Respiratory

How to Use a Pulse Oximeter
Respiratory

How to Use a Pulse Oximeter

Timothy Connolly, MD | April 15, 2021

Some COVID-19 sufferers experience dangerous drops in blood oxygen and a pulse oximeter can monitor that. But misunderstanding how to use it could be dangerous. 

3 Signs of a Lung Emergency
Respiratory

3 Signs of a Lung Emergency

Kevin McQueen | July 29, 2020

The warning signs that respiratory illness has become serious can be subtle and easy to discount. Here’s what indicates you need emergency help.

What Does It Mean to Be on a Ventilator?
What Your Doctor Isn't Telling You

What Does It Mean to Be on a Ventilator?

David Sherer, MD | April 18, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has raised fears about being on a ventilator. Here’s what it means…plus tips should that unlikely but daunting prospect arise.

Ozone-Safe Primatene Mist Inhaler Is Not Safe for Asthma
Asthma

Ozone-Safe Primatene Mist Inhaler Is Not Safe for Asthma

August 1, 2019

Primatene Mist epinephrine inhaler is now ozone-safe, FDA-approved and back on the market—but a dangerous choice for people with asthma. Here’s why.

Lung Problems? Your Medication Could Be the Culprit
Respiratory

Lung Problems? Your Medication Could Be the Culprit

June 17, 2019

More than two dozen widely used drugs can lead to shortness of breath or some other lung problem. Here are the ones to check…

Vaping? Your E-Cigarette’s Flavor Puts Your Health at Risk
Respiratory

Vaping? Your E-Cigarette’s Flavor Puts Your Health at Risk

March 29, 2019

Flavorings added to e-cigarettes makes vaping even worse for your lungs—raising risk for various lung diseases and possibly lung cancer.

The Bottom Line Guide to Outliving the Flu
Respiratory

The Bottom Line Guide to Outliving the Flu

William Schaffner, MD | December 17, 2018

Despite best efforts, you’re now sidelined with the flu. Take these quick steps to speed the journey to feeling better.

Triple Therapy for COPD: Greater Benefits But Also Greater Risk
COPD

Triple Therapy for COPD: Greater Benefits But Also Greater Risk

December 3, 2018

For severe COPD, multi-drug treatment can improve breathing but comes with a dangerous warning.

If You Have Asthma, Do This to Protect Yourself from AFib
Asthma

If You Have Asthma, Do This to Protect Yourself from AFib

Aivaras Cepelis, MSci | October 29, 2018

The risk for this dangerous irregular heartbeat is higher in people with asthma. Here’s what you need to do to help prevent it.

Why Do I Choke On My Saliva?
Respiratory

Why Do I Choke On My Saliva?

Murray Grossan, MD | August 23, 2018

Choking and coughing from inhaling your own saliva can be embarrassing. Is it a sign of something serious? Find out…plus tips that help…

Cleaning Your Home Can Harm Your Lungs
Respiratory

Cleaning Your Home Can Harm Your Lungs

Philip J. Landrigan, MD | July 11, 2018

People who clean their homes regularly can suffer lung-function decline similar to that of cigarette smokers. Here’s how to protect yourself.

Can’t Catch Your Breath? The Problem May Have Nothing to Do With Your Lungs…
COPD

Can’t Catch Your Breath? The Problem May Have Nothing to Do With Your Lungs…

Len Horovitz, MD | April 20, 2018

Perhaps climbing a flight or two of stairs has never really affected your breathing—until now. Or maybe you notice that…

Quiz: What Do You Really Know About Your Lungs?
Respiratory

Quiz: What Do You Really Know About Your Lungs?

April 6, 2018

Your lungs are the largest organ in your body—and amazing! Learn what’s normal for them…what’s not…and how to keep them healthy.

Keep a Common Cold Out of Your Lungs—Especially If You Have Asthma
Asthma

Keep a Common Cold Out of Your Lungs—Especially If You Have Asthma

Richard ­Firshein, DO | January 12, 2018

If you're prone to bronchitis or pneumonia or have asthma, you may freak out any time someone near you coughs…

4 Secrets to Easier Breathing
Respiratory

4 Secrets to Easier Breathing

Gerard J. Criner, MD | January 12, 2018

Simple ways to help yourself when you just can't catch your breath... If you can't catch your breath, walking, climbing…