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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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