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