The Lung Health Champion

In this episode of the Lung Health Champion, host Arnelle Konde speaks with Dr. Stephanie Christenson, a pulmonologist, and Caroline Gainer, who is living with COPD, about exacerbations, also known as flare-ups. They examine what an exacerbation is, how it differs from a bad day, and why early recognition is critical.  

Caroline shares her personal experience learning to identify symptoms, while Dr. Christenson explains the role of inflammation, common triggers, and the importance of understanding baseline symptoms. The discussion also highlights warning signs, action plans, and when to seek medical care, helping listeners better manage changes in their condition.

This episode is proudly supported by Sanofi and Regeneron.

Links

Download your own COPD Action Plan:

http://copdf.co/my-copd-action-plan

Learn more about Severe and Worsening COPD: https://www.isthisyoucopd.org

COPD Foundation:

https://www.copdfoundation.org

Dr. Stephanie Christenson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-christenson-901943238

Sign up for COPD Foundation's Newsletter: https://www.copdfoundation.org/About-Us/Who-We-Are/Contact-Us.aspx#enewsletter

Production and editing by The Podcast Consultant: https://thepodcastconsultant.com

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.

In this premiere episode of Lung Health Champion, host Arnelle Konde speaks with Dr. Barbara Yawn, a primary care physician and clinical researcher, alongside Tina Moyer, who is living with COPD. The conversation focuses on the emotional and practical realities following an initial COPD diagnosis.

Dr. Yawn explains how clinicians can support patients through early misunderstandings, while Tina shares her personal experience of fear, acceptance, and learning to move forward. Together, they examine common misconceptions, the importance of ongoing communication, and how patients, families, and care teams can work together to improve quality of life.

Links

Download your own COPD Action Plan:

http://copdf.co/my-copd-action-plan

Download the Basics of COPD Booklet: https://copdf.co/31pwvkt

COPD Foundation:

https://www.copdfoundation.org

Dr. Barbara Yawn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-yawn-42ab83b

Sign up for COPD Foundation's Newsletter: https://www.copdfoundation.org/About-Us/Who-We-Are/Contact-Us.aspx#enewsletter

Production and editing by The Podcast Consultant: https://thepodcastconsultant.com

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.

Lung Health Champion is the podcast for anyone with lungs, which means you! We talk about how breathing works, why your lungs are so important, and simple ways to take good care of them. You’ll learn helpful tips, hear interesting stories, and discover things about your body you may have never thought about before. It’s fun, easy to follow, and made for anyone who wants to breathe a little easier every day.

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.

Find out more about our work here:

⁠https://www.copdfoundation.org

Sign up for our newsletter here:

https://www.copdfoundation.org/About-Us/Who-We-Are/Contact-Us.aspx#enewsletter