COPD Drug News LAMA/LABA Combination Inhalers A long-acting muscarinic antagonist, or LAMA, is a medication for people with COPD that helps keep airways open and mucous secretions down. An example would be Spiriva® (tiotropium bromide). A long-acting beta2 agonist, or LABA, also works to keep airways open. An example would be Brovana®. Breo® Ellipta®…
Calling Dr. Bauer … Dear Dr. Bauer, How do you know when it’s time to go on hospice? ver the years, I have had several patients who have elected to have hospice care towards the end of their lives. I personally feel hospice organizations can offer immense benefits for people and their families. Hospice…
Advice for Santa A favorite re-written poem of the season by the late Jim Phillips of the Wheezenpuffs! T’was the night before Christmas and all through the house, Not a creature was stirring, ’Cept me and my spouse. If you’re wondering why, Let me do some explaining, We were doing a thing Called…
Editor’s Note You may have heard that there was a hurricane in Florida soon after one devastated parts of Texas. The news was relentless for a week urging people to prepare by boarding up their homes, to stock up on water and non-perishable foods and, if things looked too bad, to get ready to leave.…
Development News on a Flu Patch Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University have developed a flu patch that appears to be as effective as the traditional flu vaccine injection. Although it is still in the trial phase, completed studies are promising. The flu patch is a self-adhesive patch about the…
Respiratory News Apria Healthcare has launched a new program for people on non-invasive ven- tilation (as CPAP) that it says significantly reduces hospital admissions. As part of the Apria Clinical Evidence (ACE) program, re- spiratory therapists (RTs) perform regularly scheduled home visits to help you maintain compliance with therapy and intervene as needed…
LAST ISSUE’S ANSWERS: Comedy Quiz 1a. Who is considered to be the first stand-up comedian?: a) Frank Fay; b) Milton Berle; c) Will Rogers; d) Jack Benny (Answer: Frank Fay) Frank Fay was a vaudeville emcee who created a “revolutionary shift in stand-up” during the 1920s when he would serve as a host…
COPD Nutrition Sense: Eating Right to Stay Healthy WebMD.com reports: Breathing is hard work if you have COPD. Your inflamed lungs and partially blocked airways make it a struggle to get air in and out. That effort to breathe burns a lot of calories – way more than someone with healthy lungs. As…
This article is excerpted from public service information of the American Thoracic Society. Mold-Specific Concerns for Those with Lung Disease After natural disasters such as hurri- canes, tornadoes and floods, excess moisture and standing water may contribute to the growth of mold and other microbial contaminants in homes and other buildings and may be…
Lung Disease and Exercise It is okay to get short of breath when you exercise. Research into the benefits of exercise for people with chronic lung disease shows it is widely recognized as one of the most beneficial things you can do. What Are Your Options? Aerobic exercise gets your heart and lungs…