Written by Cara Collins, MS, RRT. Reviewed by:  Kamal Jethwani, MD, MPH   Chronic respiratory conditions, such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), are a major public health issue affecting millions of people across the globe. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), COPD is the 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S., with a high economic burden attributed to the treatment of exacerbations. Clinical researchers predict a potential increase in the number of people living with chronic respiratory conditions, such as ..read more

For many people, the holiday season brings lots of excitement, celebrations, and socializing. It's the ideal time of year to eat, drink, and be merry while catching up with family and friends. If you live with a chronic respiratory condition such as COPD, the holiday season can also bring some challenges. Fortunately, if you plan ahead and stay safe, you can still partake in holiday fun — even while living with COPD or another chronic respiratory condition. Here are some tips to help you have a safe and enjoyable holiday season. Simplify Your Holiday Travel Plans The holiday season is typica ..read more

  Each year, the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) organizes World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Day to share knowledge, raise awareness, and discuss the impact of COPD with the world. This year, the World COPD Day theme is “Living Well with COPD,” but what does that mean? Although there is no cure for COPD, there are several ways that patients can actively live well – because living with COPD doesn’t mean you can’t  lead an active and fulfilled life. While living with a chronic respiratory condition requires you to make some life ..read more

Cystic fibrosis presents many challenges, and a CF diagnosis can mean different things to each individual. Even though being diagnosed with CF can mean that you have limitations, it shouldn’t stop you from living your life to the fullest. Many people with CF have a good quality of life, often enjoying travel, rewarding careers, fun hobbies, and loving families.  If you have cystic fibrosis, it’s essential to know that you’re not alone. Around 33,000 people in the United States are living with cystic fibrosis, with about 1,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Although there isn’t a cure fo ..read more

  Our lungs are one of the hardest working organs in the body. In fact, the average person takes around 20,000 breaths per day — so it's no wonder that we notice even the smallest reduction in lung function. Our health habits, environment, and genes can wreak havoc with our respiratory health. With COVID-19 a significant concern for people with respiratory conditions, it's never been more important to give your lungs some TLC.  Whether you’re young or old, have a lung condition or not, there are simple things we can all do to promote good lung health. Here are five ways you can giv ..read more

For people living with asthma, the benefits of fresh air can’t be understated — especially when it comes to the home. Unfortunately, indoor air is often stale and dry and can contain pollutants that exacerbate asthma symptoms. Household cleaning products, HVAC systems, and electronics all pump chemical vapors into your home, causing the air quality to decrease.     If you’re looking to make your home more asthma and allergy-friendly, the good news is that there’s a simple and affordable way to improve your air quality—the humble house plant! Not only are houseplants pretty look at a ..read more

Spring cleaning might seem like a chore and it's easy to overlook some areas of the home that are breeding grounds for bacteria and dust bunnies. But doing so can spell trouble for family members with asthma and allergies. It's crucial to keep a clean home if you want to reduce your allergy and asthma symptoms because your daily surroundings can directly impact both asthma and allergies. At the same time, remember to take steps to ensure that cleaning won’t irritate your asthma or allergies. Here are five consistently forgotten spots in the home that should be deep cleaned befor ..read more

As the old adage goes, you are what you eat. If you have asthma, you might be wondering how certain foods and diet choices could affect your condition. Although there’s no conclusive evidence that any specific diet plan affects asthma symptoms, some foods and lifestyle choices may help you manage your condition.  OPTIMAL ASTHMA DIET Eating a nutritious and varied diet can improve your overall health and may improve your asthma symptoms. According to the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC), an increase in the consumption of processed foods could be linked ..read more

A cough can be a truly miserable problem to deal with. Not only can coughing irritate your throat and cause it to be sore and uncomfortable, but coughing can also disrupt your sleep, leaving you tired and lethargic.  There are many different kinds of coughs, and being able to identify them can help you to decide whether you need to seek medical advice. The easiest way to determine what type of cough you have is to pay attention to how it sounds and how it affects your body. Here are some common types of cough, what causes them and when you should see a doctor. WHAT IS A COUGH? Coughing is ..read more

If your healthcare provider has recommended a nebulizer for your respiratory treatment, you might be wondering how to find one that fits into your lifestyle. There are many nebulizer devices on the market, and choosing the right one can be confusing. From how it works, to the size and the manufacturer, the nebulizer you choose should fit seamlessly into your day-to-day life. Here are three tips to ensure you find the best nebulizer device for your needs. FIND A REPUTABLE COMPANY When it comes to inflammatory respiratory conditions, it's extremely important to choose a medical-grade drug delive ..read more