Best COPD Books and Resources for Patients: Essential Guides, Workbooks & Journals

Living with COPD can be challenging, but the right resources can help you manage symptoms, improve your quality of life, and stay in control. Here’s a quick guide to some of the best tools and books available for COPD patients:

• COPD Essentials: A website offering tools like air purifiers, fitness trackers, and the myCOPD app, which improves inhaler use and provides home-based pulmonary rehab.
• COPD: Answers to Your Questions: A Q&A-style book by Dr. Donald A. Mahler, simplifying medical jargon and providing real-world advice for managing COPD.
• Managing COPD: A practical guide by respiratory specialists with evidence-based strategies for early intervention and treatment.
• ABC of COPD: A beginner-friendly book explaining COPD basics, treatments, and lifestyle tips in simple terms.
• Better Living with COPD: A booklet from Lung Foundation Australia with tips for daily management, breathing techniques, and energy conservation.
• COPD Symptom Tracker Journal: A tool for tracking symptoms, medications, and triggers to improve communication with healthcare providers.
• The COPD Workbook: An interactive guide with exercises, goal-setting tools, and advice for daily living with COPD.

Quick Comparison Table

These resources cater to different needs - whether you're looking for beginner-friendly guidance, advanced medical insights, or tools for daily life. Start with one or two that match your current stage of COPD, and use them consistently to take control of your health.

Conquering COPD Book Video DAY 4 SAVING ENERGY

1. COPD Essentials (Website and Tools)

COPD Essentials provides an online hub designed to support individuals living with COPD and their healthcare teams. The website features a carefully chosen range of devices, tools, and informative articles aimed at helping patients manage their condition and improve their daily lives. At the heart of this platform is the highly-regarded myCOPD app, which offers digital solutions tailored to COPD care.

One of the app's standout features is its ability to address widespread inhaler misuse. Research shows that 90% of COPD patients struggle to use their inhalers correctly. The myCOPD app tackles this issue with easy-to-follow instructional videos, successfully correcting 98% of inhaler errors[1].

Key Features and Clinical Results

The myCOPD app has proven to significantly enhance patient outcomes. An impressive 95% of users report improved symptom scores, and the platform matches the effectiveness of traditional pulmonary rehabilitation programs[1].

"myCOPD is the most comprehensive, user-friendly and intuitive COPD app on any device. Designed and built by COPD experts, and externally peer-reviewed by leading NHS consultants, myCOPD puts patients and their clinical teams in control like never before."[1]

Tools for Self-Management

The platform offers online pulmonary rehabilitation classes that can be completed from the comfort of home. According to the 2019 UK National COPD Audit Programme, only 54% of patients with stable COPD began pulmonary rehabilitation within 90 days of referral, highlighting the accessibility gap the app helps to address[2].

Additional tools include COPD checklists, lung function reports, and weather forecasting to assist with daily management. Features like the self-management plan and inhaler diary provide a complete overview of respiratory health, empowering users to take charge of their care.

Backed by Research

Clinical studies, such as one published in npj Digital Medicine, demonstrate the app’s benefits in aiding recovery after exacerbations, with measurable improvements over a 90-day period. Evaluations from Southend University Hospital and NHS Grampian further validate its effectiveness in home-based pulmonary rehabilitation programs[1].

Curated Products for COPD Management

In addition to its digital tools, COPD Essentials offers a thoughtfully selected range of products to support daily life. These include:

• Air purifiers designed for large spaces
• Fitness trackers with health monitoring features
• Supplements and vitamins for respiratory health
• Portable oxygen concentrators
• Pulse oximeters for regular monitoring

All products are independently chosen by health researchers and categorized into sections like Daily Living Aids, Medical Devices, and Supplements & Nutrition, making it easier to find exactly what you need.

2. COPD: Answers to Your Questions by Donald A. Mahler

Dr. Donald A. Mahler offers a practical and easy-to-follow guide for individuals living with COPD and their families. Drawing on 30 years of clinical experience, this book tackles the real-world questions patients often ask during appointments. It simplifies complex medical jargon into clear, accessible language, making it a valuable resource for anyone affected by COPD.

The book follows a question-and-answer format, addressing topics like “Why am I short of breath?” and “What are flare-ups and how can I prevent them?” Each chapter starts with a real-life patient story, highlighting unique challenges faced by those with COPD. These stories are followed by actionable advice and updates on the patient’s outcomes. This structure makes the information relatable while offering evidence-based solutions for managing the condition.

A Comprehensive Approach to COPD Management

What makes this book stand out is its broad perspective on COPD care. While many resources focus mainly on medications, Dr. Mahler goes further, offering insights into lifestyle changes, alternative therapies, and day-to-day management tips. It even includes helpful tables and quick-reference tips for readers to use at a glance.

"Drawing from his own long-term experience and expertise, as well as common questions asked by his patients and their caregivers, Dr. Mahler has written a book that will be very useful to motivated readers. I have not read other books on the topic of this scope and quality. Substantive and accurate, it touches on a comprehensive list of issues that are on patients' minds."
– E. James Britt, MD, University of Maryland School of Medicine [4][5]

Stories of Patient Success

The book doesn’t just provide medical advice - it also shares how real patients have benefited from its guidance. For example, reader Darlene Morse shared her thoughts:

"A clear explanation of my questions concerning my COPD and presentations of different treatments available to me. These different options of treatment are explained clearly and provide the reader with visual uses of the treatments along with written instructions. I had the option of discussing which treatment I felt worked better for me with the Doctor which was a true plus. I would recommend this book to any individual suffering from COPD. It will provide you with a clearer understanding of what you can do to help living with the ailment comfortably."
– Darlene Morse [4][5][6]

Reader Feedback and Accessibility

With a 4.5-star rating on Amazon from 39 reviews, readers frequently commend the book for its clarity and practical advice. Shawn Richardson, who bought copies for family members with COPD, shared:

"This book is great and so easy to read! Both my mom and my grandmother have COPD and of all the literature we have read this is by far the easiest to understand. I bought them each a copy and it also helps me to have informed conversations with them. Thank you!"
– Shawn Richardson [4]

Endorsed by Medical Experts

Healthcare professionals also recommend this book as a valuable tool for patients and caregivers. Dr. Sanjay Sethi from the University of Buffalo highlights its potential to improve patient outcomes:

"I wish all my patients and their caregivers would read this book. It will empower them to better handle their COPD, and also make my management of their condition more successful. This book can take patient-doctor communication about their condition to the next level, resulting in much better outcomes and treatment results."
– Dr. Sanjay Sethi [7]

These endorsements underline the book’s importance as a resource for managing COPD effectively.

Affordable Options for Everyone

The book is available in various formats to suit different preferences and budgets. Paperback editions range from $11.63 to $16.58, the Kindle version is priced at $15.75, and the audiobook is free with membership. For those looking for a bargain, used copies can be found starting at just $1.96.

This guide is especially helpful for newly diagnosed patients feeling overwhelmed by their condition and for those who have been managing COPD for years but want to refine their approach. With a focus on empowering patients and improving communication with doctors, it’s a must-have for anyone serious about improving their respiratory health.

3. Managing COPD by Richard E.K. Russell, Paul A. Ford, Peter J. Barnes, and Sarah Russell

This 102-page guide serves as a practical tool for addressing COPD, with a strong focus on early intervention and actionable treatment strategies. Created by a team of respiratory specialists, it bridges the gap between complex clinical research and real-world patient care.

By emphasizing early intervention and patient education, the book helps individuals take an active role in their healthcare. This foundation is followed by detailed, evidence-based recommendations for managing COPD effectively.

Evidence-Based Guidelines Made Accessible

The authors integrate guidelines from organizations like GOLD, ATS, and NICE into straightforward, actionable steps. As they explain:

"Managing COPD is an in-depth resource detailing how healthcare professionals can intervene early and educate patients at an early stage and thereby slow the onset of severe symptoms. This book has been designed to increase physician awareness of the pathological processes involved in the aetiology of COPD which underpins effective disease management." [9]

Comprehensive Coverage: From Basics to Advanced Care

The book is organized into six chapters, providing a thorough exploration of COPD management:

Addressing Everyday Challenges

The guide also tackles the practical difficulties of daily life with COPD. It suggests strategies for reducing physical strain, such as reorganizing commonly used items to minimize unnecessary movement. This is particularly important since studies show that 36.9% of COPD patients need help with routine tasks [10]. Common struggles include mobility, dressing, bathing, cooking, shopping, and cleaning.

Mixed Feedback

Reader opinions are divided. While one Amazon review (1.0/5) criticizes outdated treatment information and the book's price, Goodreads users rate it more favorably, with a score of 4.00/5 [8][9].

This guide is especially valuable for patients who want to understand the scientific reasoning behind their treatment options and prefer a medical perspective on managing COPD.

4. ABC of COPD by Graeme P. Currie

This guide has become a go-to resource for understanding COPD, offering a comprehensive look at the condition from diagnosis to end-of-life care. Its straightforward explanations of complex medical topics make it especially helpful for patients wanting to learn more about their illness.

The third edition provides the latest insights into COPD in a way that’s easy to digest and highly practical. As the publisher notes:

"The third edition of the ABC of COPD provides the entire multidisciplinary team across both primary and secondary care with an up-to-date, easy to read and accessible account of this common lung disorder." [12]

This practical approach ensures readers gain actionable strategies for managing the challenges of daily life with COPD.

Practical Guidance for Everyday Life

The book goes beyond standard treatment guidelines to address real-world concerns. It covers topics like traveling with oxygen, when to start pulmonary rehabilitation, and what to expect from diagnostic tests.

Connecting Medical Insights to Patient Care

What sets this guide apart is how it connects the science of COPD to treatment decisions. By explaining the "why" behind therapies, it helps patients feel more confident advocating for their care and making informed choices.

Reader Feedback

The third edition has been well-received, holding a 4.2 out of 5-star rating on Amazon based on 20 reviews. The second edition fares even better with a 4.6-star rating [11][12]. Readers appreciate its practical focus, though it’s most useful for those with some familiarity with medical terminology.

Whether you're a patient gearing up for a specialist visit or trying to make sense of complex treatment options, ABC of COPD is an excellent resource to have on hand. It bridges the gap between clinical knowledge and patient understanding, making it easier to navigate life with COPD.

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5. Better Living with COPD by Lung Foundation Australia

This booklet, created by Lung Foundation Australia, serves as a practical guide for managing COPD at every stage. It covers everything from understanding lung function and diagnostic tests to addressing risk factors that impact daily life. The guide also provides actionable strategies to help you better manage your condition day-to-day.

Practical Daily Management Tips

Inside, you'll find advice on managing COPD effectively every day. It includes tips for preventing flare-ups, improving breathing techniques, and incorporating exercise into your routine. There are also suggestions for conserving energy, pacing yourself during activities, and addressing mental health and intimacy challenges.

More Than Just the Basics

The booklet goes beyond standard care by discussing topics like home oxygen therapy, dietary adjustments, and managing swallowing difficulties related to COPD. It even offers travel tips to help you stay active and connects you to local community support services for additional help.

Accessible and Supportive

One of the best features of this guide is how easy it is to access. You can download, print, or share it as needed. Plus, if you have questions or need further assistance, Lung Foundation Australia's Information and Support Centre is just a call away at 1800 654 301. The booklet breaks down complex medical information into straightforward, user-friendly advice, making it an invaluable resource for managing COPD effectively.

6. COPD Symptom Tracker Journal

A COPD symptom tracker journal is a personal tool designed to help you monitor your symptoms, medications, and lifestyle factors that influence your breathing. Whether you prefer a written or digital format, this journal can reveal patterns and triggers for flare-ups, making it easier for you and your healthcare team to manage your condition. It works hand-in-hand with other self-management tools found on COPD Essentials.

Why Symptom Tracking Matters

Consistent tracking gives you a clearer understanding of your health. For those managing chronic conditions, keeping a record of symptoms is crucial [14]. A detailed log helps improve communication with your doctor and can even aid in spotting early signs of a COPD exacerbation [13][15]. It acts as a bridge between your daily routine and medical consultations, ensuring nothing important is overlooked.

Features of a Good Tracker

The best journals provide space to record vital COPD symptoms. Look for options that allow you to log oxygen levels, medications, sleep quality, and environmental factors [16]. The most useful trackers may also include sections for personal details, emergency contacts, healthcare provider information, medication lists, and upcoming appointments [16]. Some even include prompts to guide you in capturing essential data every day.

How It Impacts Your Care

Studies show that electronic symptom tracking can significantly improve COPD management. For example, one study found that patients using an electronic diary maintained over 80% compliance during a six-month period [17]. The same research revealed that shortness of breath, a symptom tracked in over half of the entries, was strongly linked to limitations in daily activities [17]. Additionally, keeping a medication diary can improve adherence, helping ensure medications are taken correctly [13]. Including notes on timing and technique in your journal can address common medication-related issues.

Tips for Effective Tracking

Keep your entries straightforward and accurate. When visiting your doctor, summarize noticeable patterns instead of presenting every single detail [14]. Focus on tracking key factors like flare-up dates and times, medication schedules, meals, fluid intake, mood changes, sleep quality, and exercise routines. This kind of consistent record-keeping can uncover connections that improve your overall health and reinforce the self-management strategies discussed earlier.

Affordable Options to Get Started

You can find COPD symptom tracker journals starting at $9.99, typically in a handy 6x9-inch size [16]. Whether you choose a physical journal or a digital version, the key is to pick a system that you’ll use regularly. Electronic diaries are becoming increasingly popular, as they reduce data entry errors and boost compliance compared to paper-based records [15]. Regardless of format, a dependable tracker can play a vital role in managing your condition effectively.

7. The COPD Workbook: Practical Strategies for Living Well with Chronic Lung Disease

The COPD Workbook, also referred to as "Living Well with Chronic Lung Disease", serves as a hands-on guide for individuals managing COPD or other chronic lung conditions. Priced at $6.01 for 64 pages, it’s designed to build self-care skills and improve daily living [18].

What Sets This Workbook Apart

This workbook isn’t just for reading - it’s meant to be actively used and customized. It includes sections for jotting down personal goals, tracking medications, planning exercises, and recording daily activities. With vivid color photography and detailed anatomical illustrations, it simplifies complex concepts. It also encourages collaboration with healthcare providers, offering prompts for discussing treatment options and creating tailored care plans [18]. This interactive format makes it a practical tool for everyday COPD management.

Practical Skills Covered

Beyond its tracking tools, the workbook dives into essential topics like exercise routines, breathing techniques, and energy-saving methods. It also offers clear guidance on medication use, including tips for inhalers, nebulizers, and the basics of oxygen therapy [18].

Addressing More Than Just Physical Health

The workbook goes beyond physical care to tackle environmental and emotional aspects of living with COPD. It provides advice on making your home safer, improving emotional well-being, and staying socially connected. There’s also support for quitting smoking, preventing infections, and managing sleep issues, with information on CPAP and BiPAP machines [18].

Planning for the Future

In addition to daily strategies, this guide helps with long-term planning. One standout feature is a section on creating an Advance Medical Directive, ensuring your healthcare preferences are documented. It’s particularly beneficial for those who can’t attend pulmonary rehabilitation programs, offering relatable stories and examples from other COPD patients [39, 41].

Tips for Effective Use

The workbook is structured to guide you through two phases: an activation phase (weeks 7–26) and a maintenance phase (weeks 27–66). This gradual approach helps you build sustainable habits, encouraging moderate-intensity activity throughout your day rather than relying solely on structured workouts. Its flexible design allows you to tackle as much or as little as you feel ready for, adapting to your personal needs [19].

Resource Comparison Table

Find the COPD resource that aligns with your needs, experience, and learning style. Each option focuses on specific aspects of COPD management, ranging from basic education to detailed self-care strategies.

This table provides a clear breakdown of each resource, making it easier to find the best fit for your COPD management needs.

When selecting a resource, think about how its focus and features match your current stage of COPD and learning preferences. For example, digital and device-based tools like COPD Essentials offer practical aids for daily living, while books like COPD: Answers to Your Questions and Managing COPD provide in-depth medical knowledge. If you prefer an interactive approach, The COPD Workbook and COPD Symptom Tracker Journal encourage active participation, helping you stay on top of your health.

For beginners or caregivers, options like ABC of COPD and Better Living with COPD offer straightforward explanations and lifestyle tips without overwhelming technical details. On the other hand, advanced patients might find more value in resources like Managing COPD, which covers complex treatment strategies, or The COPD Workbook, which focuses on self-management techniques.

Some resources also address emotional and social aspects of living with COPD. For instance, Better Living with COPD emphasizes psychological well-being and lifestyle integration, while The COPD Workbook includes guidance on planning for the future, such as advance directives.

Ultimately, your choice should depend on your stage of COPD, comfort with self-management, and specific priorities. For example, newly diagnosed individuals might pair a foundational book with a symptom tracker, while those with more experience could focus on advanced tools or strategies to improve daily living.

Conclusion

Living with COPD doesn’t mean resigning yourself to limits - it’s about finding the right tools to take charge of your health and improve your daily routine. The resources shared in this guide provide practical ways to manage symptoms, boost your quality of life, and build confidence in handling COPD.

Research highlights that self-management strategies empower individuals with COPD to develop essential skills, adopt healthier behaviors, and receive emotional support [20]. By engaging with these tools, you’re making meaningful strides toward better health and more effective disease management.

In fact, studies indicate that self-management programs can improve quality of life and reduce hospital visits for respiratory issues by as much as 25% [20].

To get started, consider choosing one or two resources that fit your situation. If you’re newly diagnosed, pairing a beginner-friendly book like ABC of COPD with a symptom tracker journal could be helpful. For a more comprehensive approach, you might combine The COPD Workbook with digital tools from COPD Essentials to stay on top of your care plan.

Consistency is key. Set aside time each day for activities like breathing exercises, tracking symptoms, or reviewing educational materials. Share your plan with your healthcare team, family, and caregivers. This collaborative effort strengthens your support system and ensures everyone knows how to assist you during tougher moments.

Digital tools can also make a big difference, helping you monitor your condition closely and potentially catch flare-ups early, which may lower the risk of hospital visits [3]. Whether you prefer traditional resources or modern apps, the goal remains the same: equipping yourself with the knowledge and confidence to effectively manage COPD and take control of your health.

FAQs

faq

How can I choose the best COPD resource for my current needs?

To find the best COPD resource for your needs, consider where you are in managing the condition and the type of support you’re looking for. Look for materials that address symptom management, breathing exercises, or daily routines specifically designed for COPD patients. Tools like journals or workbooks can also be great for keeping track of your symptoms and progress over time.

If you’ve been recently diagnosed, start with resources that break down the basics of COPD and offer practical steps to help you manage your condition. For those who have been living with COPD longer, seek out materials that dive into advanced management strategies or provide emotional support to enhance your day-to-day life. Make sure the resources you choose are straightforward and align with your personal goals for staying on top of COPD.

faq

How can a COPD symptom tracker journal help me manage my condition and improve conversations with my doctor?

A COPD symptom tracker journal can be an incredibly helpful resource for staying on top of your condition. By jotting down your symptoms regularly, you might start to notice patterns or catch early warning signs of a potential flare-up. This habit not only helps you manage your day-to-day health but also gives you a clearer picture of how your symptoms evolve over time.

Bringing this journal to your doctor’s appointments can make a big difference, too. It provides your doctor with detailed, organized information that can guide them in adjusting your treatment plan to better fit your needs. This kind of teamwork can lead to more precise care and help you address symptoms quickly and effectively.

faq

How does the myCOPD app improve COPD management compared to traditional pulmonary rehabilitation programs?

The myCOPD app brings a fresh way to handle COPD management by offering home-based pulmonary rehabilitation programs. Instead of attending traditional in-person sessions, users can follow customized exercises and breathing techniques right from their homes, making it easier and more convenient to stick with the program.

One standout feature is the ability for healthcare providers to remotely monitor progress and offer personalized feedback. Studies have shown that this digital method achieves health outcomes comparable to traditional rehab programs, while also boosting participation and completion rates. For many, it’s a practical and tailored way to stay on top of their COPD symptoms.