John Bottrell, RRT

COPD and Asthma are two different diseases. But, they also have many similarities. Both are chronic lung diseases. Both require those diagnosed with them to see doctors on a regular...

COPD and asthma are both obstructive lung diseases. Classic symptoms of both are shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The path to getting to a proper diagnosis of both...

Sometimes you present to your doctor with a complaint. You are experiencing symptoms. And you tell your doctor these symptoms. And the doctor has no clue what’s wrong with you...

There are 4 stages of COPD. Stages 1 and 2 are the "Early Stages." Many people in these early stages are undiagnosed. Many feel no symptoms at all. But, studies...

Triggers are things that cause flare-ups. They are usually things outside your body or the environment around you. Although they can also be things occurring inside your body. Some triggers...

COPD is an acronym for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. It’s an umbrella term for lung diseases that cause persistent airflow limitation. Symptoms include coughing, sputum production, chest tightness, and shortness...

I first learned about this in 2015. The product is called the Endobronchial Valve System (EVS). It was supposed to improve the qualify of life for those living with severe...

Getting a lung transplant is an option for some people living with COPD. So, what exactly does this entail? What are the benefits and risks? Is this a good option...

So, you smoke and want to quit. Here are 6 things to avoid doing. This is all in an effort to make it easier to quit smoking for good. You...

Some people with COPD have low oxygen levels. This may require them to need oxygen at home. If you require oxygen, you’ll need some form of delivery device to deliver...

So, you have COPD. You’ve been seeing a doctor. You and your doctor developed a COPD Action Plan. You have certain medicines you have on hand. You may have some...

Editor's note: This is part 2 of a two-part series. Part 1 is titled 'A List of All Inhalers Part I: The Bronchodilators.' There are tons of inhalers for COPD...

It’s not just adult smoking of cigarettes that causes COPD. It’s also not just aging. Researchers are now learning that early life events, and things you’re exposed to early in...

Let’s face it! People with lung diseases spend WAY too much time in doctor’s offices. Sometimes we don’t have to wait very long. But, most often that’s not the case...

Often times we Respiratory Therapists have to take on the role of teacher. We do our part to fix you. Then we teach you. That's what we do. For me...

So, your doctor wants you to take breathing treatments. Or, perhaps you take breathing treatments already. Here are the 6 most common nebulized medicines used for COPD. Normal saline (sodium...

Editor's note: This is part 1 of a two-part series. Part 2 is titled 'A List of All Inhalers Part II: Combination Inhalers.' So, there are lots of new inhalers...

Placebos have been used as remedies since the beginning of medicine. But placebos are not medicine. When they make you feel better, what you’re experiencing is the placebo effect. So...

COPD is an umbrella term. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the most common diseases to fall under this umbrella. But, sometimes asthma qualifies. So, when does asthma qualify as COPD?...

Asthma is a chronic lung disease like COPD. Its symptoms can certainly mimic COPD. In fact, some people with COPD also have asthma. But, asthma is not COPD. So, what...