Comparisons

💡TL;DR: Asthma is not an autoimmune disease; it’s a chronic inflammatory airway condition where the immune system overreacts to external triggers (like pollen, dust, smoke, or cold air). In autoimmunity, the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues, which is not what happens in asthma. Treatments differ:

What Is a Portable Oxygen Concentrator and Who Needs One? A portable oxygen concentrator (POC) is a small, battery-powered medical device that pulls in room air, concentrates the oxygen, and sends it to you through a nasal cannula. Unlike oxygen tanks, POCs don’t store oxygen. They make it on

💡TL;DR: Clean pressurized metered‑dose inhalers once a week: remove the metal canister, rinse the plastic mouthpiece under warm water for 30–60 seconds, and air‑dry completely before reassembly. Dry powder inhalers should not be rinsed; wipe the mouthpiece dry and keep the device closed between uses. Soft‑

💡TL;DR: Yes—pneumonia can cause back pain when inflamed lung linings (pleurisy) make each deep breath or cough painful. The pain is usually sharp in the upper or mid‑back and occurs with cough, fever, and shortness of breath. About 1 million U.S. adults are hospitalized for pneumonia

💡TL;DR: For most people with asthma, an inhaler with a spacer works as well as a nebulizer when used correctly. Spacers deliver medicine in seconds and are highly portable, while nebulizers take about 5–10 minutes but are easier when normal breathing is all you can manage. Typical upfront

💡TL;DR: Nebulizers deliver medicated or sterile saline mist to the lungs; steam inhalers provide warm moisture for short-term comfort in the nose and throat. Home nebulizers typically cost about $40–$100+ while steam inhalers are about $30–$70; nebulizers may be covered by Medicare Part B when medically necessary,

💡TL;DR: Never put Vicks VapoRub or any oils in a medical nebulizer. Use only sterile saline or prescribed, water‑based inhalation solutions because oils can reach the lungs and cause exogenous lipoid pneumonia, and thick ointments can clog or damage the device. For mentholated vapors, use devices made for

💡TL;DR: Both jet and mesh nebulizers deliver similar fine aerosol (MMAD ~3–5 μm) and effectively deliver most common medications. Mesh units are quiet, handheld, and typically finish a 2–4 mL dose in about 4–8 minutes; jet compressors are bulkier, louder, and often take 5–10 minutes.

What’s the Difference Between Reactive Airway Disease and Asthma? Hearing a doctor mention reactive airway disease when you expected to hear asthma can be confusing, especially when it’s about your child or someone you love. Both terms relate to breathing problems, wheezing, and coughing, but they’re not