Breathment Blog

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Motivation with COPD: Why the beginning often feels especially hard

Starting a new routine or a new year can feel challenging for many people. For people living with COPD, this challenge is often even greater. Shortness of breath, reduced physical capacity, and fluctuating symptoms can make even small plans feel difficult to achieve on certain days.

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Why small routines are often more effective than big resolutions with COPD

At the beginning of a new year, many people make ambitious plans: more movement, fewer symptoms, greater control over their health. For people living with COPD, however, large resolutions can quickly become overwhelming.

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Why realistic health goals matter when living with COPD

At the start of a new year, many people feel motivated to improve their health. More movement, better fitness, fewer symptoms. For people living with COPD, however, these expectations can quickly become overwhelming.

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New Year – a new beginning with COPD?

For many people, the turn of the year is a symbol of change. The focus is on new routines, better habits, and the desire to do something good for your own health. However, for people with COPD, this pressure often feels particularly great.

How Men and Women deal with COPD Symptoms

Psychosocial Differences: How Men and Women Deal with COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects not only physical health but also mental well-being. COPD symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing and reduced stamina present a daily challenge – and the way patients cope often differs by gender.

changes in COPD symptoms while menopause

How COPD Behaves During Menopause

Menopause is a phase of major physical changes – not only in hormone balance but also in respiratory health. For women with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), it often means a noticeable worsening of symptoms.

COPD symptoms in men risk factors

COPD in Men: Typical Risk Factors and Progression

COPD symptoms such as chronic cough, shortness of breath and reduced physical capacity affect men disproportionately. For a long time, COPD was even considered a “man’s disease,” as smokers made up the majority of patients.

COPD symptoms in women diagnosis risks

COPD in Women: Late Diagnosis and Underestimated Risks

COPD symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, or reduced physical capacity are a constant companion for many women – yet the disease often goes undetected for a long time. Studies show that women on average receive a COPD diagnosis later than men.

COPD symptoms comparison between men and women

COPD and Gender: Differences in Symptoms, Progression and Management

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most common respiratory diseases worldwide. Typical COPD symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath or reduced physical capacity are well known – but how the disease manifests and progresses often also depends on gender.

People holding hands sex with shortness of breath

How to make sex with breathlessness more enjoyable

Shortness of breath can affect many areas of everyday life - physical activities, conversations, even sleeping. However, many people with respiratory diseases such as COPD or asthma find it particularly stressful that intimacy also suffers.

Happy couple, emotional intimacy

The Role of Emotional Intimacy When Physical Intimacy Becomes Challenging

Intimacy is more than just physical connection; it is also about emotional closeness, trust, and mutual understanding. For people with respiratory conditions like COPD or asthma, physical intimacy can sometimes become challenging due to breathlessness, fatigue, or other health limitations.

Couple Communication Intimacy

The Power of Communication in Maintaining Intimacy

Intimacy is an important part of relationships, but for people with COPD, breathlessness can create challenges. Many individuals avoid discussing these issues out of embarrassment or fear of burdening their partner. However, open communication is key to maintaining closeness and finding solutions together.

Woman psychological barrier intimacy with respiratory disease

Overcoming Anxiety and Psychological Barriers in Intimacy with a Respiratory Condition

For many people living with chronic respiratory conditions such as COPD or asthma, intimacy can present not only physical challenges but also emotional and psychological ones.

Couple intimacy COPD respiratory disease

Nurturing Intimacy with a Respiratory Condition

Intimacy plays a crucial role in our relationships. Whether it's through physical closeness, emotional connection, or the bond we share with our partners, intimacy fosters love and understanding. However, for individuals living with chronic respiratory conditions like COPD or asthma, intimacy can often feel more challenging.

Asthma Allergy, Sea Air

Sea vs Mountains – Asthma Allergy & Asthma Air Compared

Many people with asthma allergy wonder whether a vacation by the sea or in the mountains benefits their health more. Both regions offer special climatic advantages: sea air contains salt, iodine, and magnesium, which soothe the airways, reduce inflammation, and can even improve skin conditions;

Asthma allergies, climate change, heat, extreme weather

Climate Change and Extreme Weather: How Heat, Wildfires or Storms Affect the Respiratory Tract – Tips for Protection

Climate change brings longer summers, more intense heat waves and extreme weather events. For people with asthma allergy, this means new challenges: higher temperatures lead to ozone formation, longer pollen seasons and rising fine particulate levels; wildfires and dust storms worsen air quality;

Asthma Allergy, Weather & Air Quality

Using Weather & Air Quality in Advance – Asthma Allergy & Asthma Air

Weather influences our breathing more than many realize. For people with asthma allergy, fine dust, air pollution, humidity, ozone exposure, and pollen are important factors that can intensify their symptoms.

Asthma Allergy City and Country Air Comparison

City air or country air? How air quality influences asthma and allergies

Asthma and allergies are among the most common chronic conditions. Many sufferers ask themselves whether the air in the countryside is really healthier than in the city. Studies show that people in large cities suffer from asthma and allergies more often than residents of rural regions.

Asthma Pollen Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies throughout the year: Asthma allergy & pollen

Allergies are among the most common chronic diseases – pollen can be a serious trigger, especially for people with asthma. Seasonal allergies change throughout the year: tree, grass and weed pollen appear at different times, yet symptoms such as a runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing and blocked sinuses remain the same.

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Why Your Home Environment Matters in Asthma Management

Most of us spend 80–90% of our time indoors—especially at home. For people with asthma, the home can be full of hidden triggers that make asthma symptoms worse: dust mites, mold, scented products, or dry heating air in winter.

Corticosteroids and Asthma, Asthma Therapy

Why Corticosteroids Play a Key Role in Asthma Treatment

If you live with asthma and experience symptoms regularly, chances are you’ve been prescribed corticosteroids—often in the form of an inhaler. They’re some of the most effective medications in asthma therapy but are often misunderstood or met with concern.

Inhaling Asthma, Symptoms, Asthma treatment

Asthma Medications & Inhalers – What Really Helps?

Asthma is a chronic condition of the airways, and in most cases, it can be well controlled with the right medication. But there isn’t one universal pill for asthma. Instead, treatment involves a combination of drugs and inhalation methods tailored to each person’s needs.

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What Triggers Asthma Symptoms?

Asthma symptoms like shortness of breath or coughing often don’t appear randomly—they’re triggered by specific environmental or internal factors. Identifying your personal asthma triggers is one of the most important tools for long-term control.

Asthma Symptoms, Causes

What Is Asthma? Causes, Symptoms & How to Take Control

Asthma, also known as bronchial asthma, is a chronic respiratory condition that inflames and narrows the airways in your lungs. These airways help transport air in and out of your lungs.

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Traveling by Bus and Train with COPD – Stay Comfortable on the Go

Flying isn’t always the best option – especially if you live with COPD. Fortunately, COPD bus travel or train travel with COPD can offer a more relaxed and flexible way to get around. Whether you're visiting family or heading out on vacation, this guide will help you prepare and stay safe during your journey.

Flying COPD, Flying with Oxygen

Flying with COPD – What You Need to Know Before You Travel

Flying is possible with COPD – as long as you prepare well. People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease face unique challenges when traveling by plane. But that doesn’t mean you have to stay on the ground.

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Traveling with Oxygen – How to Enjoy a Safe and Comfortable Oxygen Vacation

Going on vacation while using oxygen therapy? Absolutely possible – and often easier than expected. If you require supplemental oxygen, there are a few key things to consider when planning your trip. But that shouldn’t stop you from taking time to relax and recharge.

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Traveling with COPD – How to make your COPD vacation safe and enjoyable

A COPD vacation doesn't have to be complicated – but it does require good planning. Many people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) long for a change of scenery, fresh air, and a break from daily routines.

Close-up of a nebulizer device for respiratory therapy, showing the tube and controls for medication administration.

Understanding Nebulizers: Types and Applications in Respiratory Therapy

Nebulizers are devices used to deliver medication to the airways and play a vital role in COPD treatment. They are especially beneficial for individuals who struggle with using conventional inhalers.

Various inhalers, including metered-dose and dry powder inhalers, arranged on a table for respiratory therapy and COPD treatment.

Inhalers in Respiratory Therapy: Types and Usage Guidelines

Inhalers are essential tools in respiratory therapy for COPD treatment and other chronic respiratory conditions. These devices deliver medication directly to the lungs, helping to alleviate symptoms and improve overall lung function.

Various inhalation devices for respiratory therapy displayed on a light blue background.

Respiratory therapy with inhalers: an effective approach to lung health

Our lung health is crucial for overall well-being, especially in the treatment of COPD and other respiratory conditions such as asthma. Respiratory therapy plays a key role in managing these diseases by delivering medication directly to the lungs.

A woman inhales steam from a bowl with a towel over her head as part of a home-based salt inhalation respiratory therapy.

Salt Inhalation Therapy: A Comprehensive Guide

Salt inhalation therapy is gaining popularity as a complementary treatment for various respiratory conditions, including asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Using saline solutions, this therapy helps relieve symptoms, loosen mucus, and reduce inflammation.

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Understanding and Managing COPD GOLD 4: Insights for Patients

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) at GOLD 4 is often referred to as the "very severe" stage of the disease. At this point, the lungs' ability to function is significantly reduced, causing severe limitations in daily life. Patients may experience breathlessness even at rest and frequent exacerbations requiring immediate medical attention.

Elderly man with COPD using a CPAP machine at night to support his breathing.

Understanding GOLD 3: Severe COPD

The GOLD system (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease) provides a framework to classify the severity of COPD and guide treatment. GOLD 3, also known as the severe stage, indicates a significant reduction in lung function, with a Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1) between 30% and 49% of the predicted value. At this stage, breathing becomes challenging, impacting daily life significantly.

Elderly woman sitting on a couch, holding her chest due to breathing difficulty.

What is COPD Stage GOLD 2?

COPD Stage GOLD 2 is characterized as the moderate stage of COPD. At this point, patients often experience symptoms such as persistent coughing, shortness of breath during routine activities, and frequent respiratory infections. GOLD 2 is diagnosed through spirometry testing, where the FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in one second) is between 50% and 79% of the predicted value.

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COPD Stage GOLD 1: Recognizing Early Stages and Taking Targeted Action

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease that includes chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. These conditions reduce lung capacity over time and are commonly caused by smoking, air pollution, and genetic predispositions such as alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) classifies COPD into stages or grades based on severity, with GOLD 1 representing the mildest form of the disease.

An elderly man wearing an oxygen mask, assisted by a healthcare provider, symbolizing support in respiratory therapy.

Navigating Oxygen Therapy: Essential Insights for COPD Management

Approximately 21 percent of the air we breathe contains oxygen, which is essential to human life. It is vital to preserving both the general health of our bodies and the functionality of our organs. When we inhale, oxygen moves from our lungs into our bloodstream and is delivered to various organs. For individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), this essential oxygen transfer is impaired, leading to a range of symptoms and health challenges.

A senior man wearing an oxygen mask, assisted by a healthcare worker in a clinical setting.

Invasive and Non-Invasive Oxygen Therapy

One of the most important medical interventions for treating individuals with respiratory insufficiency is oxygen therapy. Oxygen therapy can be delivered through invasive or non-invasive methods, each with its own applications, benefits, and limitations. This blog post will explore these two types of oxygen therapy, providing insights into their usage and effectiveness.

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A Comprehensive Approach to COPD Management: The Interplay of Caregiving, Education, and Socioeconomic Factors

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a pressing global health issue, affecting over 391 million people worldwide. Managing COPD involves more than just medication; it requires a nuanced understanding of caregiver support, patient education, and the impact of socioeconomic factors.

Young man and woman performing lunges during an outdoor workout.

Balancing Weight and Health in COPD: A Comprehensive Guide to Managing Obesity and Weight Loss

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) presents a complex array of challenges for patients, influencing many aspects of their health and daily life. Among these challenges, managing obesity and weight loss stands out as crucial for improving outcomes. This blog delves into the interplay between weight and COPD, offering insights from recent research and practical advice for effective management.

Woman sleeping with a CPAP mask for sleep apnea management.

Comorbidities with COPD: Understanding Overlap Syndromes and Individualized Treatment

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a prevalent and serious respiratory condition marked by persistent airflow limitation and associated symptoms. However, COPD does not occur in isolation; it often coexists with various comorbidities that can significantly complicate diagnosis and management.

Man holding a red heart symbol on his chest to signify heart health in COPD.

COPD and Heart Disease Overlap: Implications for Diagnosis and Management

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation. The coexistence of COPD with heart disease, often termed "cardiovascular comorbidity," is a common and significant concern that complicates both the diagnosis and management.

Smiling elderly woman lifting dumbbells in a fitness class for seniors.

COPD and Joints: The Impact of Exercise on Joint Health

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a significant global public health issue that affects millions of people. While the primary concern for COPD patients is often respiratory health, it is crucial to address the impact of COPD on joint health and how exercise can be beneficial.

Woman undergoing a spirometry test to assess lung function

Spirometry Test: A Vital Tool for Lung Health

Spirometry is a fundamental test used to evaluate lung function by measuring the volume and speed of air you can inhale and exhale. It is instrumental in diagnosing and managing respiratory conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and asthma.

Doctor administering oxygen therapy to a man as a part of COPD treatment.

First Common Symptoms of COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease that significantly impacts an individual’s ability to breathe. Early detection of COPD symptoms can result in an earlier diagnosis and greater treatment of the condition.In this blog, we will discuss the initial signs of COPD that are often the first indicators of this chronic condition.

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COPD Diagnosis: Understanding the Process and Importance

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive lung condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Early diagnosis is crucial for effective management and improving quality of life for those affected. In this blog post, we will explore the process of diagnosing COPD, the role of spirometry in this process, and the importance of recognizing early symptoms of the disease.

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COPD: GOLD Stages Explained

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive condition that affects lung function and quality of life. To help patients and healthcare professionals understand the severity of the disease, the GOLD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease) classification system divides COPD into four stages.

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Flying with COPD: A nightmare or a pleasant journey?

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a significant health concern that used to be considered untreatable, but enhancing patients' well-being and improving their quality of life is now made possible thanks to recent advancements.

Young patient with respiratory condition singing during therapy.

A new COPD therapy method: Sing to get better!

Various treatment and therapy methods have been explored over the years. However, some researchers were led to find alternative COPD therapy methods that are effective but also easy to apply in daily life. There is one method that we believe is not an obvious one: Singing.

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Exploring the Impact of Socioeconomic Status on COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a significant global health issue and has many factors contributing to its occurrence and course, one of these factors being socioeconomic status.

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Underdiagnosed: COPD Due to Occupation (Asbestos Exposure)

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a prevalent global health issue characterized by chronic respiratory symptoms and irreversible airflow limitation. It comes with two primary clinical phenotypes: emphysema, marked by exertional breathlessness, and chronic bronchitis, with chronic cough and mucus.

A group of people sitting in a circle engaging in a discussion, symbolizing psychological support and group therapy in COPD care.

Psychological Perspectives in COPD Care: Stakeholder Insights

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a prevalent respiratory condition that is both preventable and manageable. Common symptoms are shortness of breath, cough, and mucus production. However, the scope of symptoms actually extends beyond these respiratory manifestations. Individuals with COPD frequently face additional challenges, including psychological issues.

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The Overlooked Role of the Mind in COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is linked to symptoms like chronic cough, mucus production, and difficulty in breathing but that is not all. COPD patients also experience a huge psychological burden that is worth mentioning.

An elderly man focuses intently, symbolizing the mental resilience needed to manage psychological symptoms of COPD.

Dealing with Psychological Symptoms of COPD

As a complex respiratory condition, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) has many implications for patient health and prognosis. Constituting one of the many aspects of this disease, nutrition seems to play a defining role in COPD and its management.

Scale with apple, measuring tape, and bowl of lettuce symbolizing weight loss and nutrition for COPD health.

COPD and Weight Loss: Navigating the Balance for Better Health

Patients with COPD often live with other symptoms, such as psychological issues. These psychological problems include clinical disorders like depression and anxiety, but these often remain neglected, even though they can have a profound impact on health and quality of life.

Elderly man jogging on a bridge for cardiovascular health.

Treating Obesity to Treat COPD

Being one of the prominent symptoms of chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD), dyspnea (shortness of breath) is known to be exacerbated in patients with coexistent obesity. However, despite the negative impacts of obesity, one speaks of an “obesity paradox” when it comes to survival: Studies reveal a paradoxical survival advantage in overweight and obese COPD individuals.

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The Role of Diet and Nutrition in COPD

As a complex respiratory condition, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) has many implications for patient health and prognosis. Constituting one of the many aspects of this disease, nutrition seems to play a defining role in COPD and its management.

A healthcare professional leads a group discussion with elderly individuals wearing masks in a cozy room setting, symbolizing support and shared experiences in managing COPD.

Self-Help Groups in COPD: You are not alone

Surely you have heard this sentence many times already in different contexts: “Humans are social beings.” That does not only mean that we like to have a chat with friends once in a while- the aspects of social behavior are far more complex and the effects of it are as crucial as its complexity. Social behavior plays an important role for our health and survival.

An elderly man learning about COPD management with caregivers using a laptop, illustrating the need for patient education.

Importance of Educating Patients and Their Proxies on COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a condition that 391 million people in the world are dealing with, causing a considerable burden on society, both psychological and economic.

Grandparents with their grandchildren, running on a beach, showing the importance of family in COPD patients' quality of life.

COPD at Home - The Role of Family and Friends in COPD Management

Surely, you, as someone who is going through it, or as someone who is taking care of someone that goes through it, must have an idea by now about the physiological and psychological burden COPD creates, and it may feel like a spiral hard to get out of, but with the right pharmaceutical and physiotherapy treatment, there are proven ways to overcome these.

Person lying in bed struggling to sleep with an alarm clock on the bed

COPD and Sleep Apnea Overlap: A Coincidence?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a serious global health issue that is characterized by respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation that occur persistently. Another common disorder is the so-called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is characterized by repeated upper airway closures during sleep.

Woman using an inhaler for asthma-COPD overlap management.

Asthma-COPD Overlap: Challenges to Overcome

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are conditions that tend to coexist in individuals, forming the so-called asthma-COPD overlap (ACO). However, defining and understanding ACO comes with its challenges due to various characteristics of patients, criteria, and treatment approaches.

Breaking a cigarette, symbolizing the impact of smoking on COPD progression

The Impact of Smoking on COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a significant public health concern that is proven to be primarily linked to smoking. This is why we would like to dedicate this article to a recent study that developed a COPD risk prediction model based on smoking.

Health professional guiding elderly COPD patient through digital rehabilitation online

From Symptoms to Solutions: Remote Patient Monitoring in COPD Management

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) depicts a substantial worldwide health challenge that manifests itself as enduring respiratory symptoms and restricted airflow, leading to issues like shortness of breath.

Physiotherapist demonstrating strengthening exercise to COPD patient

Unveiling the Future of COPD Rehabilitation

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) has been perceived as a challenging health issue without effective treatment options. However, recent progress has transformed this perception, offering new possibilities for enhancing patients' overall health and elevating their quality of life.

Doctor holding a stethoscope

Managing COPD: Challenges and Strategies

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a significant global health concern, characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation, such as shortness of breath.

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