Most people with chronic lung disease take several medications to help relieve daily symptoms. Your doctor will help find the best medications for you and your condition. It is important to remember that even if you are feeling well, you should not skip any dosages. Bronchodilators These medications help to relax and open your airways, … Continue reading Medications for Pulmonary Patients
1. The "Goldilocks" of Weather. Weather that is too hot can increase the severity of symptoms in patients with COPD. Likewise, weather that is too cold can make it more difficult to breathe . The perfect temperature for people with COPD is around 70 degrees. Ideally, humidity should be between 35-50% inside your home. 2. … Continue reading 6 Ways Weather Affects Your Breathing
By: Jeanette Kochman, PT, DPT, OCS Pulmonary rehabilitation has been clearly demonstrated to improve quality of life in individuals with COPD. Too often, those with chronic lung disease find themselves in a downward spiral of inactivity and isolation. The good news is, there is something out there to inhibit this downward spiral. Pulmonary rehabilitation is … Continue reading COPD Patients Encouraged to Take Advantage of Pulmonary Rehabilitation
By: Kala M. Markel, PT, DPT A new year means new beginnings and fresh starts. January also means colder temperatures, and if you have a pulmonary issue like COPD, asthma, or emphysema, the cold weather can bring on increased symptoms of shortness of breath and coughing. Always layer your clothing when going outsideDon’t underestimate even … Continue reading Tips for Staying Healthy this Winter Season
By Rachel Long, PT, DPT Have you ever experienced dizziness or vertigo (the sensation of spinning) when changing positions? You may be experiencing Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). This condition is the most common cause of dizziness and has a high rate of resolution if correct positioning treatment is performed. Defining BPPV Benign: non-life threatening … Continue reading Self-Treatment of Vertigo (BPPV)
Common Symptoms: Increased coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breathChest tightness that does not go away with your normal medicationsChanges in your mucus color, smell or thicknessTan, yellow, green, or red/rusty colored mucusShallow, or more rapid breathingFever chills, night sweatsConfusion, or feeling more tired than normalMuscle aches, pains or headachesIncreased usage of recue inhaler or nebulizer … Continue reading Signs of Infection or COPD Exacerbation
Back pain is a huge problem in developed nations worldwide. It has or will affect most of us. The current estimate is that 80% of people will experience back pain at least once. It is the single biggest cause for disability, the third most common reason for doctor visits, and one of the most common … Continue reading Finally, Some Good News About Back Pain
Virtual physical therapy has quickly moved from a niche offering to the mainstream. Having more options is great, but it can also complicate decision making. Having an understanding of the benefits of both can help make clear which one would best help you meet your goals. In Person Physical Therapy The main advantage of traditional … Continue reading In Person or Virtual PT? Maybe Both!
By Dr. Chris Brehm, PT, DPT In previous blogs we talked about how COVID-19 primarily effects the lungs, but “long-hauler” patients can also suffer muscle and joint pain for weeks or months after onset of symptoms. The longer a patient remains in the hospital or ICU, the more likely they are to experience additional symptoms … Continue reading Post COVID-19 Recovery with Physical Therapy and Pulmonary Rehabilitation
By Dr. Chris Brehm, PT, DPT Some experts have indicated that we are facing two pandemics: COVID-19, and physical inactivity due to stay at home orders and quarantines. With more adults spending more time at home, recent evidence suggests that physical activity levels have decreased by approximately 30% and sitting time has increased by approximately … Continue reading Staying Active During COVID-19 With Exercise As Medicine
