DINGMAN: And I know you’re hooked up to an oxygen machine here — does that make it difficult?  JENSEN: No — well, yeah, mobility, and I have COPD, and I have trouble breathing. This business was part of the factor I have COPD, because I had a shop without ventilation. That’s why my lungs are not working. DINGMAN: Wait. So your lungs were damaged by doing the typewriter work? JENSEN: By the smell of the chemicals.  DINGMAN: He says his lung condition was diagnosed seven years ago.   JENSEN: They gave me a five-year life span. That was seven years ago, so I’m already beatin’ it.  DINGMAN: Ever the gambler, Duane’s still fixing typewriters. These days, he keeps a fan blowing, and works with the garage door open.

There is currently no role for methylxanthines or chest physical therapy (PT). NIV is the preferred method of ventilatory support and has been shown to improve outcomes in COPD exacerbations