Ask Mark Gary M. from EFFORTS asks, What are the benefits of a smoker quitting when he/she has emphysema? My guess is that shortness of breath may improve but not lung function. Are we just dragging things out? Mark answers: It has been my observation and experience with thousands of folks over decades, that quitting,…
Ask Mark Many readers have asked Mark about the publicized Buteyko method of breathing that is advertised to bring relief to those with asthma and other lung problems. Mark warns: Buteyko may hold potential benefit for those with “acute asthma”, but it has no place in treat- ment or management of COPD – Chronic Obstructive…
Dear Dr. Bauer, I often feel chills and shiver when I don’t have a cold or infection. Could this be due to the fact that I am on oxygen therapy? JMB, Orlando FL Many patients on home oxygen ask me if there are any long-term side effects to oxygen therapy and what the proper flow…
Ask Mark Chris from EFFORTS asks if an oxygen saturation level below 94% will cause permanent damage to the body’s organs. Mark replies: There is no evidence that a sustained saturation of 93% will significantly affect brain function or judgment. While at 88% things may start to get a little fuzzy for some,…
EFFORTS member, Meryl, recently asked Mark about anesthesia for COPD people. Her recentpulmonary function test revealed an FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in one second) of 25% to 30% of normal. Mark replies: “While a FEV1 25% to 30% is low in…