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The Lung Health Champion

The Lung Health Champion

Written by: COPD Foundation
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The Lung Health Champion is for anyone with lungs, which means you! In this podcast, we’ll show you how to breathe better, protect your lungs, and keep them healthy for as long as possible. From COPD and Alpha-1 to bronchiectasis and beyond, we’ll bring you expert insights, real stories, and practical tips that address the realities of living with a chronic lung condition. It’s fun, easy to follow, and will give you tools that can change how you breathe and how you live.COPD Foundation Hygiene & Healthy Living Physical Illness & Disease
Episodes
  • Recognizing Worsening COPD and Taking Action

    Recognizing Worsening COPD and Taking Action
    May 15 2026
    In this episode of Lung Health Champion, Dr. Jean Wright speaks with Dr. Jessica Bon, a pulmonary specialist at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, alongside Tom Krueger, who is living with COPD. Together, they discuss what worsening COPD can look and feel like in daily life, from increased shortness of breath and fatigue to anxiety and changing activity levels. Dr. Bon explains how healthcare providers assess disease progression, the role of inflammation in COPD, and why it’s important for people living with COPD to communicate even subtle changes in symptoms. Tom shares his lived experience with oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, flare-ups, and staying active while managing advanced disease. The conversation also highlights treatment advances, emotional health, and the importance of support systems and movement in maintaining quality of life. Key Points From This Episode [00:00:00] Dr. Jessica Bon explains how anxiety and shortness of breath can create a cycle for people living with COPD. [00:00:37] Dr. Jean Wright introduces the episode and discusses worsening COPD symptoms and inflammation. [00:03:23] Dr. Jessica Bon explains what worsening COPD means from a clinical perspective. [00:04:52] Discussion on how physicians identify subtle symptom progression through activity-based questions. [00:06:24] Why recognizing worsening symptoms early can help improve treatment options and outcomes. [00:08:42] Tom Krueger shares how COPD and oxygen therapy have changed his daily life. [00:11:22] Common ways worsening COPD impacts quality of life and daily activities. [00:12:40] Changes in cough and mucus production as signs of worsening disease. [00:14:19] Tom discusses his recent COPD flare-up and emergency room visit. [00:16:09] Discussion about anxiety, breathing patterns, and air trapping in COPD. [00:17:31] Dr. Bon explains why worsening COPD is not the fault of the person living with the disease. [00:18:41] Overview of neutrophilic and eosinophilic inflammation in COPD. [00:20:34] How blood work helps identify type two inflammation in COPD. [00:22:13] Tom emphasizes the importance of movement and avoiding inactivity. [00:24:23] Tom reflects on smoking cessation, support systems, and respiratory therapy. [00:26:16] Dr. Bon explains challenges in treating neutrophilic inflammation in COPD. [00:27:38] Tom discusses medication adjustments and side effects from nebulizer treatments. [00:28:49] Conversation about lung transplant evaluation and advanced treatment considerations. [00:31:26] Tom shares the value of pulmonary rehabilitation and exercise tracking. [00:33:00] Dr. Bon encourages people living with COPD to communicate worsening symptoms with their healthcare providers. [00:33:45] Dr. Jean Wright highlights the importance of trusted resources and community support. Links COPD Foundation: https://www.copdfoundation.org Download Tips for Living Well with COPD: https://copdf.co/2S2PHAs Learn more about Severe and Worsening COPD: https://www.isthisyoucopd.org Dr. Jessica Bon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-bon-50599916 Production and editing by The Podcast Consultant: https://thepodcastconsultant.com Sign up for COPD Foundation's Newsletter: https://www.copdfoundation.org/About-Us/Who-We-Are/Contact-Us.aspx#enewsletter The podcast is provided by the COPD Foundation as an educational resource only and should not be considered as offering medical advice. This information should not be used as a substitute for a physician's professional judgment in providing advice, diagnosis, or treatment for any medical or health condition. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment before undertaking a new health care regimen. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.
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    32 mins
  • Understanding Exacerbations: Signs, Triggers, and Taking Action

    Understanding Exacerbations: Signs, Triggers, and Taking Action
    Apr 15 2026

    In this episode of the Lung Health Champion, host Arnelle Konde speaks with Dr. Stephanie Christenson, a pulmonologist, and Caroline Gainer, who is living with COPD, about exacerbations, also known as flare-ups. They examine what an exacerbation is, how it differs from a bad day, and why early recognition is critical.


    Caroline shares her personal experience learning to identify symptoms, while Dr. Christenson explains the role of inflammation, common triggers, and the importance of understanding baseline symptoms. The discussion also highlights warning signs, action plans, and when to seek medical care, helping listeners better manage changes in their condition.


    This episode is proudly supported by Sanofi and Regeneron.


    Links

    Download your own COPD Action Plan:

    http://copdf.co/my-copd-action-plan

    Learn more about Severe and Worsening COPD: https://www.isthisyoucopd.org

    COPD Foundation:

    https://www.copdfoundation.org

    Dr. Stephanie Christenson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-christenson-901943238

    Sign up for COPD Foundation's Newsletter: https://www.copdfoundation.org/About-Us/Who-We-Are/Contact-Us.aspx#enewsletter

    Production and editing by The Podcast Consultant: https://thepodcastconsultant.com


    The podcast is provided by the COPD Foundation as an educational resource only and should not be considered as offering medical advice. This information should not be used as a substitute for a physician's professional judgment in providing advice, diagnosis, or treatment for any medical or health condition. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment before undertaking a new health care regimen. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.
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    31 mins
  • From Fear to Action: Understanding Life After a COPD Diagnosis

    From Fear to Action: Understanding Life After a COPD Diagnosis
    Apr 15 2026

    In this premiere episode of Lung Health Champion, host Arnelle Konde speaks with Dr. Barbara Yawn, a primary care physician and clinical researcher, alongside Tina Moyer, who is living with COPD. The conversation focuses on the emotional and practical realities following an initial COPD diagnosis.


    Dr. Yawn explains how clinicians can support patients through early misunderstandings, while Tina shares her personal experience of fear, acceptance, and learning to move forward. Together, they examine common misconceptions, the importance of ongoing communication, and how patients, families, and care teams can work together to improve quality of life.


    Links

    Download your own COPD Action Plan:

    http://copdf.co/my-copd-action-plan

    Download the Basics of COPD Booklet: https://copdf.co/31pwvkt

    COPD Foundation:

    https://www.copdfoundation.org

    Dr. Barbara Yawn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-yawn-42ab83b

    Sign up for COPD Foundation's Newsletter: https://www.copdfoundation.org/About-Us/Who-We-Are/Contact-Us.aspx#enewsletter

    Production and editing by The Podcast Consultant: https://thepodcastconsultant.com



    The podcast is provided by the COPD Foundation as an educational resource only and should not be considered as offering medical advice. This information should not be used as a substitute for a physician's professional judgment in providing advice, diagnosis, or treatment for any medical or health condition. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment before undertaking a new health care regimen. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.
    Show More Show Less
    45 mins
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