Antibiotics lower your immune system according to doctor, along with steroids like prednisone. Doctor also tested to see if I was vitamine deficient and found I was low on D3. I am also taking vitamin C, the "pearls" immune a supporting formula and the yeast balancing formula. I am also taking super enzymes to help support digestive health. I feel better, and if I feel a cold coming on I use zinc loszengers to suck on. Most of all talk to your pulmonary doctor to see if you are over medicated. I am not a 100% but I am doing better. Sometimes the is a way to cut back on medication for another one on the market that can do better. I am on spiriva, symbicirt, D3, albuterol, mucinex to thin the mucus. Generic is good. Plus allergy meds. Don't give up, and be persistent with your doctor. Plus exercise is a key...try to get up and move a little. They say a body that is in motion will stay in motion. It is true, yes there might be pain but it is worse when you stop using your muscles. Everyone is different, and at different stages. Yes, talk to your doctor to see if physical therapy would help. Hugs!

Hey my COPD brothers and sisters, exercise more and more. All those nasty drugs and side effects will eventually not be needed except essentials like your inhalers and heart/blood pressure drugs. I'm 63, It's easy for doctors to add drugs to your collection but its amazing how exercise and diet and allow you to throw most of them away. YEAH!!! Make it a point to take those drugs as recommended but with a goal to get off of them asap. No more sleeping bills, stomach pills, pain pills, anxiety pills, acid reflux pills?(might need those). I could get a million pills and a million side effects. Do lots of push ups and laugh at your pills everyday. No Retreat and No surrender, Don't back down and stand your ground. Exercise baby! KNOCK OUT 2 PUSH UPS RIGHT NOW, C'MON...DO IT!

Pulmonary rehab is great! Do it if you can. My insurance right now doesn't cover it. Used to do it every 2-3 years. Always new information. I was able to walk on treadmill for 20 minutes! A first for me! Do it if you can!

pulmonary therapy works for me ! toned muscles take less oxygen which leaves more for your lungs. the therapists are great and work with you at your pace ! insurance does pay for so many sessions, but I stayed on to continue therapy for a small price ! well worth it !

When taking Spiriva, I was in the emergency room often. I finally read it may predispose us to pneumonia. I stopped using it. It has been two years since serious hospital visit.
If I feel bronchitis beginning, I do have antibiotic on stand by so it doesn't become pneumonia--in theory. So far, so good.

Air conditioning helps since our summers get so very warm.