Here are some recommended sources of information and support for those with respiratory problems.
Live Better
The Gawlicki Family Foundation, the American Thoracic Society and group of international experts (including Richard Casaburi PhD, MD, Judy Corn, Carly Rochester, MD, Richard ZuWallack, MD) have put together this wonderful resource for patients interested in starting a pulmonary rehabilitation program.
The COPD Foundation
This foundation was established to undertake initiatives that result in expanded services for COPD and improve the lives of individuals affected by COPD. The Foundation’s activities focus on achieving these results through research, education and advocacy programs that will lead to prevention, and someday, a cure for this disease.
Alpha-1 Foundation
The Alpha-1 Foundation is committed to finding a cure for Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency and to improving the lives of people affected by Alpha-1 worldwide.
MedlinePlus
US National Library of Medicine. Trusted Health Information. Includes how to identify a pill you may have found. Learn about your prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines. Includes side effects, dosage, special precautions, and much more. Updated daily.
Mayo Clinic
Information on miscellaneous health subjects from the Mayo Clinic.
Cleveland Clinic
The Cleveland Clinic health library
Travel Oxygen
Information on traveling with supplemental oxygen. You should check with your own oxygen supply company, which typically rent equipment for travel. But if not, try this site for more information.
Advanced Aeromedical
This organization rents oxygen equipment for travel including international travel.
The National Lung Health Education Program
The National Lung Health Education Program (NLHEP), was developed in 1996 as a healthcare initiative designed to increase awareness of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) among the public and health care professionals and to encourage the use of simple spirometry to make an earlier diagnosis and monitor ongoing treatment.
Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation
This foundation is dedicated to finding a cure for and raising awareness of Pulmonary Fibrosis, an often fatal lung disease. The Foundation is also devoted to improving the quality of life for those afflicted with this illness.
The American Lung Association
The leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research.
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) conducts and supports research that expands our understanding of lung biology and how lung diseases start and progress, as well as studies and clinical trials that lead to new and improved ways to diagnose, treat, and prevent lung diseases.
Silver Sneakers
Check your free eligibility through Medicare, and many insurance programs, to join a local gym or receive many health tips on line.
ClinicalTrials.gov
This is a database of privately and publicly funded clinical studies conducted around the world. Search here for a clinical trial near you!
The Rehabilitation Clinical Trials Center
The Rehabilitation Clinical Trials Center at the Lundquist Institute in Torrance, CA performs clinical and translational research to improve the lives of patients with chronic lung diseases and exercise intolerance.
The Pulmonary Hypertension Association
The largest and oldest pulmonary hypertension association in the world. The website has extensive resources for patients and families of those with pulmonary hypertension.
American Association for Respiratory Care’s Virtual Museum
From oxygen to aerosols, people to products, discoveries to diagnoses – respiratory care is about a heritage of people learning, innovating, inventing, and excelling at delivering care for one simple goal: to help others breathe.