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COPD Podcast

COPD Podcast

A podcast miniseries about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), by Health Unmuted

Ep07: Diagnosing Genetic COPD

Most of the time, COPD is caused by smoking and other pollutants. But in some cases, COPD is caused by a genetic condition called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, also known as "alpha-1." In this episode, we talk about what alpha-1 is, what causes it, how it's treated, and why getting genetic testing for alpha-1 is so important. For links to resources and information covered in this series, visit our website at HealthUnmuted.com/resources What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear from you. Please visit healthunmuted.com/feedback to let us know! Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare 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 heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast or its guests is solely at your own risk.
December 4, 2023

Ep06: Managing COPD Exacerbations or Flare-ups

An exacerbation, or "flare-up," can look different for different people, like coughing fits, extreme tiredness, or fever. Practicing good health habits can help prevent flare-ups in the first place. But when you have a flare-up, it's important to get treated right away. In this episode, we'll answer questions like: what is the difference between a flare up and a "bad day"? How can you create a plan with your care team? And what can loved ones do to help? For links to resources and information covered in this series, visit our website at HealthUnmuted.com/resources What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear from you. Please visit healthunmuted.com/feedback to let us know! Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare 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 heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast or its guests is solely at your own risk.
November 1, 2023

Ep05: Living Well with COPD

John's diagnosis hasn't stopped him and his wife from doing all the things they love; life with COPD just looks a little different. In this episode, we learn why diet, exercise, quitting smoking, and other good habits are important to managing COPD. We also chat about pulmonary rehab, which has been life-changing for Jan and others. As always, we share resources to help you live your life on your terms. For links to resources and information covered in this series, visit our website at HealthUnmuted.com/resources What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear from you. Please visit healthunmuted.com/feedback to let us know! Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare 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 heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast or its guests is solely at your own risk.
November 1, 2023

Ep04: Treating COPD: Oxygen Therapy and Late-Stage Interventions

Some people with COPD may need a little extra oxygen to help make breathing easier. This is called oxygen therapy, and we cover it in this episode. We'll also learn how to travel safely with oxygen and what to do if you ever feel insecure about wearing your oxygen in public. Plus, we review several treatment options for people with advanced lung disease.  For links to resources and information covered in this series, visit our website at HealthUnmuted.com/resources What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear from you. Please visit healthunmuted.com/feedback to let us know! Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare 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 heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast or its guests is solely at your own risk.
November 1, 2023

Ep03: Taking Control of COPD: Medication and Pulmonary Rehabilitation

COPD is a lifelong condition, but it doesn't have to be a progressive one. Changes to diet and exercise and treatments like medication and pulmonary rehabilitation can help keep COPD from getting worse. In this episode, we talk about treatments for COPD. Plus, what can babies, opera singers, and harmonicas teach us about breathing? For links to resources and information covered in this series, visit our website at HealthUnmuted.com/resources What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear from you. Please visit healthunmuted.com/feedback to let us know! Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare 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 heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast or its guests is solely at your own risk.
November 1, 2023

Ep02: Kicking the Habit: Tips and Strategies to Quit Smoking

Smoking is the biggest risk factor for COPD, so the most important thing someone with COPD can do is stop smoking. Of course, this is much easier said than done! The good news is there are many strategies to help smokers kick their habit. We talk about them in this episode. Plus we learn how smoke affects the lungs and ask whether e-cigarettes are safe for people with COPD to use. For links to resources and information covered in this series, visit our website at HealthUnmuted.com/resources What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear from you. Please visit healthunmuted.com/feedback to let us know! Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare 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 heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast or its guests is solely at your own risk.
November 1, 2023

Ep01: What Is COPD?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, affects millions of people around the world-- and millions more may be undiagnosed. So what exactly is COPD? In this episode, you'll get to know your lungs better, learn about symptoms and causes, risk factors, and more. And you'll meet John and Jan, who share their experiences living with and managing the disease. For links to resources and information covered in this series, visit our website at HealthUnmuted.com/resources What did you think of this episode? We’d love to hear from you. Please visit healthunmuted.com/feedback to let us know! Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare 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 heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast or its guests is solely at your own risk.
November 1, 2023

Trailer: Welcome to the COPD Podcast

COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, affects millions of people in the US and around the world. It's the name given to a group of different lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties. It's serious and has no cure, but it's also manageable. We'll get into all of that throughout this series.  We'll speak to those living with COPD, and we'll also speak to those who treat COPD. Each episode looks at a different aspect of COPD from causes and symptoms, to diagnosis and treatment, and how people with COPD can live their life on their terms. This series is not a substitute for a formal medical diagnosis or treatment, and if you have questions, talk to your qualified healthcare provider. Also, don't delay treatment or ignore medical advice because of anything you hear on any podcast. The COPD Podcast is intended to tell the stories of COPD, but most of all it aims to educate, because knowledge is power.  The COPD Podcast is part of Health Unmuted and created in collaboration with the COPD Foundation. Listen and follow this series on your favorite podcast app, and find useful links, references and more information on our website, healthunmuted.com. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for updates, and share the COPD Podcast with the people in your life. 
September 24, 2021
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COPD Podcast

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a group of lung conditions affecting over 250 million people worldwide. It is a lifelong condition, and a diagnosis can cause fear and uncertainty about what lies ahead.

Created in collaboration with the COPD Foundation, this unique podcast series helps people with COPD breathe easier by providing a step-by-step audio guide. Through each episode in this series, we speak with medical experts and people living with the condition to understand how to live well with COPD, and guide listeners to additional information and resources that can help.

Part of the Health Unmuted audio library.

This podcast is for informational purposes only. Please consult a registered health professional for advice.

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