Recognizing Worsening COPD and Taking Action

In this episode of Lung Health Champion, Dr. Jean Wright speaks with Dr. Jessica Bon, a pulmonary specialist at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, alongside Tom Krueger, who is living with COPD. Together, they discuss what worsening COPD can look and feel like in daily life, from increased shortness of breath and fatigue to anxiety and changing activity levels. Dr. Bon explains how healthcare providers assess disease progression, the role of inflammation in COPD, and why it’s important for people living with COPD to communicate even subtle changes in symptoms. Tom shares his lived experience with oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, flare-ups, and staying active while managing advanced disease. The conversation also highlights treatment advances, emotional health, and the importance of support systems and movement in maintaining quality of life.  Key Points From This Episode [00:00:00] Dr. Jessica Bon explains how anxiety and shortness of breath can create a cycle for people living with COPD. [00:00:37] Dr. Jean Wright introduces the episode and discusses worsening COPD symptoms and inflammation. [00:03:23] Dr. Jessica Bon explains what worsening COPD means from a clinical perspective. [00:04:52] Discussion on how physicians identify subtle symptom progression through activity-based questions. [00:06:24] Why recognizing worsening symptoms early can help improve treatment options and outcomes. [00:08:42] Tom Krueger shares how COPD and oxygen therapy have changed his daily life. [00:11:22] Common ways worsening COPD impacts quality of life and daily activities. [00:12:40] Changes in cough and mucus production as signs of worsening disease. [00:14:19] Tom discusses his recent COPD flare-up and emergency room visit. [00:16:09] Discussion about anxiety, breathing patterns, and air trapping in COPD. [00:17:31] Dr. Bon explains why worsening COPD is not the fault of the person living with the disease. [00:18:41] Overview of neutrophilic and eosinophilic inflammation in COPD. [00:20:34] How blood work helps identify type two inflammation in COPD. [00:22:13] Tom emphasizes the importance of movement and avoiding inactivity. [00:24:23] Tom reflects on smoking cessation, support systems, and respiratory therapy. [00:26:16] Dr. Bon explains challenges in treating neutrophilic inflammation in COPD. [00:27:38] Tom discusses medication adjustments and side effects from nebulizer treatments. [00:28:49] Conversation about lung transplant evaluation and advanced treatment considerations. [00:31:26] Tom shares the value of pulmonary rehabilitation and exercise tracking. [00:33:00] Dr. Bon encourages people living with COPD to communicate worsening symptoms with their healthcare providers. [00:33:45] Dr. Jean Wright highlights the importance of trusted resources and community support.  Links COPD Foundation: https://www.copdfoundation.org Download Tips for Living Well with COPD: https://copdf.co/2S2PHAs Learn more about Severe and Worsening COPD: https://www.isthisyoucopd.org Dr. Jessica Bon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-bon-50599916 Production and editing by The Podcast Consultant: https://thepodcastconsultant.com Sign up for COPD Foundation's Newsletter: https://www.copdfoundation.org/About-Us/Who-We-Are/Contact-Us.aspx#enewsletter The podcast is provided by the COPD Foundation as an educational resource only and should not be considered as offering medical advice. This information should not be used as a substitute for a physician's professional judgment in providing advice, diagnosis, or treatment for any medical or health condition. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment before undertaking a new health care regimen. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.