Clinical

If 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...

Chronic 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...

Managing 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...

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...

Spiriva, 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...

Lung 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...

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...

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...

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...

Nearly 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...

Some 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...

Doctors 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...

There is growing evidence that spending time in nature can help people feel less depressed, anxious or stressed. Maintaining our connection to nature can improve one’s quality of life and...

Editor’s Note: LGBTQ+ stands for people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer. To learn more about gender identity, check out the interactive website The Genderbread Person. Have...

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is the name given to any disease that causes inflammation and/or scarring in the lungs. ILD's are grouped based on what causes them. There are over...

COPD and Congestive Heart Failure (CHF for short) are two of the most common chronic health conditions and also among the top 3 leading causes of death in the U.S...

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that can form in a deep vein. It usually occurs in the legs but can occur in other parts of the body...

Atrial fibrillation, also known as AFib, is the most common heart rhythm disorder (arrhythmia). It occurs when the atria, the two upper chambers of the heart, beat very fast in...

About 6.5 million Americans are living with heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women of most racial and ethnic groups in the U.S...

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of death around the world. Managing risk for CAD and understanding its signs and symptoms are important parts of a treatment plan...