Respiratory Treatments

💡TL;DR: Breathing through your nose is the healthiest default because it filters, humidifies, and adds nitric oxide before air reaches your lungs. Mouth breathing is fine during hard exercise or when your nose is blocked, but as a habit it's linked to dry mouth, snoring, and poorer

💡TL;DR: Most nebulizer drugs like albuterol and budesonide are prescription-only in the U.S.; the true over-the-counter options are sterile saline (0.9%, 3%, 7%) and a mild bronchodilator, racepinephrine 2.25%. Use OTC options for short, mild symptoms and humidity; don’t rely on them for ongoing asthma

💡TL;DR: Mesh nebulizers use a vibrating mesh to create a fine mist that you inhale. They are quiet, portable, and typically finish treatments in about 5–7 minutes, but the mesh needs regular gentle cleaning to prevent clogs. Expect consumer models to cost about $60–$180 depending on features.

💡TL;DR: Yes, mesh nebulizers are effective: they produce a fine mist (about 3–5 microns) that reaches deep into the lungs like a traditional jet unit. Clinical studies show similar outcomes to jets and, in some setups, markedly higher lung deposition, while staying quiet and pocket‑sized. Expect shorter

💡TL;DR: Evidence is strongest for NAC to thin sticky mucus and for vitamin D when levels are low; vitamins A and E provide antioxidant and airway lining support. Expect modest benefits that work best alongside inhalers and airway clearance, not as a replacement. Typical costs are about $10 to

💡TL;DR: Home treatment for asthma works best when it supports your doctor’s plan: avoid triggers, use your inhaler correctly (a spacer helps), and practice simple breathing daily. Most steps are free or low‑cost, and device access is practical; under Part B, Medicare.gov covers durable medical equipment

Why COPD Treatment Needs a Special Approach in Older Adults 💡TL;DR: COPD care in older adults works best when it is simple, safe, and repeatable every day. Oxygen is usually prescribed when resting oxygen saturation stays at or below 88%. Pulmonary rehab commonly meets 2-3 times per week and,

💡TL;DR: Portable mesh nebulizers turn liquid medicine or sterile saline into a fine mist babies can breathe normally, without learning an inhaler technique. Most mesh treatments take about 5–10 minutes and the devices are very quiet, which helps keep infants calm. The main tradeoffs are getting a snug

💡TL;DR: Most baby colds do not need a nebulizer; start with saline nose drops and a cool mist humidifier. Use a nebulizer only if your pediatrician recommends it for wheezing, RSV bronchiolitis with very thick mucus, or croup that is treated in a clinic. For congestion relief, sterile saline