Near Birth Events May Contribute To 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... By John Bottrell, RRT3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments7 comments
Home NIV for COPD May Prolong LifeHome NIV, which stands for "non-invasive ventilation," is a method of treatment that can make breathing easier in certain people during end-stage COPD. COPD is a progressive, incurable disease that... By Kathi MacNaughton3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments1 comments
6 Common Nebulizer MedicinesSo, 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... By John Bottrell, RRT3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments14 comments
Is COPD an Autoimmune Disease?COPD is a chronic respiratory illness that gets worse over time. It is sometimes known as emphysema or chronic bronchitis. Although preventable in most cases, and always treatable initially, it... By Kathi MacNaughton2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
A List of All Inhalers Part 1: The BronchodilatorsEditor'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... By John Bottrell, RRT2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments6 comments
What Is The Placebo Effect?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... By John Bottrell, RRT3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
What is Asthma?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... By John Bottrell, RRT3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
COPD Lexicon: Inhaler Terms To KnowMost people with COPD use inhalers. So, what are they? How do they work? Here are some basic terms to help you better understand inhalers. It's a small, hand-held device... By John Bottrell, RRT2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Identifying COPD Early On for Better OutcomesCOPD affects more than 16 million people in the United States alone. In fact, it's the most common lung disease in the world. Even more staggering is the fact that... By Kathi MacNaughton3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
What is a Patient Advisory Council?Patient engagement has evolved in the public and private sectors over the years. Many organizations including healthcare institutions, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, foundations and non-profit associations are forming patient advisory... By Editorial Team 2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
COPD Lexicon: Stem Cell TherapyStem cell therapy has benefited people with other diseases. The dream is it will help people with COPD. The reality is this probably won’t happen for another 20 years or... By John Bottrell, RRT4 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
What Are Blue Bloaters And Pink Puffers?Listed here are some older terms used to describe COPDers. Rarely are they seen in medical literature these days. But, occasionally I’m asked about them by patients. The terms I’m... By John Bottrell, RRT3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments8 comments
Hospital Oxygen Delivery DevicesSo, you're having a flare-up. You require the services of an emergency room. A nurse or respiratory therapist will assess your oxygen levels. If they are low, you may need... By John Bottrell, RRT3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Tips for Preventing COPD Flare-UpsWhen you have COPD, flare-ups (also known as exacerbations) are part of your life. They may not happen every day. But chances are you will experience a flare-up of some... By Kathi MacNaughton3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments11 comments
COPD Lexicon: More Pharmacology Terms To KnowIn a previous post I defined “Basic Pharmacological Terms To Know.” In this post, I’d like to define some more pharmacological terms to know. These are terms relating to medicines... By John Bottrell, RRT2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments6 comments
COPD Lexicon: Home Oxygen Terms to Know So, I’ve already discussed “Oxygen Terms To Know." Today, I’d like to discuss HOME oxygen terms to know. This is because some people with COPD require home oxygen. So, it’s... By John Bottrell, RRT3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
COPD and the Flu: What's New for 2018-19?Well, it's that time of year again. The temperatures are starting to drop, schools are back in session and fall is on the horizon. In fact, the leaves are even... By Kathi MacNaughton2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Pros and Cons Of Computer ChartingSo, computer charting is nice. It gives us healthcare people access to so much information. It makes our charting easier. And it improves safety, or so they say. This is... By John Bottrell, RRT2 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Could Aspirin Make Your COPD Less Severe?Recent studies suggest that people who take aspirin on a regular basis may have better COPD outcomes than people who do not use aspirin. More study is certainly needed in... By Kathi MacNaughton1 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments1 comments
COPD Lexicon: Pharmacology Terms To KnowThere are lots of medicines for treating COPD. Some help end COPD flare-ups. Others are meant to prevent flare-ups and control COPD. Here are some of the basic terms regarding... By John Bottrell, RRT3 min readBookmark for laterReactions 0 reactions Comments1 comments