Respiratory News Respiratory Care recently reported on a new automatic oxygen regulator available in Italy that will adjust oxygen flow in response to the users saturation. The small device is strapped and connected to a portable oxygen unit and a pulse oximeter. It will increase and decrease the flow rate to your cannula as your…
Traveling News Save Money: Ship Your Bags! The AARP advises you to save money on airline fees and ship your luggage FedEx or UPS ground. It usually is less expensive and much less hassle! If you pack smart by rolling small items of clothing to fit in spaces of your luggage, you may be able…
Product Corner Talk to Your Local Oxygen Supplier Captive Technologies was founded last year by Ed Ratke, who also started Sequal Technologies, manufac- turer of the Eclipse Portable Oxygen Concentrator. The new company offers the O2 Talon™, a tool for separating oxygen tubing from connectors, tanks or concentrators. The retail price is $17.95. They also…
Fibrosis File Important Finding The New England Journal of Medicine tells us scientists have discovered a genetic variation associated with the MUC5B gene which may increase the risk of developing Pulmonary Fibrosis (PF). The study’s findings of the role of MUC5B may alter the course of PF research by focusing attention to mucus production in…
Calling Dr. Bauer … Dear Dr. Bauer, I am concerned about swelling in my legs that seems to be getting worse. I am on a controlled no-salt diet and take diuretics. What can you can tell me? J L It may stretch your imagination, but indeed, leg swelling can be a sign of lung…
Respiratory News A blood test designed to uncover early signs of emphysema before symptoms become apparent could become part of your yearly physical! The test detects early emphysema 95 percent of the time and has the potential to persuade a person to stop smoking before his or her emphysema worsens. Measurements of endothe- lial microparticles,…
Product Corner Keeping It Light! Designed for children with asthma, (but usable by big kids too!), a Digger Dog compressor makes taking your nebulizer treatments a little more fun. It is portable at 3.5 pounds and comes with a dog house tote bag. Available from Briggs Medical Service for $42.79 plus shipping You might prefer…
Are You Communicating with Your Doctor? The March 2011 issue of Consumer Reports has the bold headline, “What Doctors Wish Their Patients Knew”. The article is based on survey results from 660 primary physicians and over 49,000 subscribers to the magazine. You will read many interesting findings. Respect, courtesy and professionalism were very impor- tant…
Traveling News Attend the U.S. COPD Coalition Conference The U.S. COPD Coalition is hosting the second national COPD Conference on December 2 and 3, 2011 at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, VA. The first national COPD Conference, held in 2003, spurred nearly a decade of progress in COPD diagnosis, treatment, research and education efforts.…
Fibrosis File New Guidelines The American Thoracic Society (ATS) has issued new official clinical guidelines on the diagnosis and management of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) and published this joint statement in the March 15 issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. The ATS collaborated with the European Respiratory Society, the Japanese…