Ashley F. Darlington

💡TL;DR: COPD has 4 stages based on how much air you blow out in 1 second (FEV1) after a bronchodilator: ≥80% (mild), 50–79% (moderate), 30–49% (severe), and <30% (very severe). GOLD 2024 also groups people by symptoms and flare-up risk (A, B, E) to fine-tune treatment.

💡 TL;DR: Yes, you can have RSV and pneumonia at the same time. RSV can cause viral pneumonia within a few days (often around days 3 to 5), or set up a secondary bacterial pneumonia. Highest risk: infants, adults 65+, and people with lung or immune problems. Expect supportive care

💡 TL;DR: Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine) is a new twice-daily nebulized maintenance medicine that can help reduce COPD flare-ups and improve daily breathing. In clinical trials, people had about 36–43% fewer moderate or severe exacerbations over 6 months when it was added to usual care (PubMed). It is not a rescue

💡TL;DR: Most of the time, the answer is no: a nebulizer without medicine will not treat your lungs; you are just inhaling moist air. The only common exception is sterile 0.9% saline, which can add moisture and thin mucus, but it does not open airways or stop an

💡TL;DR: Green phlegm usually means your immune system is actively fighting an infection; the color alone does not prove it’s bacterial or that you need antibiotics. Most cases improve with home care in 1–3 weeks; watch the timeline and how you feel. Seek care sooner if you

💡TL;DR: Most people with stable asthma, COPD, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, or interstitial lung disease can travel safely with a simple plan. Airplane cabins are pressurized to about 6,000–8,000 feet, so bring rescue meds, hydrate, and ask your clinician about a fit‑to‑fly test or in‑

💡TL;DR: Mesh nebulizers create a fine 3–5 micron mist and, when used with good technique, deliver medication as effectively as jet units while being quieter and portable. To get the best results, sit upright, breathe slowly through a mouthpiece for lung treatments, finish the full dose (about 5–

💡TL;DR: Most nebulizer side effects come from the medicine, not the machine. Common effects like shakiness, a fast heartbeat, dry mouth, or cough are usually mild and fade in 20–30 minutes. Serious problems are uncommon, but chest pain, swelling, or worse wheeze right after a dose needs urgent

💡TL;DR: Use your rescue inhaler immediately, sit upright, and seek emergency care if symptoms don’t ease quickly or you notice severe warning signs. Most standard asthma inhalers are considered safe in pregnancy, and uncontrolled asthma is riskier to the baby than the medicines (Cleveland Clinic). Up to 45%