Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Mahler answers “real” questions
often asked by his patients with COPD
More Short of Breath But Stable PFTs
Dear Dr. Mahler:
I recently saw my doctor because my breathing has been slowly getting worse. This is quite noticeable when I play golf 3 to 4 times a week. I ride in a cart and always try to get as close as possible to the tee and to my ball. My golf partners laugh about this. I also find that walking up stairs and up an incline on the golf course makes me feel short of breath.
At my recent appointment, my doctor told me that my PFTs are the same as a year ago and that my COPD is stable. He asked me about my activities since March when coronavirus caused “stay at home” orders. I told him that my husband and I have been quite inactive, and shared with him that I have gained 6 pounds since March.
My COPD medications are Stiolto in the morning and Ventolin as needed, but I rarely use this inhaler. I haven’t had a COPD flare-up for at least two years. Do you have any thoughts on why I am more short of breath?
Sincerely,
Diane from Longmeadow, MA
Why Short Of Breath While My Oxygen Level Stays The Same?
Dear Dr. Mahler:
I am confused – Why am I short of breath when I do various daily activities? My oxygen level doesn’t change at all when I check it. This has been going on for quite a while now.
My COPD was diagnosed 3 years ago, and I take Anoro inhaler in the morning. Previously, I was taking Bevespi inhaler, but my insurance company had me change to Anoro. The nurse at my doctor’s office has coached me on how to use the inhaler correctly. I completed a pulmonary rehab program at the local hospital, and I go to the community center 3 to 4 times a week – walking on the treadmill and pedaling on the bicycle.
What are your thoughts?
Sincerely,
Jane from Yuma, AZ
CBD Oil and Breathing
Dear Dr. Mahler:
I am writing because I want to learn more about CBD oil and whether it can help my breathing difficulty. I have had COPD for about 10 years, and find that it is getting harder to breathe. My medications are ProAir, Advair Diskus, and Spiriva powder. I used to golf 3-4 times a week, but found it too hard to play with my group this past summer. So, my main activity is playing cards in the afternoon.
One of my girlfriends was reading about CBD oil and suggested that I try it. However, I checked out information on the internet, but it is really confusing. I want to see if the oil can help me feel better and breathe easier, but I don’t want to get high.
What do you know about CBD oil for my COPD?
Many thanks.
Gloria from The Villages, FL