Ask Mark … Reza A. of Florida always uses pursed lip breathing but asks Mark to explain why it helps. Mark explains, Pursed lip breathing (PLB) involves exhaling through puckered lips as if you were going to whistle. As an “exhalation” maneuver, PLB is intended to (1) splint the airways, allowing (2) extension of the…
Ask Mark Theresa wants to know what helps with her shaking? She takes Albuterol, Symbicort, Spiriva and Theophylline and often feels like her insides are quivering. Mark explains, There is a possibility that you are taking too much beta-agonist medication. Beta-agonists are medications that relax muscles of the airways, which opens them to…
Ask Mark … Linda from Florida takes QVAR, Proventil and Atrovent inhalers She is not sure which one is causing her to feel like her throat is scratchy and closing along with an unusual taste in her mouth. Mark suggests using a spacer or valved holding chamber when taking the inhalers if not…
Ask Mark Francine from EFFORTS asks Mark if it has ever been decided when is the best time to take Spiriva – morning or night? Mark Mangus RRT, BSRC, is a member of the Medical Board of EFFORTS (the online support group, Emphysema Foundation For Our Right To Survive, www.emphysema. net). He generously…
Ask Mark Brian from Canada asks, Are there recommended indoor conditions or filtering equipment for someone with COPD? Mark replies, This question comes up again and again among those with COPD. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to answer with much of a helpful response. Indoor air quality is an ongoing and difficult issue that affects…
Ask Mark Whether trying to gain or maintain weight, I have seen many people with COPD follow diets of foods high in carbohydrates. Instead, you should aim for a diet that is made up of less than 40 percent fats. Cholesterol is an essential component and is manufactured in our body. It plays a role…
Ask Mark … Nina from EFFORTS is wondering why she seems to get another infection as soon as she stops taking antibiotics! Mark explains, We have to consider that recurring infections may not be separate or new infections nor are they likely to be necessarily bacterial in nature. Antibiotics are effective only against bacteria and…
Ask Mark … Robert from New Mexico was told to gargle with water, every time he uses an inhaler or nebulizer and asks if this is necessary. Mark says, While it won’t hurt to rinse your mouth after using your Spiriva, Albuterol, Formoterol or Salmeterol, it is not necessary to do so. It is the…
Conference of Patient Centered Approaches to COPD Pulmonary Horizons Jeanne Rommes, a COPD advo cate who is living with the disease, summed up the message of the re- cent Pulmonary Horizons confer- ence in San Diego CA, for health professionals: “Ask the patient what they want to do or are afraid to do and…
Ask Mark … Mark Mangus RRT, BSRC, is a member of the Medical Board of EFFORTS (Emphysema Foundation For Our Right To Survive, www. emphysema. net). He generously donates his time to answer members’ questions as well as for COPD Canada, www. copdcanada.ca. Ann from Canada, whose physician told her she has Stage III COPD,…