What COPD resources are available?
Besides you, your family and your doctor, who else can you look to for help in managing your COPD? You know that your doctor doesn’t work alone, but as part of a team. Your healthcare team may include nurses, respiratory therapists, social workers, dietitians, mental health professionals, care coordinators, and maybe others. Each of them has expertise and experience in working with COPD and can offer a different perspective on what might be helpful. Talk to your team about what’s working for you and, more importantly, what’s not. Chances are someone will have an idea to help.
What are some additional resources?
Using self-help groups can be a great source of support in living with COPD. Talking to other patients and their families who have confronted many of the same challenges that you’re now facing can help you feel less alone, and save you from having to "reinvent the wheel" when a new challenge presents itself. To find these groups ask your doctor, or look on the Internet.
Finally, the National Jewish Health provides a toll-free information service, LUNG LINE. If you have questions that you can’t get answered call LUNG LINE at 1-800-222-LUNG (5864).
Links to Other Organizations Dedicated to Improving the Lives of People With COPD:
The National Jewish Health is a leader in the treatment and research of patients with respiratory, immune, and allergic disorders.
Search for a COPD Clinical Trial
COPD Disease Information
Telephone: 800-222-5864
The American Lung Association is a voluntary health organization that fights lung disease in all its forms, with special emphasis on asthma, tobacco control, and environmental health. The Website provides information on various forms of lung disease as well as research updates and smoking cessation resources.
Telephone: 800-586-4872
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is a federal agency devoted to protecting the health and safety of people by providing information to enhance health decisions. The website provides updated information and fact sheets on a number of conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Telephone: 800-311-3435
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) leads a national program in diseases of the heart, blood vessels, lungs, and blood. The Website provides educational information for health professionals and the public about these diseases, with an emphasis on prevention.
Telephone: 301-592-8573
The National Lung Health Education Program (NLHEP) is a health care initiative financed by the pharmaceutical and medical device industries designed in collaboration with a number of leading health organization, to identify and treat patients in the early stages of emphysema and chronic bronchitis. The Website provides a variety of information about these conditions.
Telephone: 972-910-8555
The American Thoracic Society (ATS) is a nonprofit, international, professional and scientific society for respiratory and critical care medicine. The ATS is committed to the prevention and treatment of respiratory disease through research, education, patient care and advocacy. The long-range goal of the ATS is to decrease morbidity and mortality from respiratory disorders and life threatening acute illnesses in people of all ages. In keeping with these goals, the American Thoracic Society interacts with both national and international organizations which have similar goals.
Telephone: 212-315-8600
The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) works with health care professionals and public health officials around the world to raise awareness of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and to improve prevention and treatment of this lung disease.The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) works with health care professionals and public health officials around the world to raise awareness of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and to improve prevention and treatment of this lung disease.
The US COPD Coalition brings together health professional organizations, patient organizations and foundations, individuals, and government agencies working to improve the lives of people with COPD.
