Calling Dr. Bauer Many of my patients (and The Pulmonary Paper readers) have asked me about measures to improve comfort and tolerance to their home oxygen therapy administered via their nasal prongs. Especially in winter months, dry oxygen gas can be very irritating to the nasal and upper airway passages. I will offer some…
Editor’s Note The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.” Oprah Winfrey Sometimes I get frustrated by things over which I usually have no control. Like how my home phone rings about 50 times a day with telemarketers or the cost of health insurance…
Celebrating the Holidays with COPD Planning ahead for the holidays can be the most valuable gift you can give yourself! Time is then on your side. If there is even a hint that a friend or relative has been sick with the flu or a cold, simply avoid the situation! Better safe than…
Respiratory News It’s no secret smoking is a hard habit to stop. Researchers from Mexico City pre- scribed Chantix (Varenicline) to 30 heavy smokers with COPD for periods beyond the standard recommendation of 12 weeks. In the 28 smokers for whom follow up data were available, 20 were not smoking at 12 and…
COPD and Gastrointestinal Esophageal Reflux Dise Patricia Bratianu reports on www.newlife outlook.com, that people with lung disease have a higher than average likelihood of also being diagnosed with gastrointestinal esophageal reflux disease (GERD). Symptoms include a feeling of fullness, burping and heartburn, and occur because stomach acid backs up into your esophagus. The…
Everything You Wanted to Know about the Flu Vaccine! Can you get the flu from the flu shot? Simple answer – no. Who should get the flu shot? Everyone who is over the age of 6 months! What kind of flu shot should you get? The general public will be protected against the…
COPD ToolKit Offers to Help People with COPD and Their Caregivers The American Association for Respirato- ry Care (AARC) has partnered with Cambi- um Technologies to offer the COPD ToolKit designed to help those with the disease and their caregivers develop the competence and confidence in managing COPD and decrease costly trips to the…
Pulmonary Rehabilitation is a Family Affair! A recent article in Respiratory Care found involving family members and caregivers in a comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation program, including maintenance afterwards, was a very good idea! The results were better understanding of the treatments and medications that are prescribed and better ability to cope with lifestyle changes. The…
The Ryan Report Home Oxygen Guru – The HO2G Pen My flow requirements have increased to the point that I use a high-flow stationary concentrator at home. It will go up to 10 liters per minute (LPM). While traveling, I have found that oxygen providers do not always have these available. I then…
Dietary Tips for Better Breathing The muscles used in breathing might require ten times more calories than those of a person without lung problems. To help increase your dietary intake and en- sure a healthy diet, the following are some nutritional tips for better breathing from a registered dietitian. Try to eat your…