John Bottrell, RRT

Insurance companies have evolved significantly over the years. But many of these changes, in my opinion, seem to focus more on cutting costs and increasing profits than on ensuring patients...

Many people in this community have shared how challenging it is to gain sympathy and understanding from those in their lives who don't have COPD. Some people simply don’t grasp...

Living with a condition like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is challenging and far from enjoyable. Many are diagnosed only after years of leading a normal life, making acceptance and...

"How long will I live?" It’s a question that weighs heavily on the minds of many people with COPD, especially those with severe cases. But how do you answer that...

As my regular readers know, I am a respiratory therapist at a small-town hospital, where a significant portion of my patients are people living with COPD. In many ways, they...

Recently, I had the privilege of caring for someone with severe COPD. As we spent time together, I got to know her as both a patient and a person with...

When Zephyr® Valves emerged as a promising innovation, I was quick to document their potential in an article. Over time, I've heard numerous success stories. Most were through discussions with...

During a recent conversation with a home healthcare specialist, I discovered that high-frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) vests are now accessible for certain people managing COPD. But what exactly are...

Let's dive into the future. A future where living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) takes a turn for the better. My optimism stems from the promising winds of change...

Like many in our community, I couldn't imagine life without my trusty rescue inhaler. Over the 35 years I've been dealing with asthma, this little device has become a reliable...

We often refer to anyone with breathing issues as "lungers." This includes people with diseases like asthma (which I have) and COPD (which you may have). While lungers try to...

Pulse oximeters serve as essential tools for monitoring oxygen levels. Yet, like any device, they can encounter occasional issues, leading to inaccurate readings. This post aims to simplify the understanding...

If your doctor suggests trying a non-invasive ventilation (NIV) device like CPAP, BiPAP, or Trilogy ventilators, you might hesitate because you're not fond of the mask feeling on your face...

Having a friend or loved one with COPD can be challenging, both for them and for those who care about them. Here are some ways you can support and assist...

I recently had an intriguing conversation with one of my COPD patients and a friend who has asthma. During our discussion, I posed a thought-provoking question to both of them:...

Editor's note: Always consult your doctor before starting any medication or if you have any questions. As an asthma expert, I'm well aware that many asthmatics grapple with nasal issues...

We often discuss the importance of asking your doctor questions. Inquiring with your doctor not only aids in acquiring knowledge and addressing concerns but also fosters a collaborative healthcare journey...

You've heard of firsthand smoke. You know about secondhand smoke. But do you know about thirdhand smoke? Let's talk about what it is and why it matters to those with...

While I was growing up, severe asthma was my constant companion. When I became a respiratory therapist, I expected to connect with short-of-breath patients, assuming they'd be like me—fellow asthmatics...

In our community, the need for ventilator support is a shared reality. Among our conversations, terms like "ventilator," "Trilogy," "AVAPS," "BiPAP," and "CPAP" frequently surface. These terms hold diverse meanings...