Columns

Many people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) live alone, and because we must exercise care not to get whatever bug might be going around, we often must limit our excursions away from home. Both factors can make the disease a very isolating one. People with COPD may not…

Note: This column describes the author’s own experiences with phenazopyridine hydrochloride and cranberry juice for urinary tract infections. Not everyone will have the same response to treatment. Consult your doctor before starting or stopping a therapy. As November ends here in West Virginia, the chilly weather is confining…

No matter how well I plan or how much I want to do something, I have to remember that my chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is in control. One such reminder happened two weeks ago, as I was rounding up suitcases, securing a driver, and ensuring my house sitter…

Each year here in West Virginia, the Greenbrier Clinic, where I have my yearly physical, sends me a complete list of my vaccinations and when the boosters are due. I make every effort to stay current with them because having chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) makes me vulnerable…

About a year ago, I attended a conference that addressed the topic of cascades of care, which an editorial in American Family Physician defined as “a seemingly unstoppable succession of medical services often initiated by an unnecessary test or unexpected result and driven by the desire to avoid even…

A few weeks ago, I wrote about overcoming my fears about traveling from my home in West Virginia to Philadelphia, where I’ll be attending the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) conference on Nov. 13. I am now in the process of putting the finishing touches…

For those of us with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), avoiding exacerbations — or flare-ups — is a top priority. The question is, what tools are available to help us do that? Some of them are cleansing our nasal passages, getting vaccinations, and noticing changes in the…

Those of us with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who use oxygen therapy must have a backup plan for emergencies like power outages and equipment failure. Even if you don’t use oxygen, it’s crucial to have an emergency preparedness plan if you use a nebulizer or other medical…

The leaves are starting to change colors here in West Virginia, which means it’s time to start getting ready for winter. Some of these seasonal preparations concern the house and the car, while others involve my health. Fall is another reminder that those of us with chronic obstructive…

As we go through life, we face many changes. Some are happy, like the birth of a child or the accomplishment of a goal, while others, like illness and physical limitations, are harder to embrace. Such experiences are on my mind because I’m preparing for my yearly wellness check. In…