Resources
A variety of helpful tools and educational resources for those living with COPD.
Educational materials
If you have severe emphysema, a form of COPD, you may be a candidate for the endobronchial valve treatment. There are several important steps you can take to see if endobronchial valves could help you breathe easier, do more, and enjoy life.
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Information about COPD
In this collection of COPD articles you will find information, tips, and support aimed towards living with and managing your COPD symptoms.
We understand that COPD can have a major impact on your daily life, which is why we are committed to helping you understand the disease, find best ways to manage it, and seek a better quality of life.
A COPD Diet: Improving Symptoms Through What You Eat
COPD Caregiving: Caring for the Patient and Yourself
Want to learn more?
Explore the video library with assets that explain
how severe COPD/emphysema impacts you.
COPD & Emphysema
What is the difference between Emphysema and COPD?
COPD is a progressive disease and gets worse over time. Emphysema is a severe form of COPD. People who suffer from emphysema live with severe shortness of breath that often prevents them from doing simple daily activities without pausing to catch their breath or resting.
What is Emphysema?
Emphysema is a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD. In severe emphysema, parts of the lungs are damaged, which traps air in the lungs (called hyperinflation of the lungs). This causes the diseased parts of the lung to get bigger and put pressure on the healthy parts of the lungs and diaphragm. When this happens, it makes it difficult to breath properly and take deep breaths. So, this constant shortness of breath can make it difficult to do everyday activities and to enjoy many aspects of life without stopping for air, taking a break, or getting help.
What is heterogenous vs. homogenous emphysema?
Heterogeneous emphysema is when one area of the lung is more diseased than the rest of the lungs and Homogeneous emphysema is when the entire lung is equally diseased.
Does emphysema come in stages?
They are clustered in four different so called GOLD stages and characterized as follows:
- GOLD 1 – Mild COPD
- Lung function: equal to or more than 80% over target value
- Slight problems breathing
- Chronic cough and sputum may occur
- GOLD 2 – Moderate COPD
- Lung function: 50% -79% of the target value
- Affected people feel slight dyspnea during strenuous physical activity
- GOLD 3 – Severe COPD
- Lung function: 30%-49% from target value
- Severe breathing problems and frequent coughing with viscous sputum
- Symptoms under slight exertion
- GOLD 4 – Very Severe COPD
- Lung function: less than 30% of target value
- Severe shortness of breath during daily activities/very limited resilience
- Sometimes permanent oxygen supply required
What do you do when you find out you have COPD?
An accurate diagnosis and treatment recommendation can only be made by a specialist. We would recommend that you speak to your doctor.
What is Pulmonary rehabilitation (rehab)?
Pulmonary rehabilitation is a supervised programme that includes exercise training, health education, and breathing techniques for people who have certain lung conditions including COPD and emphysema. It is important to keep in mind that every patient has an individual response to pulmonary rehabilitation.