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Deborah Leader, RN

Updated Articles and Resources

By Deborah Leader, RN, About.com Guide

Updated Articles and Resources
  • Diagnosis of COPD Created: Sunday, April 06, 2008 Updated: Saturday, May 11, 2013
    A diagnosis of COPD is made by history and physical, arterial blood gases (ABGs), complete blood count (CBC), chest xray, CT scan, pulmonary function tests (PFTs), carbon monoxide diffusion capacit...
  • The Emotional Effects of COPD Created: Friday, May 01, 2009 Updated: Thursday, May 09, 2013
    The effect that COPD has on emotions can be very frightening. Depression, anxiety, fear and remorse can overwhelm and wreak havoc upon one's life. Learn how to recognize how your emotions are affec...
  • The Benefits of Oxygen Therapy Created: Tuesday, April 30, 2013 Updated: Thursday, May 02, 2013
    Many people view oxygen therapy as a negative thing, and that's unfortunate, because it has a number of important benefits. Take a look at some of the benefits of oxygen therapy and never be embarr...
  • Facts About Oxygen Therapy Created: Monday, October 13, 2008 Updated: Thursday, May 02, 2013
    There are many benefits to oxygen therapy, especially if you have COPD or other chronic diseases. Learn the benefits of supplemental oxygen and why oxygen safety tips are important.
  • 7 Oxygen Safety Tips Created: Wednesday, January 30, 2013 Updated: Wednesday, May 01, 2013
    Oxygen safety tips are essential to learn if you have COPD and use supplemental oxygen. Learn more about oxygen safety tips and how to use oxygen safely.
  • Oxy-View Created: Monday, June 22, 2009 Updated: Wednesday, May 01, 2013
    Oxy-View is a revolutionary new product which has been developed to help oxygen-dependent patients be more comfortable and discreet when wearing their oxygen cannula. Read this full review of Oxy-...
  • Medical Oxygen and Medicare Created: Wednesday, May 04, 2011 Updated: Wednesday, May 01, 2013
    Medical oxygen is covered by Medicare under certain conditions. Find out more about what medical oxygen supplies Medicare will cover.
  • Oxygen Emergency Tips Created: Monday, September 27, 2010 Updated: Wednesday, May 01, 2013
    If you use supplemental oxygen, it's a good idea to be prepared for an unexpected crisis with these oxygen emergency tips.
  • Traveling With Oxygen By Airplane Created: Thursday, September 02, 2010 Updated: Wednesday, May 01, 2013
    Thanks to the Department of Transportation, traveling with oxygen has never been easier. Find out how to travel with oxygen with safety and comfort in mind.
  • What is Transtracheal Oxygen Therapy? Created: Tuesday, August 24, 2010 Updated: Wednesday, May 01, 2013
    Transtracheal oxygen therapy is an alternative to using a nasal cannula for delivery of oxygen of up to 6 liters per minutes. Find out more about transtracheal oxygen therapy.
  • 10 Ways to Save Money on Your Prescriptions Created: Wednesday, October 29, 2008 Updated: Thursday, April 25, 2013
    Learn how to save money on prescriptions with these 10 money saving tips.
  • COPD and Heart Failure Created: Friday, April 12, 2013 Updated: Sunday, April 14, 2013
    Many people with COPD also have heart disease and/or heart failure. Discover why these conditions often co-exist, and how having both can impact your prognosis.
  • Diabetes and COPD Created: Monday, December 19, 2011 Updated: Sunday, April 14, 2013
    Many people with COPD also have diabetes. Learn more about the combination of these two medical problems.
  • How To Use an Incentive Spirometer Created: Monday, October 06, 2008 Updated: Sunday, April 14, 2013
    An incentive spirometer is a device that helps keep the alveoli of your lungs inflated. They are often times used in the hospital setting as part of daily therapy. Learn how to use an incentive spi...
  • How Can I Follow a Low Sodium Diet? Created: Wednesday, May 27, 2009 Updated: Thursday, April 11, 2013
    Following a low sodium diet has many health benefits, including reducing the risk of high blood pressure and other chronic diseases. Learn tips on how to follow a low sodium diet and reduce your sa...
  • Pulmonary Edema Created: Thursday, March 31, 2011 Updated: Thursday, April 11, 2013
    Pulmonary edema can be caused by heart problems or other unrelated conditions. Find out the definition of pulmonary edema.
  • Pulmonary Hypertension Created: Thursday, September 04, 2008 Updated: Thursday, April 11, 2013
    Welcome to the COPD complications image gallery, a photo guide to COPD complications.
  • Image Gallery of COPD Complications Created: Tuesday, September 02, 2008 Updated: Thursday, April 11, 2013
    Welcome to the COPD complications image gallery, a photo guide to COPD complications.
  • Cor Pulmonale Created: Sunday, August 24, 2008 Updated: Thursday, April 11, 2013
    Cor pulmonale is a complication of COPD in which there is either an enlargement or failure of the right side of the heart. It is caused by a number of chronic lung diseases, including COPD.
  • Why Am I Short of Breath When My Oxygen Saturation Levels Are Normal? Created: Friday, March 29, 2013 Updated: Thursday, April 11, 2013
    Oxygen saturation levels do not always correlate with shortness of breath in COPD. Find out more about this phenomena.
  • Dyspnea Created: Thursday, July 31, 2008 Updated: Thursday, April 11, 2013
    The definition of dyspnea is better understood as shortness of breath. It is the most common symptom of COPD and is a result of air hunger that is caused by lack of oxygen in the blood stream.
  • Treatment of Mild COPD Created: Tuesday, March 22, 2011 Updated: Monday, March 04, 2013
    Mild COPD is classified by the the Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease as Stage I COPD. Learn more about treatment for mild COPD.
  • Diagnosis of Chronic Bronchitis Created: Tuesday, August 30, 2011 Updated: Saturday, March 02, 2013
    A diagnosis of chronic bronchitis can only be determined by your doctor. Find out more about how your doctor goes about diagnosing chronic bronchitis.
  • 5 Things People Should Know About Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Created: Monday, December 22, 2008 Updated: Saturday, March 02, 2013
    If you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD, learn about five things that everyone should know about COPD including COPD symptoms, COPD treatment, quitting smoking and how to prevent ...
  • COPD Symptoms Created: Thursday, April 03, 2008 Updated: Saturday, March 02, 2013
    COPD symptoms include a chronic cough, increased sputum production, dyspnea, wheezing and chest tightness. Other COPD symptoms include fatigue, anorexia and weight loss.
  • Bronchiectasis Created: Thursday, August 07, 2008 Updated: Saturday, March 02, 2013
    Bronchiectasis is among a group of lung diseases classified as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD. It is characterized by a chronic dilation of the bronchi and bronchioles and is caused ...
  • Chronic Bronchitis Created: Sunday, April 06, 2008 Updated: Saturday, March 02, 2013
    Chronic bronchitis is a type of COPD that causes irritation in the lungs leading to increased mucus production. This causes shortness of breath and a chronic cough, among other symptoms. Learn the ...
  • What is COPD? Created: Thursday, March 27, 2008 Updated: Saturday, March 02, 2013
    COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a lung disease characterized by a blockage of the airways that makes it hard to breathe. Learn the facts about COPD, including symptoms, causes, di...
  • Emphysema Treatment Created: Tuesday, September 09, 2008 Updated: Saturday, March 02, 2013
    The goal of emphysema treatment is to slow the progression of the disease and improve quality of life. The treatment of emphysema includes smoking cessation, medications, oxygen, fluid management, ...
  • COPD and Anesthesia: Is it Safe? Created: Wednesday, June 02, 2010 Updated: Saturday, March 02, 2013
    The combination of COPD and anesthesia can be risky. Learn more about understanding the risks of anesthesia and COPD.
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Created: Saturday, March 02, 2013 Updated: Saturday, March 02, 2013
    Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a type of lung disease that is long-term and irreversible. Find out more about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
  • 5 Signs and Symptoms of a Lung Infection Created: Wednesday, June 02, 2010 Updated: Friday, March 01, 2013
    A lung infection can be serious for patients who have COPD. Learn what signs and symptoms of lung infection should alert you to call your doctor.

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