copd patient assistance programs

What assistance is available for those patients living with COPD?

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a personalized treatment program that teaches you how to manage your COPD symptoms to improve your quality of life. Programs may include plans that teach you how to breathe better and conserve your energy, as well as provide advice on food and exercise.

What type of program should anyone with COPD be referred to?

Your health care provider may recommend pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) if you have a chronic lung disease or another condition that makes it hard for you to breathe and limits your activities. For example, PR may help you if you: Have COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).

Is there any new help for COPD?

And while treatments like pulmonary rehabilitation, medications such as bronchodilators and corticosteroids, and lung volume reduction surgery help many people living with COPD, a new option called the Zephyr Valve, which was FDA approved in 2018, is offering hope for patients like Bright who have advanced disease.

Does COPD make you eligible for disability?

COPD is considered a disability by the SSA. The SSA classifies COPD as a chronic respiratory disorder and is located in section 3.02 of the SSA's Blue Book, which is the list of disabilities that qualifies for Social Security disability benefits.

At what stage of COPD do you need oxygen?

Supplemental oxygen is typically needed if you have end-stage COPD (stage 4). The use of any of these treatments is likely to increase significantly from stage 1 (mild COPD) to stage 4.

Why do you not give oxygen to COPD patients?

Too much oxygen can be dangerous for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with (or at risk of) hypercapnia (partial pressure of carbon dioxide in arterial blood greater than 45 mm Hg). Despite existing guidelines and known risk, patients with hypercapnia are often overoxygenated.

What is the life expectancy of someone with severe COPD?

People with severe stage COPD, lose about eight to nine years of life expectancy on average .

What causes death in COPD patients?

Respiratory failure is considered the major cause of death in advanced COPD. Comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease and lung cancer are also major causes and, in mild-to-moderate COPD, are the leading causes of mortality.

Can lung function be restored with COPD?

There is no cure for COPD, and the damaged lung tissue doesn't repair itself. However, there are things you can do to slow the progression of the disease, improve your symptoms, stay out of hospital and live longer. Treatment may include: bronchodilator medication – to open the airways.

What is Stage 3 COPD mean?

Stage 3 COPD is a severe restriction in the amount of air flowing in and out of your airways. At this stage, it is very likely that your daily activities are being affected by your difficulty in breathing. You may even have been hospitalized one or more times to treat your condition.

How fast does COPD progress?

People with COPD may notice their cough and breathing improve within 1 to 9 months. When people quits moking, they experience the following bodily changes, according to the Canadian Lung Association: After 8 hours of being smoke-free, carbon monoxide levels are half those of a smoker.

What is the life expectancy of stage 2 COPD?

In former smokers, life expectancy was reduced by 1.4 years for Stage 2 disease and 5.6 years for Stage 3 or 4 disease. In people who have never smoked but are diagnosed with COPD, life expectancy was reduced by 0.7 years for Stage 2 disease, and by 1.3 years for Stages 3 or 4 disease.

Who treats patients with COPD?

A pulmonologist treats COPD as well as other serious respiratory conditions, such as asthma and pneumonia.

How does a respiratory therapist help a patient with COPD?

Respiratory therapist They can have many different roles, but their job can include: Giving breathing tests. Teaching different breathing techniques. Teaching how to use supplemental oxygen.

Can respiratory therapists help with COPD?

A respiratory therapist (RT) is trained to help people with lung diseases or disorders that can result from a myriad of issues. They treat patients dealing with pulmonary distress due to complications from asthma, bronchitis, COPD, pneumonia, chest trauma, prematurity, lung cancer, and more.

What does a pulmonologist do for COPD?

If you're struggling with a respiratory disease, accurate diagnosis is the first step. A pulmonologist uses procedures such as spirometry, bloodwork, chest X-rays, CT scans, bronchoscopies and sleep studies to diagnose chronic lung disease.

What is COPD in lung?

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs caused by long-term exposure to irritating gases or particulate matter, most often from cigarettes. Emphysema, a condition in which the alveoli at the end of the bronchioles of the lungs are destroyed, and chronic bronchitis, inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, are the two most common conditions that contribute to COPD. The disease process is characterized by increasing breathlessness and increased mucus production. COPD is the third leading cause of death in the U.S.

What are the two most common conditions that contribute to COPD?

Emphysema, a condition in which the alveoli at the end of the bronchioles of the lungs are destroyed, and chronic bronchitis, inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, are the two most common conditions that contribute to COPD. The disease process is characterized by increasing breathlessness and increased mucus production.

What is Temple Lung Center?

Our doctors and scientists are leaders in finding safer and more effective therapies for COPD. This robust research program gives patients access to clinical trials that are not found at most hospitals.

How do patients access emerging therapies?

Patients also have access to emerging therapies through clinical trials.

Is Temple Lung Center a one size fits all facility?

There is no “one-size-fits-all” care plan at the Temple Lung Center. Rather, our COPD team looks at each patient and creates a unique treatment plan that is tailored to each patient. This attention to detail extends to educating patients about their disease so that they are empowered to make good choices for the management and treatment of their condition.

Social Support

Social support means you have friends, family and other people to turn to when times are hard. When you connect with others, problems seem more manageable and usually your overall quality of life improves. Whether you are having a good day or bad day, chances are someone else has been exactly where you are or wants to lend a helping hand.

Palliative Care

Palliative care improves quality of life by helping to relieve physical and emotional symptoms and can also help communication between you and your healthcare providers.

Professional Support

One way to connect with a mental health professional such as a counselor, psychologist or psychiatrist, is to ask your healthcare provider for a referral. Chances are, they will know where to send you for assistance with connecting to support.

Become an Advocate

Sometimes helping others is the best way to help ourselves. Advocates speak up for a cause they believe in or a group of individuals they support. Learn how you can speak up to help improve lives for people impacted by COPD.

Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

Uses

Guaifenesin is an expectorant which helps to loosen mucus. Dyphylline acts to widen air passages in the lungs to make breathing easier. This combination medication is used to relieve symptoms associated with the common cold, allergies, hay fever, sinusitis and other respiratory illnesses.

How To Use

Take this medication as prescribed. Be sure to follow instructions closely. Do not increase your dose or take this more often than directed. This medication is best taken with a full glass of water after a meal or snack.

Side Effects

Headache, stomach upset, loss of appetite, nausea, anxiety, irritability or nervousness may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor.

Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, heart disease, lung disease (e.g., asthma, emphysema), high blood pressure, history of ulcers or seizures, glaucoma, any allergies. Smoking can reduce the effects of this medication. Inform your doctor if you smoke before taking this.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take including: blood pressure medicine, anti-seizure drugs, antibiotics, steroids, thyroid hormones, "water pills" (diuretics). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, irritability, headache, difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, irregular heart rate, sweating, and seizures.

What is the test for COPD?

A simple breathing test called spirometry measures pulmonary or lung functioning. It detects COPD in anyone with breathing problems.

What is a COPD grant?

Grants for COPD patients help with adequate treatment to lessen their symptoms and improve their quality of life. These grants allow Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients to gain access to knowledge, skills, and tools that supports self-management and control of their health. COPD is the fourth leading reason for death in ...

What is the NHLBI program?

The National Institute of Health (NIH), under NHLBI, introduces Learn More Breathe BetterSM Community Subcontract Program. It provides funding to organizations to implement innovative health education initiatives to increase awareness about COPD and support the goals of the COPD National Action Plan.

What is the purpose of the COPD fund?

The aim is to help people and communities prevent diseases like COPD and promote health and wellness. The funding makes it easier for all Americans to prevent diseases by being physically active, avoiding tobacco and excessive drinking, eating well, and getting regular health screenings. ...

What is simple fill?

The mission of Simplefill is to help COPD patients with prescription assistance programs. Simplefill works with nonprofit organizations and pharmaceutical companies to meet the costs of prescription medication. It helps ease the financial burden on COPD patients who are having trouble paying for their medications.

How to treat COPD?

How is COPD Treated? 1 Avoid tobacco smoke and other air pollutants 2 Pulmonary rehabilitation 3 Medications and certain vaccines 4 Use supplemental oxygen or a portable oxygen tank

Why is Simplefill important?

It helps ease the financial burden on COPD patients who are having trouble paying for their medications. Simplefill finds a suitable assistance program for you and, as per applicant requirement, gets you enrolled in it. Each drug assistance program has its eligibility criteria.

What is the COPD Foundation?

COPD Foundation – This charitable foundation was specifically founded to provide emotional and financial help for COPD patients.

What are the two major conditions that are considered to be a form of COPD?

Technically, there are only two major conditions that are considered to be a form of COPD: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. You could suffer from either condition if you show some or all of the following symptoms:

How do you know if you have COPD?

The only way to know for certain if you have COPD is to undergo a spirometry test. This test measures how much air you can draw in and out of your lungs. It also measures the speed and ease of airflow when breathing. If you have any kind of breathing trouble, persistent cough, or shortness of breath your doctor will likely recommend a spirometry test to determine if you have COPD. The test is fast and can help your doctor make a diagnosis in a matter of minutes. Nonetheless, millions of Americans continue to suffer from the condition without getting a diagnosis or proper treatment.

Does Medicare cover COPD?

Even if you have yet to have an official diagnosis, you can still get COPD coverage under Medicare or Medicaid. Your initial visit to your doctor to get a diagnosis will be covered by Part B (80%). If your doctor determines that you do have COPD and require treatment, Part B will also cover 80% of the cost of a pulmonary rehabilitation program. This kind of program can help ease symptoms and generally provide a higher quality of life for COPD patients, particularly in severe cases.

Can smoking cause COPD?

Though COPD has often been associated with smoking, that is not always the case. Genetics, air pollutants, infections of the lung, and even poor indoor air quality can all lead to COPD. Consequently, millions of Americans suffer from COPD, though many may be unaware of it.

Can you get financial help for COPD?

People with lung disease can experience years of treatment, which means that if you or someone you love has been diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD ), then you may need to look for financial help for COPD patients. However, since there are several conditions that fall under the COPD umbrella, it’s not always easy to find organizations or resources for your particular circumstances or diagnosis. Fortunately, we are here to help you navigate through it all.

Can you get help with COPD if you don't qualify for Medicare?

Even if you don’t qualify for Medicare, Medicaid, or a comprehensive healthcare program, you can still get financial help for COPD. One of the best resources for finding help is the American Lung Association. For more direct help, there are various organizations and programs to help you pay for the treatment you need:

What are the programs that provide assistance to all Americans?

In addition to Medicare and Medicaid, which provide benefits to all eligible Americans according to their age and income level, you may also be able to find assistance programs run by your state or local government.

What is the American Lung Association's helpline?

The American Lung Association's Lung HelpLine can answer questions you have about tobacco cessation, lung disease treatment plans, diagnostic tests and ways to keep your lungs healthy.

What is prescription assistance?

Prescription Assistance Programs. Many pharmaceutical companies, pharmacy chains and nonprofit organizations offer programs that provide access to free or low-cost medicines. Eligibility requirements vary, so you need to check carefully to find a plan that works for you. SingleCare.

What is a patient access network?

The Patient Access Network Foundation's FundFinder is a web-based app designed to quickly notify registered users when financial assistance for their condition becomes available from any of the charitable patient assistance foundations.

What to do if your family is burdened by medical bills?

Financial Assistance Programs. If the cost of medical treatment is a burden for you and your family, you should talk to your healthcare team about your concerns and see what options are available. Your doctor may be able to switch you to less expensive, but equally effective treatments. You should also ask about the types ...

What can you use money for with an illness?

Depending on the program, patients who qualify may be able to use the funds for medicine, doctor visits, travel expenses and health insurance premiums.

Does copay accumulator count toward deductible?

Some private insurance plans are adopting a new kind of policy, called a copay accumulator program, that does not count the financial assistance received toward a patient's deductible or out-of-pocket maximum. This means patients may still face burdensome out-of-pocket costs to get the care they need.

Social Support

• Social support means you have friends, family and other people to turn to when times are hard. When you connect with others, problems seem more manageable and usually your overall quality of life improves. Whether you are having a good day or bad day, chances are someone else has been exactly where you are or wants to lend a helping hand. 1. Lung H...

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Palliative Care

Professional Support

Become An Advocate