can affect their disease and its symptoms. But the truth is that there are certain nutrients, and certain types of foods, that can have a noticeable affect on your lung function, energy levels, and how you feel.

When you have COPD, your lungs have to work extra hard to get enough oxygen to all the parts of your body that need it. Certain foods can actually make your lungs have to work even harder, which can make symptoms like breathlessness and fatigue significantly worse.

COPD symptoms are also affected by a variety of foods that can cause indigestion, bloating, or excess mucus production. Certain foods commonly cause gas, bloating, or heartburn, all of which can cause chest discomfort and make it more difficult to breathe. Increased mucus production can obstruct and narrow airways, which worsens COPD symptoms.

If you have COPD, it's important to understand the dietary factors that can exacerbate existing symptoms and affect your lungs' ability to work efficiently. If you know what foods to avoid, you can reduce your exposure to things that can hurt your lungs and start improving your diet for better overall health.

What You Need to Know About Carbohydrates and COPD

Carbohydrates are one of the most important nutrients to pay attention to if you have a lung disease like COPD. The relationship between carbohydrates and lung function is complicated, but it's vital for every COPD patient to be aware of.

First, you have to understand that there is a direct relationship between the foods we eat and gas exchange in the lungs. Gas exchange is, of course, the lung's main purpose: we exhale carbon dioxide gas and inhale oxygen gas.

Carbon dioxide gas is a waste product that comes from our bodies' metabolic processes, like breaking down food. One of the major purposes of our lungs is to get rid of this carbon dioxide waste by expelling it through our breath when we exhale.

The way our bodies work, carbon dioxide waste is a necessary result of turning food into energy that our muscles and organs can use. Everything we eat gets broken down into both nutrients and waste products, and the carbon dioxide waste always has to get processed by the lungs.

However, researchers have found that some foods create less carbon dioxide waste than others when your body breaks them down. This means that these foods create less work for the lungs, because they produce a smaller load of carbon dioxide for them to process.

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Research also shows that eating foods with a heavier carbon dioxide load can actually make your COPD worse. This happens because the lungs have to work harder and use more energy to get rid of all that extra carbon dioxide.

If you have strong, healthy lungs, having excess carbon dioxide waste to get rid of is not usually a problem. However, if you suffer from COPD or another respiratory condition, it can have detrimental effects.

If you have COPD, excess carbon dioxide waste results in reduced lung function, which can cause a variety of COPD symptoms to get worse. It can make you feel extra breathlessness, chest discomfort, fatigue, and even increase your risk for exacerbations.

So, which foods create the most carbon dioxide, and which foods produce the least? According to researchers, the answer lies in the three main food groups: carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

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Carbohydrates Create the Most Carbon Dioxide Waste

Researcher has found that, of all the major food groups, carbohydrates produce the most carbon dioxide waste by far. Because of this, many doctors recommend that people with COPD avoid diets high in carbs and eat more fat and protein instead.

This aspect of a healthy COPD diet is not negligible, and may be more important than many people understand. A number of researchers have studied the direct effects of carbohydrates on people with COPD, and they've found that their effects on lung function are both significant and measurable.

According to one study, COPD patients who had a single high-carb drink had increased symptoms and reduced lung function afterward. Compared to patients that drank a high-fat drink containing the same number of calories, COPD patients who had the high-carb drink required more oxygen, couldn't walk as far, and had extra difficulty breathing during activity.

This suggests that the carbohydrate and fat content of the food you eat can have a huge effect on your lungs, COPD symptoms, and your ability to exercise. If you want to stay healthy and feel your best, you should always be mindful of the nutrient content of the meals you eat and limit the amount of high-carb foods you eat.

Damaged lungs often have enough difficulty meeting the body's basic respiration needs under even the most ideal circumstances. By avoiding carbohydrates and substituting healthy fats and protein instead, you can significantly reduce the amount of strain you put on your lungs and make it easier to breathe with COPD.

Fats and Proteins Have the Lowest Carbon Dioxide Load

Because of the detrimental effects of carbohydrates on lung function, research supports a COPD diet that's high in fat and protein and low in carbs. These foods create significantly less carbon dioxide waste, and are thus easier on the lungs.

Most doctors recommend that people with COPD eat foods with a lot of healthy fats, such as fish, nuts, and moderate amounts of dairy. This ensures that you get enough calories and nutrients to meet your energy needs while creating the least amount of carbon dioxide for your lungs to process.

You should talk to your doctor to work out a well-balanced high-fat, high-protein diet that you can follow. If you are able to stick to it and minimize the amount of carbohydrates you eat, you will likely find that you can breathe easier, exercise longer, and better manage your COPD.

Foods to Avoid if You Have COPD

Once you've talked to your doctor about what a healthy diet looks like for you, it's all up to you to find and prepare healthy foods that will meet your requirements and help keep your body strong. That's when knowing what foods are healthy and unhealthy and what foods to avoid comes in handy.

We've put together the following list to help you identify unhealthy foods in your diet, replace them with more nutritious alternatives, and make healthier choices at mealtime every day. So to kick start your journey to healthier living, here's eleven foods that you should avoid if you have COPD.

Avoid Processed Meats

Cured and processed meats, such as bacon and ham, are bad for you for a number of reasons. They contain loads of salt, plenty of saturated fat, and can even increase your risk for heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

However, processed meats might be particularly dangerous for people who have COPD, according to recent research. Multiple studies have found a link between COPD patients who eat more cured meats and worsened lung function and increased exacerbations and hospitalizations.

Here is a list of cured and processed meats you should avoid:

• Bacon
• Ham
• Corned Beef
• Sausage
• Spam
• Deli Meats

Alternatives to Processed Meats

As an alternative to cured meats, try preparing fresh meats like shredded chicken or baked turkey to use in sandwiches and other dishes. For a quick and easy meat option, use packages of cooked shrimp or canned tuna, instead.

If you're used to packing a quick deli sandwich for lunch every day, you can reduce your processed meat intake by substituting some creative sandwich or salad options on some days, instead. You can experiment with different types of veggie sandwiches and wraps, tuna salad, egg sandwiches, and fruit sandwiches until you find an alternative you like.

Avoid Foods High in Salt

Image By David Dewitt: https://thecozycoffee.com/salt-in-coffee/

Getting too much salt in your diet is bad for your heart and also bad for your COPD. It can also make your body retain extra water, which can make it much more difficult and uncomfortable to breathe.

Even a single high-salt meal can cause bloating and make your COPD symptoms worse. Beware of broths (such as chicken and beef broths), frozen foods, and processed meats, which tend to contain an excessive amount of sodium.

Unfortunately, salt is hidden in a wide variety of everyday foods you wouldn't expect, which is why you should always check nutrition labels. Here are some common sources of excess sodium to avoid:

• Canned foods (including canned beans, vegetables, pastas, and soups)
• Frozen foods (including frozen TV dinners, frozen burritos, and frozen pizzas)
• Salted nuts
• Crackers and potato chips
• Many broths and soups
• Soy sauce and prepackaged marinades
• Instant puddings and baking mixes
• Condiments like mustard and ketchup (in large quantities)
• Pickled vegetables (like olives and pickles)
• Processed cheeses, cheese sauces, and spreads
• Many breads, biscuits, and bread mixes (like pancake mixes, waffle mixes, and Bisquick)
• Canned tomato sauces, salsas, and pasta sauces
• Prepackaged box mixes (e.g. pasta mixes, au gratin potatoes, flavored rice dishes, stuffing mixes, etc.)

Alternatives to High-Salt Foods

Luckily, you can usually find low-sodium versions of many of your favorite foods if you look. You can get low-sodium broths, no-salt-added canned goods, and a variety of salt substitutes at most grocery stores.

Cooking your own meals from scratch at home, however, is the best way to avoid getting too much salt in your diet. When you make your own broths, soups, beans, and raw veggies, you have full control over the ingredients at every step. This makes it much easier to limit the amounts of salt, fat, and other unhealthy ingredients in your meals.

If you often add extra table salt to your food when you eat, try substituting other ingredients and spices, instead. Even though salt is a simple, cheap, and easy flavoring for food, you can make your food much healthier and even more delicious by using salt-free alternatives.

There are hundreds of different spices you can experiment and get creative with, and most are very inexpensive to buy. Try different combinations of flavorings like garlic, onion, paprika, ginger, and other spices, and you'll find that your food doesn't even need the extra salt at all!

Avoid Caffeinated Drinks

Image By David Dewitt

Caffeinated, carbonated beverages cause bloating and gas, and are usually overloaded with sugar. They tend to be high in calories, high in salt, and have next to zero nutritional value.

Additionally, caffeine on its own can be problematic for people who suffer from COPD. It increases your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate, all of which puts extra strain on your lungs.

Because of this, caffeine can make it more difficult to breathe and control COPD symptoms like wheezing and fatigue. Doctors recommend that people with the disease limit their caffeine intake as much as possible, especially if it causes their symptoms to get worse.

Alternatives to Caffeinated Drinks

If you're a soda, coffee, or caffeine addict, it can be difficult to quit cold turkey. Caffeine can have very unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, too, including irritability, anxiety, headaches, and fatigue.

It's often easier to cut down or eliminate caffeinated drinks when you do it gradually and replace them with healthier, non-caffeinated alternatives. Try cutting down on your caffeine intake by drinking one less cup per day or per week, that way you have time to adjust and build a healthier habit in the meantime.

Here are some healthy alternatives to caffeinated drinks:

• Fruit- and herb-infused water
• Decaffeinated coffee
• Decaffeinated tea
• Green juices
• Lemon water
• Low-sugar fruit juices (in moderation, ideally with pulp, or diluted with soda water)

Avoid Fried Foods

Despite being a universal favorite, fried foods are some of the most unhealthy foods you can eat. They are chock full empty calories and loaded with large amounts of added oil and fat.

Eating fried foods is bad for COPD because it can give you gas, make you bloated, and make it even more difficult and uncomfortable to breathe. They are also extremely calorie-dense and can make it more difficult to stay at a healthy weight.

You should try to cut fried foods out of your diet as much as possible to stay healthy and reduce your likelihood of experiencing worsened COPD symptoms. Instead, choose healthier baked and grilled options that are lower in fat and easier on your digestive tract.

Substitutes for Fried Foods

The best way to cut fried foods out of your diet is to avoid eating out at fast food restaurants and prepare most of your meals at home. If you do eat out, look for healthier baked or grilled menu items or opt for a light soup or salad instead.

It can be difficult to avoid fried foods like french fries and fried chicken if you're not prepared and don't have other substitutes ready. But you get a little creative, you can always find a healthier and equally delicious way to prepare the same foods that you love to eat fried.

Here are some healthier alternatives to substitute for fried foods in your diet:
Substitute fried meats and veggies for oven-baked, grilled, or steamed versions. This lowers the amount of calories and fat makes them less likely to cause stomach discomfort.

If you're addicted to fries and just can't give them up, try making your own homemade baked french fries from fresh potatoes in your oven at home. You can make them with much less salt and fat than the deep-fried versions at fast food restaurants have, or even use sweet potatoes for extra nutrients.

Avoid Sugary Foods

Sugary foods are difficult to stay away from, but it's worth putting in the effort to cut them out of your diet. Sugars are just empty calories with no real nutritional value, and eating a lot of sugary foods puts you at a greater risk for obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

It's important to be aware that most processed and prepackaged foods contain a lot of added sugar, even if they aren't foods that you'd think of as being “sweet.” This includes most of the breads, boxed dinners, canned foods, fruit preserves and sauces you can find at the grocery store.

You should also look out for foods labeled as “low-fat” or “gluten-free,” because they are often no more nutritious than the regular version. Stripping the fat or gluten out of a food makes it bland and tasteless, and manufacturers often make up for this by loading their low-fat and gluten-free products with lots of added sugar.

To avoid all of these disguised sources of sugar, always check the nutritional label on the foods you buy. Avoid buying frozen, canned, and processed foods as much as possible and prepare your meals at home, instead.

Sugars are also a major source of refined carbohydrates, which put extra strain on your lungs an make COPD symptoms worse. It's important for people with the disease to limit carbohydrates in their diet, especially refined carbohydrates like sugar, white breads, and pastas.

Here are some common sources of sugar you should avoid:

• Refined carbohydrates (e.g. white breads, pastas, and crackers)
• Store-bought jellies, yogurt, sauces, and dressings
• Store-bought canned pasta sauces
• Breakfast cereals, flavored oatmeal, granola
• Canned soups and beans
• Sodas, fruit juices, sports drinks, coffee drinks, and flavored milk
• Canned fruits and dried fruits
• Many brands of nut butters
• Protein bars and cereal bars

Alternatives to Sugary Foods

Be wary of low-sugar foods that use low-calorie sugar substitutes like xylitol, mannitol, and sorbitol. These sugar alcohols are difficult to digest and cause many people to experience gas, bloating, and diarrhea when eaten in moderate amounts.

The best way to cut sugar out of your diet is to eliminate processed foods and prepare meals from whole ingredients at home. When you do your own cooking, you get to control all the ingredients that go into your food at every step, which makes it easy to cut down the amounts of salt, sugar, and other unhealthy additives.

Here are some common flavoring alternatives that are more nutritious than refined sugar:

• Honey
• Molasses
• Unsweetened applesauce
• Cinnamon
• Lemon or lime
• Fruits (e.g. use cranberries, lemons, blueberries, pureed bananas, etc. as substitutes for sugar in drinks, smoothies, muffins, and other dishes)
• Use milk or cream instead of sugar in your coffee or tea
• Dilute fruit juices with club soda to reduce calories and sugar

Avoid Alcohol (Especially Before Bed)

Alcohol is toxic on a basic level and is not very healthy for anyone to consume. However, if you have COPD, you should be especially careful about when and how much you drink alcoholic beverages.

You should try to limit your alcohol intake as much as possible, but especially at night. If you drink alcohol too close to bedtime, it can disrupt your sleep and even make it more difficult to breathe.

Because alcohol is a sedative, it can make the muscles in your throat to relax too much while you sleep. This narrows your airways and can cause them to collapse together, obstructing your ability to breathe.

Alternatives to Alcohol

If you're used to having a beer or a glass of wine before bed, try having it earlier in the day or replace it with a non-alcoholic alternative. A cup of water, decaffeinated tea, or a glass of warm milk are all soothing options that can help you relax without disrupting your breathing when you sleep.

Another option is to replace alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic beer or virgin cocktails that mimic the taste. Here are some creative substitutes you can use use instead of liquor to make tasty mocktails at home:

• Vanilla extract instead of bourbon or scotch
• Almond extract instead of amaretto
• Apple juice, apple cider, or white grape juice instead of brandy
• Espresso, coffee syrup, or instant coffee instead of coffee liqueur
• Orange juice, apple juice, or pineapple juice instead of sherry
• Agave juice instead of tequila
• Apricot juice, peach juice, or pear juice instead of cognac
• Orange juice concentrate instead of curacao or triple sec
• Ginger ale or sparkling white grape juice instead of champagne

Foods You Might Need to Limit if You Have COPD

With around 65 million patients worldwide, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is anything but uncommon. In fact, it’s one of the most prevalent lung conditions in the world behind asthma. However, despite these statistics, COPD is labeled an “invisible illness.” Many people suffer with this condition in silence, and society as a whole tends to stigmatize it by misunderstanding what its causes are and what life is like with this condition.

In previous blog posts, we’ve talked about how the Caire FreeStyle Comfort portable oxygen concentrator is breaking down barriers when it comes to the way people see COPD patients. Instead of having to struggle with heavy and bulky oxygen tanks, COPD patients are now able to get out of the house with ease, travel the world, and keep up with all of their friends and family. Caire FreeStyle Comfort users often attribute these things to the device's small form factor, lightweight design, and sleek indiscreet look.

If you want to learn more about the specifications of the Caire FreeStyle Comfort, feel free to visit this page and if you’d like to learn about the top benefits, please visit this page. In the meantime, however, we’re going to be taking a look at all of the accessories currently available for the Caire FreeStyle Comfort. We’ll link out to each accessory so that you can learn more about them and purchase one for an affordable price. And as always, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comment section below so we can get back to you or refer you to one of our oxygen concentrator specialists.

Caire FreeStyle Comfort Carry Case

The first thing you need to decide when you purchase a portable oxygen concentrator is how you will carry it. You won’t be making full use of your concentrator if you aren’t getting out of the house and enjoying your newfound freedom, and you won’t be enjoying it to the fullest unless you’re using a carrying case that suits your lifestyle. One of the carrying cases we recommend for the FreeStyle Comfort is the custom carry case.

The FreeStyle Comfort carry case is designed to be simple and easy to use. It’s a thin cloth case that slips onto the bottom of your device. The top of your POC including the control panel will be accessible so you can easily make adjustments to your flow rate, check your battery life, and view any alerts on the screen. The device is held snugly in place so you won’t have to worry about it wobbling around or falling out while you’re walking. It also has an adjustable padded shoulder strap so you can find a length that’s comfortable for you.

This carrying case is perfect for anyone who wants to get out of the house and visit a friend, take a walk, or go to the grocery store. It’s best for anyone who prefers something sleek and easy to use as opposed to something with a lot of bells and whistles or unnecessary carrying space. While the Caire FreeStyle Comfort package already comes with this case, you can always buy one separately if yours is lost or stolen. 

Caire FreeStyle Comfort Backpack

It’s not uncommon for people with COPD to experience back, shoulder, or neck pain, weakness, or fatigue. Most COPD patients are older adults and meaning COPD patients are far more likely to experience these issues than the general population. We wrote a great article about coping with this type of pain, so be sure to check it out if you’re interested. In terms of portable oxygen, however, many people are unable to carry it over one shoulder like the custom carrying case is designed for.

The Caire FreeStyle Comfort backpack is designed for people who want to limit the amount of weight distributed to each shoulder so that you don’t experience any chronic pain. Unlike the backpack for the Inogen One G5 which has lots of carrying space, the FreeStyle Comfort one is relatively minimalistic allowing you to limit your carrying weight as much as possible. 

The Caire FreeStyle Comfort backpack is great for just about any activity you can think of. Whether you’re traveling with your POC or you want to get outside in golf when the weather's nice, this backpack will keep your oxygen unit snug to your back so that you can focus on enjoying your day. It also comes with adjustable padded shoulder straps to help you customize it to your liking. 

Caire FreeStyle Comfort Small Battery

Like all other portable oxygen concentrators, the Caire FreeStyle Comfort is powered by durable and reliable lithium-ion batteries. This is the same type of battery that’s found in your cellphone or laptop and it’s known for providing a long battery life without adding a lot of weight. When you purchase any Caire FreeStyle Comfort package it will come with one “small” 8-cell battery unless you choose to upgrade to a larger one. 

Compared to other portable oxygen concentrators on the market, the FreeStyle Comfort offers an outstanding battery life. Below you can see the expected battery life based on the flow setting that you’re using. As the flow rate increases, the battery life expectancy decreases. Keep in mind that over a very long period of time your battery might gradually lose its ability to hold a charge. Check out this guide to learn why lithium-ion batteries age and how to slow the rate that they deteriorate.  

Caire FreeStyle Comfort Large Battery

The other battery option available for the FreeStyle Comfort is the 16-cell battery (sometimes called the “double” battery). This battery is not sold with the concentrator unless you upgrade your package but it provides twice as much battery life as the 8-cell battery. Below you can see the expected duration based on the flow setting you’re using.

Ideally, before you purchase a POC, you will need to determine how much battery life you will need. If you live an active lifestyle or you travel a lot you might want to have one 16-cell battery and one 8-cell battery or even two 16-cell batteries. However, if you stay home a lot and have access to an outlet then you may be just fine with one 8-cell battery. Here at LPT Medical we always have great deals on batteries so we can help you get what you need.

Caire FreeStyle Comfort External Battery Charger

Normally, to charge your concentrator battery, it needs to be attached to your device. Then you can plug it into any electrical outlet. However, if you have more than one battery and want to keep them all charged at once, you’re going to need an external battery charger. This is a small and lightweight device that you attach to either your 8-cell or your 16-cell battery. 

The external battery charger will add a lot of convenience to your day. Rather than having to charge your batteries back-to-back, you can charge multiple batteries at once. In other words, if you only have a short amount of time at home before you have to leave, you’ll be able to have both your batteries ready to go by the time you leave the house.

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The external battery charger also has a very small form factor so if you’re trying to cut down on carry weight while you’re traveling, you won’t have to worry too much about it. 

Caire FreeStyle Comfort AC Adapter

An AC adapter is a cable that allows you to charge your POC via a wall outlet. The AC adapter comes standard with all Caire FreeStyle Comfort packages, but they are also sold separately in case yours is lost or stolen. This is a must-have accessory for the Caire FreeStyle Comfort because you won’t be able to charge your device at home if you don’t have one. It’s also important to note that if you’re traveling out of the country, you’ll need to use an adapter that will fit whichever region you’re in. You should also check the FreeStyle Comfort user manual to make sure the voltage is the same as the wall outlet you’re using.

Caire FreeStyle Comfort DC Car Adapter

A DC adapter is similar to the AC adapter but instead of plugging into a wall outlet, it plugs into the cigarette outlet in your car. This is incredibly useful if you want to have a way to charge your POC while you’re on a road trip. You can even use the oxygen concentrator while it’s charging, so there’s no downtime whatsoever. You can feel free to make as many stops as you want in order to take a break or do some sightseeing along the way.

One thing to note is that it’s best not to charge your portable oxygen concentrator while the car is off. If you drain the car’s battery too much you might not be able to get it started again. What’s more, some cars don’t even allow you to use the electrical outlets while the car is off and it’s to avoid this exact issue. For more information about charging your Caire FreeStyle Comfort in the car, please consult the user manual.

Conclusion

The Caire FreeStyle Comfort is one of the lightest, smallest, and most powerful pulse dose portable oxygen concentrators ever produced. It has an extremely low failure rate and it offers a wide range of accessories that help you make the most of it. Accessories like the backpack and custom carrying case provide you with options as to how you want to carry your device and devices like the external battery charger will significantly reduce the amount of time it takes you to recharge your batteries.

While the FreeStyle Comfort is a great fit for most oxygen patients, there are still a couple of other portable oxygen concentrators we happily recommend here at LPT Medical. The Inogen One G5, for example, is similar to the FreeStyle Comfort, however, it offers one additional pulse flow setting and the device weighs slightly less overall.

The Inogen One G4 is another great option if you’re looking to limit weight as much as possible. However, it has a lower flow rate and battery life as a result. If you’re someone who requires continuous flow oxygen, the Respironics SimplyGo is a great choice. It’s the lightest continuous flow ever made and it’s extremely durable and reliable. 

There are many types of home and portable oxygen concentrators out there, so if you’re confused about anything at all, please reach out to our respiratory specialists. We’ll walk you through the whole process of finding the device that’s right for your lifestyle needs and your budget.

The clear and simple answer is that there is currently no cure for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). That being said, there is evidence that shows early diagnosis, combined with disease management programs, can reduce the impact of COPD and slow the disease from progressing into a more severe state.

If you are struggling with accomplishing activities you used to do with ease by becoming short of breath, experiencing chest tightness or low energy, or getting frequent respiratory infections, being diagnosed with COPD can be a blessing in disguise.

In the United States 12.7 million adults are estimated to have COPD, but close to 30 million are living with impaired lung function, suggesting that many more people have COPD but aren’t being diagnosed.

This means that about half of the people with COPD are missing out on valuable treatments that will slow the progression of their disease and improve their over-all quality of life.

This is why it is so important to check with your doctor and get tested if you are experiencing:

• A nagging cough
• Decreased ability to exercise
• Shortness of breath
• Frequent respiratory infections

New research displays that many doctors may miss the early signs of COPD in up to 85 percent of cases.

That being said, there are multiple ways to be tested for COPD, and you might suggest to your doctor that you would like to be tested for COPD just to be sure that you do, or do not have it.

A spirometry test will test your Lung function and measure the amount of air you can inhale and exhale, and will determine whether your lungs deliver enough oxygen to your blood.

A chest X-ray can show whether or not you have emphysema, which is one of the main causes of COPD. An X-ray can also rule out other lung problems or heart failure.

A CT scan of your lungs can help detect emphysema and lung cancer. It is the test administrated to determine if you would benefit from surgery for COPD. 

An arterial blood gas analysis measures how well your lungs bring oxygen into your blood and remove carbon dioxide.

Basic steps toward slowing disease progression

After getting one or multiple tests, and once you realize why you are experiencing symptoms, there are multiple ways to improve your quality of life, slow disease progression, reduce mortality and keep you out of hospital.

There are many people just like you, who have been diagnosed with COPD who found that after they knew the reason behind their breathing complications they were able to adjust their lifestyles, and actually changed their lives in a positive way!

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In order to change your COPD diagnosis from a "death sentence" into a blessing to start anew, here are the basic steps you must take in order to slow the progression of your COPD.

One of the most important aspects and the easiest habit it form, is staying healthy in aspects of your life like diet, and weight. You can begin to research the correct food that you need to supplement you breathing issues and lung deterioration. You would be surprised how a healthy gut can influence your mood and your energy levels!

Make sure that all of you vaccinations are up-to-date and that you always get the fly vaccine every year in order to to protect yourself from influenza and pneumonia. These sickness can induce flare-ups, meaning more sever symptoms and extreme trouble breathing, which will inevitably lead to more hospitalization in the future. 

It is also important that you understand and are always learning about COPD education. You should know all of the steps you must take in the case of an emergency, you should know how and when to take you medication, and you should know your treatment plan through and through.

Most important steps towards slowing COPD progression 

The following steps are more challenging and require more planning and effort, however this section about slowing your COPD disease progression is the most vital. 

Quitting smoking is the utmost important action you must take to reduce the rate at which your lungs are deteriorating. If you have COPD and continue to smoke year will be taken off of your life expectancy. However, if you are a life-long smoker, and quit smoking after being diagnosed with COPD, the rate at which your COPD progresses into more severe stages will decline. 

For some folks, exercise has never been a high priority. But if you have COPD, it is crucial for your health and longevity, that you start taking steps towards a more active lifestyle.

This does not mean you should start training for a marathon, instead try walking around your house more often, then try climbing the stairs multiple times a day, and before you know it your tolerance for exercising more regularly will begin to grow.

You will be able to walk or hike and get outside (if it is not allergy season), you can begin pulmonary rehabilitation classes, and adding breathing exercise into your daily routine.  

This last step is critical for people who need extra oxygen, and need to begin on supplemental oxygen therapy.  so that you can breathe easier and you can stay more active. Even if you don’t need oxygen therapy now, you may need it later if your COPD does progress into a more severe stage.

There are a few options you have when it comes to choosing the method in which you receive supplemental oxygen. The overwhelming consensuses is that portable oxygen concentrators (POC) are the most innovative and hassle-free pieces of equipment for oxygen therapy available. 

POCs are lightweight ranging from 4-8 pounds depending on the model. They are battery powered, and depending on the flow setting and battery module capacity can last up to 16 hours.

POC are also safe, and do not create an oxygen rich environment like an oxygen tank does, this means you can safely travel by plane, car, boat with ease. The POC brings in surrounding air, purifies and concentrates the air into medical grade oxygen.

COPD is very serious chronic illness and should not be taken lightly

COPD is a very serious respiratory disease, and because it cannot be cured yet, it is crucial to take all of the suggestions within this article and apply it to your lifestyle everyday if you can.

If you are diagnosis with any stage of COPD, you need to set up a strict treatment plan where so that you are able to successfully slow down the disease progression, and minimize lung deterioration. 

By following all of theses disease management tesuniqes, you will be able to continue living a rather normal if not more active lifestyle than before your diagnosis. 

If you struggle with physical activity, one of the best ways to help you get into the habit of exercising is with the help of a portable oxygen concentrators. An Inogen brand portable oxygen concentrator, Caire Freestyle Comfort portable oxygen concentrator, or the Respironics SimplyGo Portable Oxygen Concentrator will help you to exercise with less shortness of breath, travel freely and independently, and never have to worry about up-keeping costs associated with refilling any oxygen canisters. 

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If you are not at the stage where you need supplemental oxygen therapy, be sure to take all of these steps to avoid progressing to that stage of COPD later in life.