What Is a Diffusion Test (DLCO)? A common test in the COPD community is a pulmonary function test (PFT). A PFT includes a series of breathing tests to help determine how your lungs are functioning. One... By John Bottrell, RRTBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments12 comments
Researchers Find Pathway to Potential New COPD Treatment: NecroptosisResearchers continue to work overtime to learn more about COPD. A recent study links COPD with a certain kind of cell death and researchers think this may lead to a... By John Bottrell, RRTBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments8 comments
What Are Alveoli?They are called alveoli - small, grape-like clusters inside your lungs. They play a key role in the exchange of gases into and out of your lungs and this role... By John Bottrell, RRTBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments15 comments
Digital Health vs. Digital TherapeuticsTechnology is now a common way to deliver healthcare. Digital health products help prevent, diagnose, or manage chronic conditions. Devices range from wellness apps to artificial intelligence and wearable devices... By Editorial TeamBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
5 Medicines to Keep Your Heart HealthyOf all the people living with COPD, 20% also have a heart failure (HF) diagnosis. Likewise, people with COPD have a 4.5 times greater risk of developing HF than the... By John Bottrell, RRTBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments1 comments
Protein May Predict Which Smokers Will Develop COPDIf you follow my writings on a regular basis, you know how deep researchers are getting into COPD research. Sure, some of this research is complex and even confusing. But... By John Bottrell, RRTBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments14 comments
Targeted Lung Denervation for COPDChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory lung disease. With COPD, changes in the airways block the normal flow of air in and out of the lungs. This... By Editorial TeamBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
How Pharmacists Can Help People With COPDManaging a condition like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) calls for an entire team. While you might first think of your doctors and nurses, your pharmacist can also be a... By Editorial TeamBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments6 comments
Could a Protein One Day Prevent and Treat COPD?There is a protein COPD researchers are very interested in. It is called adenine nucleotide translocase (ANT). They are hoping this protein may someday be used as a potential treatment... By John Bottrell, RRTBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments9 comments
Starting Your Treatment With SpirivaSpiriva, also known as tiotropium, is a common drug used in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The following will highlight what to expect when starting your treatment with tiotropium. Tiotropium... By Nour SahibBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Lung Hyperinflation in COPDLung hyperinflation happens when air gets trapped in the lungs. It is sometimes called “long lungs.” The trapped air causes the lungs to inflate more than they should. People with... By Editorial TeamBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments12 comments
What Are Digital Therapeutics?Digital therapeutics (DTx) first entered clinical discussions in the 1990s. The idea was that technology could improve healthcare access. It could help overcome barriers of location, time, and resources. This... By Editorial TeamBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
What Are Flutter Valves and Acapellas? I have been getting lots of questions lately about flutter valves and acapellas. A common one that has been advertising heavily is a brand called AirPhysio. I am asked, “What... By John Bottrell, RRTBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments5 comments
Over-the-Counter Mucus Secretion Drugs: Do They Really Work?As a pharmacist, I am often asked whether over-the-counter mucus secretion drugs are beneficial for people with COPD. Some people with COPD produce significant amounts of thick mucus, causing difficulties... By Nour SahibBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments5 comments
Aortic Stenosis and COPDNearly half of the adults living in the United States have some form of heart disease and about 1 in 10 adults in the United States have a chronic lung... By Editorial TeamBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Coping With Mental Health: Motivational InterviewingPeople with substance abuse disorder are often unable to stop using harmful substances. The disease affects the brain and behavior, leading to an inability to control the use of drugs... By Editorial TeamBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Coping With Mental Health: Trauma-Informed CareTraumatic experiences can be life-changing, and it is well understood that such experiences can have long-term effects. In addition to mental health challenges, past traumatic experiences can lead to other... By Editorial TeamBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Coping With Mental Health: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) TherapySome people who have experienced a shocking, dangerous, or frightening event may develop a disorder known as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The symptoms of PTSD – including re-experiencing the traumatic... By Editorial TeamBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Coping With Mental Health: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)If you or someone you love is struggling with a mental health disorder, you are not alone. Twenty percent of adults in the United States experience at least 1 mental... By Editorial TeamBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Interpreting Oxygen LevelsDoctors will often monitor your oxygen levels. These can be monitored by using a pulse oximeter. You can monitor your own oxygen levels at home by purchasing your own pulse... By John Bottrell, RRTBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments20 comments