If you know what COPD stands for, you probably heard it from your doctor, or someone you know who has COPD.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD, is code word for “can’t exhale”.

If you can’t get the stale air out, you can’t reload with fresh air.

Lung disease is progressive.  It sneaks up on ya.

COPD stages happen a little at a time.
Pam called me when she came home from her doctors office with a “mild copd” diagnosis.

“How can I have copd?” she asked.

“I don’t smoke.”

“They said it might be all the years I lived with a wood stove as my heat source.”

I told Pam that I could hear her upset, and just wanted to encourage her to make the most of her lung health.

“After all, mild copd means that you have time to optimize your lung function and minimize damage.”

“How in the world do I do that?” she asked. Continue reading article →