Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Mahler answers “real” questions
often asked by his patients with COPD
Aging and COPD: Importance of Being Active
Dear Dr. Mahler,
I am 71 years old and understand that my COPD of four years may or may not progress based on one of your previous posts. I don’t smoke anymore, try to stay active, and am using Trelegy inhaler. This was prescribed when I was discharged from the hospital after a flare-up two years ago.
However, as I get older, I recognize both physical and mental changes that are occurring that do not appear to have anything related to my COPD. My question relates to aging with COPD - is there any information to guide or reassure me about this process. What can I expect?
Thanks,
Tomoko from Osaka, Japan
Screening For Lung Cancer: Should I Do It?
Dear Dr. Mahler:
I am 64 years old and my new physician’s assistant recommended a CT scan to screen for lung cancer. Does this make sense? I take two different inhalers in the morning for my COPD and use albuterol puffer at least once most days. Each winter I seem to get a chest infection that requires an antibtiotic and a course of prednisone. There is a family history of stomach cancer, but no lung cancer as far as I know. Thanks. By the way, I quit smoking five years ago.
Mark from Kokalakis, MI
How To Boost Immune System: What Can I Do?
Dear Dr. Mahler,
I am 64 and have had COPD for about 3 years. I received two COVID vaccines this past spring, but have been reading about breakthrough infections. Even though I follow all of the recommendations to prevent exposure to the COVID-19 virus, I am worried that I will get really sick because of my COPD if I get infected. Stories on the news mention the importance of the immune system. Is there anyway that I can boost my immune system to reduce my chances of a bad outcome?
Thanks,
Sarah from Williamsburg, VA
Clearing Mucus Out Of The Chest
Dear Dr. Mahler:
I am 67 years old and have been bothered by mucus in my chest for years. I find it hard to cough it out and have tried every over-the-counter medication without any help.
A Physician Associate diagnosed me with “moderate COPD” two years ago and prescribed Advair Diskus twice a day and ProAir to use when needed. I quit smoking two years ago when I was told of COPD. In the morning, I cough out clear-gray mucus from my chest after breakfast and my 2nd cup of tea. However, there is still “rattling” in my chest afterwards which seems to last throughout the day. I try to cough out more mucus as the day goes, but it is quite difficult. I know that there is more mucus down there, but it is hard to get it out despite coughing jags.
I typically have a chest infection every winter and still work selling real estate, although I work fewer hours than I used to. Any advice is appreciated.
Victor from Topsham, UK
Why Am I Coughing So Much?
Dear Dr. Mahler:
I am 63 years old and was diagnosed with COPD about 4 years ago. For the past 3-4 months, I have been coughing more than usual. Most days I cough up white stuff, but lately there is more of it. I haven’t noticed any yellow color. It seems to come from my chest and I feel more short of breath until I cleared it out.
I told my doctor about it, but he blamed it on my smoking. I am trying to quit, but can’t cut down any more then 10 – 12 cigarettes a day. My COPD medications are Serevent Diskus twice a day and ProAir puffer 1 – 2 times a day when I feel that it is hard to breathe.
Any help is appreciated.
Bill from Avon, CT
Sexual Activity And COPD
Dear Dr. Mahler,
I am 68 years old and have had COPD for about 4 years. I am interested in having sex with my wife, but I have difficulty getting an erection. My family doctor is not too concerned as he tells me that sexual activity shouldn’t be that important at my age. He probably doesn’t understand because he is much younger.
I try to stay active most days, and quit smoking when I was told of COPD diagnosis. I don’t need oxygen.
My wife says that she is fine with or without having sex. However, she knows that I am still interested.
Do you have any suggestions?
Ray from Baton Rouge, LA
Atrial Fibrillation and COPD
Dear Dr. Mahler:
My doctor told me that I have “severe” COPD, and I have been stable for years until one month ago when I had sudden breathing difficulty and I became lightheaded. The diagnosis was “afib,” and I am now taking a blood thinner medication to prevent clots from forming in my heart.
I am having a problem finding out about this heart condition. Thanks very much for your help.
Al from Grove City, PA