Respiratory Diseases

Why Peer Support Matters for Asthma Patients 💡TL;DR: Most asthma support options are free and range from local meetups to 24/7 online communities. In-person clubs provide structure and skills practice, while online forums offer flexibility and fast replies. Trusted programs from the American Lung Association and AAFA make

💡TL;DR: Obesity significantly increases the risk of developing asthma and makes existing asthma harder to control. Nearly 4 in 10 U.S. adults with asthma are obese versus about 1 in 4 without asthma (CDC). Extra weight both compresses the lungs and fuels airway inflammation, so triggers hit harder

💡TL;DR: To tell panic attack vs asthma fast, look for wheeze or cough and whether rescue medicine helps. Relief with a rescue inhaler or nebulized bronchodilator points to asthma, while a racing heart, tingling, and relief with slow exhale breathing point to panic. About 25 million people in the

💡TL;DR: Asthma–COPD overlap (ACOS) means you have features of both asthma and COPD; it’s not a new disease, but it’s often more severe than either alone (American Lung Association). Most people are 40+ with variable wheeze plus fixed airflow limitation; ACOS patients experience exacerbations about 4–

💡TL;DR: Count each full chest rise and fall for 60 seconds while the person is resting quietly; you only need a timer. A healthy adult at rest is typically 12–20 breaths per minute, and kids breathe faster depending on age. Seek care if an adult stays over 25–

How Long Does It Take for Your Lungs to Heal from Vaping? 💡TL;DR: Your lungs start healing within days after you quit vaping, and most people notice easier breathing within weeks. Cilia begin clearing mucus early, so a brief rise in cough is normal, then cough and stamina improve

💡TL;DR: With COPD, the hardest jobs are those with heavy physical effort or dirty air. Avoid roles that make you breathe harder or inhale dust, fumes, or smoke; they can trigger flares and speed decline. Clean-air, low-exertion work is safest, and use respirators or accommodations if you must stay

💡TL;DR: COPD will still progress after you quit, but quitting slows the decline dramatically toward a more normal, age-related rate. Many people notice easier breathing within weeks, and flares and hospital stays usually drop. Quitting after a COPD diagnosis is linked to lower mortality compared with continuing to smoke

💡TL;DR: COPD is progressive, so new or worse breathlessness on less effort, a harsher cough, thicker or yellow/green mucus, or needing your rescue inhaler or nebulizer more often for more than a day usually means it is getting worse or a flare is starting. Call your doctor early