![]() |
![]() Rose Photo Courtesy Ray Wilson |
You can be upset because rosebushes have thorns Or you can rejoice because thorn bushes have roses. Author Unknown |
![]() About Us Buddy List Chatroom Chatroom Schedule COPD Caregivers COPD Forum COPD Links COPD News - Web Ver. Dedication Frequently Asked ? Guestbook In My Humble Opinion Join COPD List Member Web Sites Music Page Newsletter Signup Programs and Policy Savings Page SmokeNoMore Program |
Welcome The List uses the ListServe and other methods to distribute e-mail to subscribers of the family of COPD Lists. Presently there are over 1,200 subscribers world wide representing a number of countries and cultures. Hereafter referred to as "The List", there really is no single list. Rather, there are a number of programs intended to help meet the needs of individuals afflicted with COPD, caregivers who are responsible for an individual so afflicted, and medical personnel who have a particular interest in pulmonary medicine in general and COPD in particular.
Purpose |
About COPD Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD, is a disease that encompasses one or more of the following: |
![]() |
Emphysema can best be characterized as the progressive destruction of the grape-like sacs that fulfill the lung's basic function: exchanging oxygen in the air for carbon dioxide in the cardiovascular system. Emphysema is the chief "culprit" in COPD. Chronic Bronchitis is a first step toward impending emphysema/COPD. It often results from "ordinary" chest infections (colds, flu). Folks with chronic bronchitis know that every, or nearly every, cold they get will "go straight to the lungs". With proper care it need not lead to COPD. In a COPD patient chronic bronchitis contributes to the "gunk" that we spit up regularly (there's no pretty way to say it) Chronic Asthma is the third constituent of COPD. Not all COPD patients have asthma, and most certainly most asthma patients do not have COPD. But many of us suffer from it greatly. Already sick, our airways are easily constricted by all manner of airborne nasties. It is why we carry our inhalers. Some authorities do not consider asthma a component of COPD because unlike emphysema and chronic bronchitis, asthma can be reversed. |
What Are The Signs? Symptoms vary somewhat from one individual to another. However, most of us have experienced most of these: Shortness Of Breath after normal-to-light exertion is an important sign and something that needs medical attention. A lingering, or even constant cough. If a cough lingers long after a lung infection has cleared up something is wrong. A history of lung problems. Chest colds don't clear up like they do for other folks...they linger. Maybe you've had flu several times, or worse, pneumonia. Other family members have been diagnosed with emphysema. Perhaps your family carries the gene responsible for Alpha1 Antitrypsin Deficiency which is a brand of emphysema brought on by an enzyme deficiency and which may be contracted even though the individual has never smoked.
Where To Go From Here If we sit back and let it take charge, then it will. We may decline rather rapidly; our spirits suffer; normal activities become major obstacles. However, if we take charge then we can dramatically affect the progress of the disease, learn that we can still lead quality lives, and be proud. At whatever stage of the disease, this simple approach can make an important difference.
Here's How
Join One Or More Of Our Programs The list began in January 1997 when six or seven people were solicited to participate in this experiment in information sharing. By our first anniversary we had grown to 267 members. We now have members on every continent except Antarctica.We share knowledge of the things that have helped us, and the things that have hurt us. We stay informed regarding treatments and medications. But, most of all, we give one another the encouragement and support that is so important to our lives. Many of us become very dear friends. If you are interested in becoming a subscriber please read both the explanation of what to expect as a list member as well as our posting guidelines and then join us. We hope you will introduce yourself to us soon.
Financial Base
COPD-Support, Inc.
COPD-Support, Inc. |
This web site and our COPD programs have been put together by individuals with COPD or COPD caregivers. It has had little professional medical input. While we believe that our accumulated experience has value, and a unique perspective, you must accept it for what it is...the work of COPD patients. We vigorously encourage individuals with COPD to take an active part in the management of their disease. They do this through education, and by sharing information and thoughts with their primary physician and pulmonoligist. However, medical decisions are based on complex medical principles and should be left to the medical practitioner. |
![]() |
![]() Sign Guestbook View Guestbook |
![]() Click Juke For Music |
![]() We subscribe to the HONcode principles of the Health On the Net Foundation |