The Lung Health Champion

COPD Foundation
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Medicine
  • Updated Biweekly

The Lung Health Champion is for anyone with lungs, which means you! In this podcast, we’ll show you how to breathe better, protect your lungs, and keep them healthy for as long as possible. From COPD and Alpha-1 to bronchiectasis and beyond, we’ll bring you expert insights, real stories, and practical tips that address the realities of living with a chronic lung condition. It’s fun, easy to follow, and will give you tools that can change how you breathe and how you live.

  1. Sep 30

    Why Long-Term Oxygen Therapy Needs a Scientific Reset

    In this episode of Lung Health Champion, host Tralisa Willis speaks with Dr. Joao de Andrade, Dr. Sanjay Sethi, and Susan Jacobs about long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) and its place in respiratory research and clinical practice. The panel examines why much of the evidence supporting LTOT is decades old, where important research gaps remain, and how inconsistent prescribing, limited reassessment, equipment burdens, and access to high-flow oxygen can affect care. They also discuss the need for better education, improved delivery technology, clearer measures of benefit, national data collection, and an individualized approach that aligns oxygen therapy with each person’s goals and needs. Key Points From This Episode Why LTOT receives less scientific attention than newer therapiesResearch gaps beyond chronic resting hypoxemiaTreating oxygen as a prescribed drug rather than supportive equipmentDifferences between qualifying for oxygen and benefiting from itThe need for consistent definitions and assessment of hypoxemiaThe importance of reassessing oxygen after hospitalizationHow early follow-up can identify equipment and adherence problemsThe role of nurses, respiratory therapists, and other clinical team membersGaps in clinician education about oxygen devices and delivery methodsMatching oxygen equipment to individual needs and daily activitiesThe burden, stigma, and mobility challenges associated with oxygen equipmentLimitations of current portable and high-flow oxygen optionsThe reduced availability of liquid oxygenWhy delivery systems can influence research outcomes and adherenceThe need for better measures of oxygen therapy benefitOpportunities for biomarkers, registries, and pragmatic researchUsing electronic medical records and emerging technology to support researchThe potential for auto-titrating and improved oxygen delivery systemsSetting expectations before beginning oxygen therapyAligning treatment decisions with individual goals and quality of life Links Dr. Joao de Andrade on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/joao-de-andrade-379530153/ Learn more about Dr. Joao de Andrade:https://medicine.vumc.org/department-directory/Joao-de-Andrade Learn more about Sanjay Sethi:https://medicine.buffalo.edu/faculty/profile.html?ubit=ssethi COPD Foundation:https://www.copdfoundation.org Production and editing by The Podcast Consultant:https://thepodcastconsultant.comSign 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.

    Why Long-Term Oxygen Therapy Needs a Scientific Reset

  2. Sep 15

    How Stress Affects Breathing for People Living with COPD

    If stress changes how you breathe, it's real. In this episode, we explain how stress affects breathing and how it relates to living with COPD. We also share practical tips you can use to manage your breathing before you feel breathless. In this episode of the Lung Health Champion, host Arnelle Konde speaks with pulmonologist Dr. Trisha Parekh and Lisa Hall, a person living with COPD, about the connection between stress and breathing. Lisa describes how stress can cause chest tightness, faster speech, coughing, fatigue, and difficulty exhaling. Dr. Parekh explains the body’s fight-or-flight response, the cycle between rapid breathing and trapped air, and the links between psychological health, symptom burden, and COPD flare-ups. They also discuss social isolation, sleep, pulmonary rehabilitation, breathing techniques, meditation, mental health support, and creating an “action chair” with essential supplies. Key Points From This Episode [00:00:00] Highlights & Show intro [00:01:50] How Stress Impacts The Lungs & Breathing [00:05:35] Dr. Parekh explains the fight-or-flight response [00:08:41] How Stress and Anxiety May Increase Symptom Burden [00:11:35] How to Check for Stress and Anxiety for Patients [00:12:22] How Social Barriers can Affect COPD Health [00:14:07] Social Isolation and Loneliness Living with COPD [00:15:13] Everyday Stressors that Can Affect Breathing [00:17:58] Anxiety or Stress-Induced Breathlessness vs. Exacerbation [00:19:40] Stress Management [00:23:14] Dr. Parekh Explains & Demonstrates Diaphragmatic and Pursed-lip breathing [00:26:45] Mental Health Care in COPD Management [00:28:09] Lisa discusses advocating for a sleep study. [00:29:34] Final Takeaways Links COPD Foundation:https://www.copdfoundation.org Learn more about breathing techniques for times of stress: https://www.copdfoundation.org/Learn-More/I-am-New-to-COPD/Breathing-Techniques.aspx Guides for Better Living: https://www.copdfoundation.org/Learn-More/Educational-Materials-Resources/Downloads.aspx#guides 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.

  3. Aug 30

    Confirm Before You Treat: COPD and Alpha-1 Screening

    When it comes to COPD, the right treatment starts with the right diagnosis—hear why spirometry and alpha-1 screening should be part of the conversation before care decisions are made. In this episode of the Lung Health Champion, host Tralisa Willis speaks with Dr. Charlie Strange and Corinne Young, MSN, FNP-C, FCCP, about screening for COPD, interpreting pulmonary function tests, and identifying alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. They explain why symptoms, age, and smoking history alone are not enough to confirm COPD and emphasize spirometry as the foundation of an accurate diagnosis. The discussion also covers occupational and family history, full pulmonary function testing, blood tests, alpha-1 genotyping, test interpretation, and family screening. The guests encourage health care professionals to confirm the diagnosis before selecting treatment and to use screening results as the beginning of appropriate follow-up.  Key Points From This Episode [00:00:00] Highlights & Show Intro [00:02:25] Assessing Patient Need [00:17:02] Interpretation of Results [00:36:03] Final Takeaways Links This episode is proudly supported by Grifols. Find out more here. COPD Foundation:https://www.copdfoundation.org Dr. Strange on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charliestrange/ Corrine Young on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corinne-young-2bb8a824/ Production and editing by The Podcast Consultant:https://thepodcastconsultant.comSign up for COPD Foundation's Newsletter:https://www.copdfoundation.org/About-Us/Who-We-Are/Contact-Us.aspx#enewsletterOrder free Alpha-1 testing kits:https://www.alphaid.com/en/hcp/order-free-alphaid-screening-test-kits?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=podcasts&utm_content=pod_2 The receipt of this free testing service does not create any expectation or obligation on your part to purchase or use any product or service offered by any manufacturer. 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

    Confirm Before You Treat: COPD and Alpha-1 Screening

  4. Aug 15

    You’re Just One Person: Finding Grace and Support as a Caregiver

    In this episode of the Lung Health Champion, host Arnelle Konde speaks with Jamie and Kendall about their experiences caring for their fathers with chronic  lung disease. They discuss how caregiving roles can grow from small, everyday responsibilities into emotional, physical, and logistical support. Jamie and Kendall share the challenges of balancing being a daughter with being a caregiver, recognizing burnout, asking for help, and making space for rest. They also discuss respite care, therapy, support groups, changing family dynamics, and the importance of celebrating small victories. Above all, they remind caregivers to give themselves grace, find community, and remember they are not meant to handle everything alone. Key Points From This Episode [00:00:00] Show introduction [00:02:03] Jamie and Kendall share how their caregiving roles developed alongside their fathers’ experiences with chronic lung disease. [00:05:49] They discuss the everyday responsibilities and emotional support that often happen behind the scenes of caregiving. [00:08:47] Arnelle, Jamie, and Kendall examine the emotional weight of caregiving and how burnout can begin to show up. [00:09:10] Jamie and Kendall describe irritation, constant worry, and difficulty relaxing as signs that they are running on empty. [00:11:28] They discuss why asking for help can be difficult and why caregivers need permission to rest. [00:15:10] Arnelle introduces respite care and explains how short-term support can give caregivers a break from their responsibilities. [00:16:14] Jamie and Kendall share their family experiences with respite care and the challenges of handing over caregiving responsibilities. [00:20:14] They discuss the importance of family support, therapy, and online communities when caregiving feels especially heavy. [00:22:50] Jamie and Kendall explain how caregiving can strengthen some family relationships while creating strain in others. [00:27:45] They reflect on small victories, including regained independence and everyday moments that take on greater meaning. [00:30:45] Jamie and Kendall encourage caregivers to give themselves grace, ask for help, and remember they are only one person. [00:32:35] Arnelle shares Ashley’s Air Mail story about watching her uncle live with COPD while continuing to show gratitude and resilience. Links COPD Foundation: https://www.copdfoundation.org Share your Air Mail story: share@COPDfoundation.org Production and editing by The Podcast Consultant: https://thepodcastconsultant.comSign up for COPD Foundation's Newsletter: https://www.copdfoundation.org/About-Us/Who-We-Are/Contact-Us.aspx#enewsletterRead our FAQ for Caregivers: https://www.copdfoundation.org/Learn-More/I-am-a-Caregiver/FAQ-for-Caregivers.aspx 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.

  5. Jul 30

    When to Reassess Inhalers and Consider Nebulizer Therapy

    If your patients with COPD are still symptomatic despite prescribed inhaled therapy, this episode will help you rethink whether the device—not just the medication—may be part of the problem. In this episode of The Lung Health Champion, Tralisa Willis speaks with Dr. Isaac Biney and Dr. Jill Ohar about choosing the right inhaled medication device for people living with COPD. The discussion examines common inhaler technique mistakes, how inspiratory flow impacts medication delivery, and when clinicians should reassess whether handheld inhalers are still the best option. Dr. Biney and Dr. Ohar also address misconceptions surrounding nebulizers and explain how personalized device selection can improve symptom control, reduce exacerbations, and support better quality of life. The conversation highlights the importance of evaluating inhaler technique regularly and tailoring treatment approaches to each individual’s needs, lifestyle, dexterity, cognition, and breathing ability. Key Points From This Episode [00:00:00] Highlights & Show Intro [00:01:34] Reassessing Inhaler Effectiveness [00:20:35] Nebulizers as an EvidenceBased Option [00:33:13] Listener Takeaway This episode is proudly supported by The COPD Foundation Nebulizer Consortium. Learn more. COPD Foundation:
https://www.copdfoundation.org Check out Inhaler Technique in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Patient Impairments and Bronchodilation: https://doi.org/10.1093/annalsats/aaoag140 Check out Understanding Nebulizer Utilization by Patients and Healthcare Providers: A COPD Foundation Nebulizer Consortium Survey Study: https://doi.org/10.2147/COPD.S552041 Download our Nebulizer Guide: https://www.copdfoundation.org/Learn-More/Educational-Materials-Resources/Downloads.aspx#Nebulizers-Guide Dr. Isaac Biney on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isaac-noble-biney-45937155/ Dr. Jill Ohar on LinkedIn: ​​https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-ohar-a687124/ 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.

    When to Reassess Inhalers and Consider Nebulizer Therapy

  6. Jul 15

    Why Nebulizers Matter: Real-Life COPD Experience and Expert Guidance

    If you’ve ever wondered whether a nebulizer might be right for you or someone you care about, this episode provides practical insights from both a patient and a respiratory therapist. They discuss how nebulizers can significantly improve daily treatment and enhance quality of life. In this episode of Lung Health Champion, Arnelle and Jonnie Korinko are joined by Bonnie, a person living with COPD, and Matthew Dartt, a respiratory therapist, for a conversation about nebulizers and their role in managing chronic lung conditions. Matthew explains how nebulizers work, how they differ from inhalers, and why they can be an effective option for people who struggle with inhaler technique, coordination, or worsening symptoms. Bonnie shares her personal journey from initially feeling overwhelmed by her diagnosis and nebulizer treatment to relying on nebulized medications as an important part of her daily routine. Together, they discuss practical benefits, common challenges, the importance of education, proper maintenance, and questions people should ask their healthcare team to get the most from their treatment.  Key Points From This Episode  [00:00:00] Highlights & Show Intro [00:01:18] How Nebulizers Work [00:08:47] How Nebulizers Help with Symptoms [00:14:34] Questions to Ask Your Doctor [00:18:07] Listener Takeaway This episode is proudly supported by The COPD Foundation Nebulizer Consortium. Learn more. COPD Foundation:https://www.copdfoundation.org COPD Foundation Inhaler Educational Video SeriesStep-by-step inhaler technique videos covering multiple inhaler devices used in COPD treatment. Helpful for patients, caregivers, and clinicians.https://copdf.co/videos Download our Nebulizer Guide: https://www.copdfoundation.org/Portals/0/CNC/Patients-Accessing-Nebulizers-and-Nebulized-Medications_Final_2025.pdf Production and editing by The Podcast Consultant:https://thepodcastconsultant.comSign up for COPD Foundation's Newsletter:https://www.copdfoundation.org/About-Us/Who-We-Are/Contact-Us.aspx#enewsletterThe 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.

  7. Jun 30

    Reframing Oxygen Care Through a Person-Centered Approach

    For clinicians who order oxygen, this episode is a must-listen guide to overcoming today’s oxygen therapy barriers and delivering care that truly improves patients’ quality of life. In this episode of the Lung Health Champion, guest host Mike Hess is joined by Mary Kitlowski, Dr. Angela Suen, Dr. Anand Iyer, and Susan Jacobs, RN, MS, to examine the challenges surrounding supplemental oxygen therapy in the United States. Drawing on their recent JAMA review article, the group discusses the barriers people living with chronic lung disease face in accessing oxygen equipment, education, and ongoing support. The conversation explores the importance of person-centered oxygen care, clinician education, mobility considerations, and the emotional and physical burdens tied to oxygen use. They also discuss reimbursement gaps, the decline in access to liquid oxygen, and policy efforts to improve care delivery and quality of life for people living with chronic lung conditions. Key Points From This Episode  [00:00:00] Highlights & Show Intro [00:01:34] Scoping the Issues – The Current State of Oxygen [00:14:04] Considering Unique Pulmonary Populations [00:23:49] Moving to a Person-Centered Approach [00:27:32] The Chronic Care Model and the 5 Ms Framework [00:35:58] Final Takeaways This episode is proudly supported by Inogen. Learn more. Read the Review article: doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2025.0279  Learn more about World Oxygen Day: WorldOxygenDay.org  Download the Oxygen Therapy Basics booklet for your patients: https://copdf.co/Oxygen-Booklet-COPD  Running On Air: https://runningonair.org/  Dr. Iyer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anandiyermd/  Dr. Suen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-suen-24791719/  Production and editing by The Podcast Consultant: https://thepodcastconsultant.com Sign up for the 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.

    Reframing Oxygen Care Through a Person-Centered Approach

  8. Jun 15

    Listening to Your Lungs: Recognizing COPD Warning Signs Early

    If you’ve ever wondered whether a COPD symptom is ‘just a bad day’ or a warning sign that your COPD may be getting worse, this episode is one you don’t want to miss. In this episode of The Lung Health Champion, Arnelle is joined by Dr. MeiLan Han, Chief of the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care at the University of Michigan Health, and Dave, a person living with COPD, to discuss the importance of recognizing changes in symptoms and taking action early. Dave shares his personal experience with COPD, including a hospitalization that changed the way he manages his health, while Dr. Han explains how flare-ups can develop and why early intervention matters. Together, they explore common reasons people delay care, the value of having an action plan, strategies to prevent exacerbations, and practical steps for maintaining lung health and quality of life. Key Points From This Episode  [00:00:00] Highlights & Show Intro [00:02:50] Listening to Your Lungs and Understanding Symptoms [00:07:54] Why Do We Wait? The Impact of Delayed Care [00:18:32] Putting Your Action Plan into Practice [00:22:00] Advice to Listeners [00:25:40] AirMail – Listener Letters This episode is proudly supported by Sanofi and Regeneron. Download your own COPD Action Plan: http://copdf.co/my-copd-action-plan Learn more about Severe and Worsening COPD: IsThisYouCOPD.orgDr. MeiLan Han on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meilan-han-03753133/ GOLD COPD Resources: https://goldcopd.orgUpToDate Patient Education: https://www.uptodate.com/patients Production and editing by The Podcast Consultant:https://thepodcastconsultant.comSign up for the COPD Foundation's Newsletter:https://www.copdfoundation.org/About-Us/Who-We-Are/Contact-Us.aspx#enewsletterThe 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.

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out of 5
5 Ratings

About

The Lung Health Champion is for anyone with lungs, which means you! In this podcast, we’ll show you how to breathe better, protect your lungs, and keep them healthy for as long as possible. From COPD and Alpha-1 to bronchiectasis and beyond, we’ll bring you expert insights, real stories, and practical tips that address the realities of living with a chronic lung condition. It’s fun, easy to follow, and will give you tools that can change how you breathe and how you live.

Information

  • Creator
    COPD Foundation
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © COPD Foundation
  • Show Website
    The Lung Health Champion

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