Copd for Dummies

This is a good, basic introduction to COPD, emphysema and chronic bronchitis. The chapters on the disease progression and the physical changes in the breathing apparatus are well illustrated and described, as are the chapters on medications. There is a good emphasis on life-style changes necessary to improve quality of life for COPDers. The only mistake I found was a common one: the author states in the chapter on exercise that if you're not able to talk and walk at the same time, you're going too hard and fast. That's simply not true for people with COPD,with the possible exception of those in the mild or very beginning stages of the disease. My lung function is about a third that of someone my age without lung disease and I know if I can walk and talk (much) I'm not working hard enough to keep my lungs in the very best shape they can be. The outing may be socially rewarding, but I'm not getting much benefit from it as exercise and if that's all I did, I would not gain functional benefit at all. The reason to exercise in the first place is so that we can enjoy a stroll through the mall with our friends or a day at the zoo with our grandchildren. Other than that, the book is a good introduction to COPD using the "small bites" approach that is the trademark of the "Dummies" books. I would recommend it for patients, caregivers and family members.

I am a health care professional. I bought this book to assist me in leading a support group for those with Chronic Lung Disease. This book helps to explain many of the intricate details of the conditions in terms that are easy to understand and follow. It also offers a great variety of info on how to cope and live a better life with Lung disease....

SINCE I HAVE COPD, I CAN LEARN AND KEEP GOING OVER THIS BOOK AS I WANT, AND TO UNDERSTAND THE CONCEPT OF THIS BOOK.

Sounds like the previous reviewer wanted a sugar-coated overview lacking in specifics. That is not the Dummies style or purpose. This book is for COPD patients as well as the people around them. It is truthful and thorough, offering medically accurate information about all aspects of this disease. Here you'll get details that your doctor won't have time to tell you.

This book is very helpful in understanding what COPD is and especially in understanding what the test numbers mean. The more you know about a disease the easier it is to manage it. Doctors don't always have time to explain things in detail. I was able to ask better questions at my next appointment.