Nebulizers

💡TL;DR: Most upper respiratory infections (URIs) are contagious because they are caused by viruses that spread easily through droplets and on your hands. You are usually most contagious in the first 2–3 days of symptoms and can spread infection for about 3–10 days overall. Stay home while

💡TL;DR: ALS gradually weakens the breathing muscles, so most people start with noninvasive ventilation (a BiPAP mask) when symptoms appear. A tracheostomy with a ventilator can extend life by a median of about 21 months after surgery, but it usually means 24/7 dependence on the machine and caregivers

💡TL;DR: Most babies, children, and adults with RSV get better with supportive care alone and never need an antiviral drug. Ribavirin is an older antiviral that is reserved for rare, very high-risk cases, such as some hospitalized infants and severely immunocompromised adults. Because it is expensive, difficult to administer,

Is There a Test for RSV? 💡TL;DR: Doctors can test for RSV with a quick nose swab that looks for the virus in your mucus. Testing is usually reserved for infants, older adults, and people with high-risk conditions or severe breathing problems, not for every mild cold. Rapid tests

💡TL;DR: Chest percussion therapy machines use vibrations or gentle thumps on your chest to loosen thick mucus so you can cough it out more easily. They are usually prescribed for chronic lung or neuromuscular conditions when coughing alone is not enough. Vest systems and handheld percussors can cost from

💡TL;DR: Nebulized furosemide means inhaling the diuretic Lasix as a mist to see if it can ease shortness of breath, but it is an experimental, off-label treatment rather than a standard therapy. Generic furosemide tablets are inexpensive, often costing under $10 per month for many patients, while there is

💡TL;DR: **Most COPD flare-ups start with home treatment using your rescue inhaler or nebulizer plus a short course of oral steroids your doctor prescribes, while more severe flares need oxygen, possible antibiotics, and hospital care.** Guidelines from Michigan Medicine and the Merck Manual Professional put fast-acting bronchodilators first, then

💡TL;DR: Yes, insurance typically covers nebulizers when your doctor prescribes one as medically necessary. Under Medicare Part B, you usually pay 20% after the deductible and receive the device as a capped rental you own after 13 months; basic units cost about $50–$150 if paying cash. Private plans

💡TL;DR: For most adults who can use one, a mouthpiece delivers more medication to the lungs because less mist is lost on the face. A mask is the better pick for kids or anyone who can’t seal their lips—go with the option that gives a snug fit