3 medical devices that help me with COPD management
Inhalers, nebulizers, and airway clearance devices help this columnist breathe
Many of us with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have received medical devices to help with our breathing. At first, it seemed to me that some of these devices worked better than others. But after gaining experience with them, I think that impression was based on the fact that perhaps I wasn’t using them correctly.
Thankfully, several resources are available online to learn everything we need to know about them. We can also ask our doctors or other members of our healthcare team to explain them to us.
One of the first devices I received after being diagnosed with COPD is an inhaler. There are many types of inhalers, and the technique for using each one is different. The COPD Foundation has a great introductory video on the three most common types of inhalers: metered dose inhalers, dry powder inhalers, and soft mist inhalers. Each one relies on a specific technique for usage.
I use Trelegy Ellipta (fluticasone/umeclidinium/vilanterol), a multidose, dry powder inhaler. My rescue inhaler is a metered dose one.
The second device you may be given is a nebulizer. My pulmonologist ordered this device for me, but unfortunately, it was delivered without any instructions included. Thankfully, I found instructions online. Funnily enough, my first nebulizer back in 2013 was made for kids, so it was shaped like a panda. I still have fond memories of it.
Another item you might use, which is also the latest one I was prescribed after a bout with pneumonia, is the Acapella, an airway clearance device — meaning, it helps to remove mucus. Along with that, my healthcare team taught me the huff coughing technique, also known as huffing. As the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation explains, this technique “involves taking a breath in, holding it, and actively exhaling.” I use the Acapella and then I huff cough.
Inhalers, nebulizers, and airway clearance devices are all tools that we can use to keep our lungs clear and stay as healthy as possible, hopefully easing the burden of COPD.
What are some of the tools in your healthcare toolbox? Please share in the comments below.
Note: COPD News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of COPD News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
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David A Sylvester
As usual--Great info Caroline. I found a 4th resource to help with "Airway Clearance". It is an App named -Autogenic Drainage-You can get it from the App Store.. It guides you through a breathing and huff coughing routine to help get mucus up and out. Works pretty well for me
---Thanks
Caroline Gainer
Thanks Dave, I will look into that.
Clra Hays
I asked you once before and never receive an answer . I noticed you have never mention the Zephyr Valve also called the BLVR Procedure. to any of your audorance. Why is that?
Caroline Gainer
I post about things that I have personal knowledge about. I have no personal knowledge of the valves.
Tamela mcclung
From someone who know knows about the zephyr value my doctor sent me to a doctor who does them in Winston-Salem north Carolina. As of today I am still wait waiting but they are a life saver for people with cold Pleas check with your doctor about.
vickie derrick
the zephyr valves about killed me i had to have them removed i don't know if it was the dr didn't know what he was doing or the valves were faulty
Jimmy Slover
Well said Caroline. You have given me food for thought on my next Facebook post. Thank you for all you do to help advocate COPD.
Sincerely,
Jimmy Slover
California State Captain
COPD Foundation
Caroline Gainer
Thank you, Jimmy. My advocacy pales in comparison to yours.
Richard Freedman
I recommend trying to learn to play the Harmonica. Excellent for increasing and maintaining lung function! Will also help loosen up congestion in airways. Very effective and nice to listen to (sometimes).
Cindy Okusako
My CPAP machine helps me to breath at night by giving a little push on my inhalations. And I wouldn't be without it's heated tube for warm the air it delivers, nor without it's humidifier to prevent the air breathed through it from being dry. I think all COPD patients should be given CPAP machines for these reasons. I was lucky to have mild sleep apnea so I could get my machine.
I haven't been given any device for coughing but what I found works well for me is bending over while coughing. My lungs seem to drain better that way. It's simple gravity.
Thanks for all of your good advice.
Kevin Garder
Thank you for all your articles on various aspects of lung health ..... You have a really nice way of writing & explaining info .... Kev
Fredine Vinci
I am 84 yrs old and have posted a question about your dog quite a while ago but my memory was taken by COVID.... I AM A HOSPICE RN RETIRED LOL....BUT AN DESPERATE TO REPLACE MY BEST FRIEND ANGEL 5 LB YORKIE MY LIFE SAVER. TOLD BY ALL NO DOGS NO CATS NO BIRDS SO NEGATIVE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR A TAD OF POSITIVITY IF THERE IS ANY ANIMAL ON EARTH I CAN HAVE. SORRY TO BE A PEST BUT VERY DEPRESSED. THANK YOU.
Cookie Cooke
Fredine Vinci,
It's all about quality of life and moderation. If something or someone makes getting up in the morning an event that you look forward to how can it be bad? It brings you joy? It offers comfort? Balance it out with the effect it might have. The worst case scenario is it is too much for your breathing. Have a back up plan for the little pup if for some reason it doesn't work out well. A friend or child or neighbor who will be there to care for him/her if needed. Don't dismiss something you haven't tried. Look for a smaller maybe less hairy lap happiness. At our age with our many conditions it's prob good thing to have back up anyway. Go for it. I'm sure many will fuss at me for this post. Quality of life. Loneliness. A warm body for comfort. How can that be a bad thing to try. Good luck!! I have 2 German Shepherd dogs. I didn't bring them into the family and are a handful. But that's 2. I'm a Great Dane person and am looking for an older Dane. Think about maybe looking at older dog of the breed you like. A lot of them just need to be single dogs in household. Many options.