Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Mahler answers “real” questions
often asked by his patients with COPD
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
How To Use My Inhaler?
Dear Dr. Mahler:
It is confusing to me how to use the different inhalers prescribed for my COPD. I was diagnosed a few years ago, and my primary care started me on ProAir as needed and Spiriva HandiHaler in the morning. They helped my breathing, but I was still short of breath walking from my car to the grocery store.
I was referred to a pulmonary doctor who recommended adding Symbicort and replacing ProAir with Combivent Respimat for “rescue.” Unfortunately, the nurse who does inhaler teaching was not in the office that day. This morning, my husband watched me use the inhalers, and suggested that I wasn’t inhaling the right way. I got mad at him and told him to “Shut up.”
After I calmed down, I thought about his comment and realized that I really wasn’t sure about how to inhale correctly. It seems so simple, but I not getting the relief that I want. Please help me.
I have been quite inactive during the current COVID pandemic. I retired two years ago working as a secretary in the school district office.
Many thanks.
Karen from Carson City, NV
My COPD Inhalers Are Expensive: What Can I Do?
Dear Dr. Mahler:
I was diagnosed with COPD a few years ago and stopped working in 2020 as a cook at the local diner because it closed due to COVID. When I was working, the owner of the diner covered my health insurance and I paid $25 – $40 as co-pays for my two inhalers.
I am 66 years old and receive Social Security payments each month. I have Medicare parts A and B insurance, but part D is too expensive. My doctor has given me samples of the once daily inhaler on occasion, but he does not have albuterol samples.
I feel desperate now because I really can’t afford the two inhalers on my fixed income. Do you have any suggestions?
Ken from Sacramento, CA
How Much Oxygen Should I Use?
Dear Dr. Mahler:
I am 71 years old and have severe COPD for several years, but am doing fine and have adjusted to my situation. I use oxygen 24/7 from a stationary concentrator at home and from a POC with activities and travel. I fly (at least before COVID-19) to visit my children/grandchildren in Wisconsin.
However, I am confused about my oxygen flow rate. My doctor told me that 2 liters/minute is what I need at rest, and my oxygen saturation level is usually 91-92%. However, I turn up the oxygen to 4 liters/min because I feel better when my saturation level is 94-95%.
My POC has pulse flow and I use the highest number – 5 – which maintains a saturation around 91% when I am active.
What are your thoughts on this?
Jim in Austin, TX