How advances in technology have improved life with COPD

Carrying a portable oxygen concentrator (POC) or tank in a backpack is undeniably inconvenient. However, it’s important to remember that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients are in a much better position today than we were in the past, thanks to numerous advances in oxygen delivery technology.

The use of oxygen therapy wasn’t reported until 1885, when American physician George E. Holtzapple used it to treat pneumonia. It wasn’t until the 1950s that portable oxygen bottles were created for lung disease patients, as the Inogen website notes.

Oxygen concentrators were developed for home use in the late 1970s. These giant machines could weigh hundreds of pounds. My pulmonologist has a picture of one being delivered to a patient who lived across the river from a road. The footbridge was too small, so the delivery men are shown on a large flat rock in the middle of the stream. They had to wrestle this big concentrator through the shallow water.

In the following decades, patients’ desire for greater mobility led to the invention of the POC, which was approved for use in the early 2000s. Advances in technology meant POCs were smaller and lighter than the original concentrators, and their battery backup features allowed people to lead a more active lifestyle.

Studies have shown that long-term oxygen therapy improves COPD patients’ quality of life and increases life expectancy, supporting the need for POCs.

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Modern technology makes my life easier

I have been alive since before the first portable oxygen bottles were created. This seems quite impressive, as I now walk around with a POC and can live a normal life. While this life is more challenging than before I started having breathing difficulties, it’s a walk in the park compared with the early days of my needing oxygen therapy.

Modern technology allows me to exercise by riding my stationary bike when the weather doesn’t permit a walk outside. I can also use an oximeter to check my oxygen level and heart rate as I work out.

Thanks to technological advances, a device attached to my inhaler reminds me to use it by playing a little tune when I forget. When my device’s battery died, and I didn’t want to spend the money to replace it, I had a breathing episode that caused me to reevaluate my decision. A fresh battery helps keep me safe and healthy.

The inhaler itself is a product of medical innovation. Like nebulizers, it can be used to administer inhaled medications.

Thus far, the only technological advances I’ve discussed relate to the treatment of lung disease. I haven’t said anything about my microwave and Instant Pot, which make meal preparation much easier, or my robot vacuum and cordless sweeper, which make housework far less of a chore — particularly for someone with COPD.

I feel fortunate that today’s world enables me to live so well. Advances in technology have made it possible to do what my ancestors could not. Even with COPD, I can live independently and maintain a good quality of life.

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.