Breathing Easier with Timely Bronchiectasis Care
Have you been coughing every day for months — or even years? Is your cough often accompanied by mucus or blood? Do you experience shortness of breath or wheezing? Is it accompanied by chest pain? Has the skin under your fingernails gotten thicker, causing your fingernails and toenails to curve downward? If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you may be suffering from a lung condition called bronchiectasis. In honor of World
What is the Difference Between Healthspan and Lifespan? And Why is Good Lung Health Important for Each?
Lifespan is a term familiar to many, as it indicates the total number of years a person lives. The average lifespan was 76.60 years for Americans in 2021, 72.81 years for the world. A term perhaps less familiar is healthspan, or the total number of years a person remains healthy, active, and breathing well – that is to say, free from disease. The average healthspan is an estimated ten years less
I Want to Stop Smoking: What Resources Are Available to Me, How Do I Do It, Are There Any Medications?
If you’re looking to quit smoking, there are many resources available to help you, and the desire to quit is a huge step in the right direction. Telephone helplines are offered by the American Cancer Society at 866-QUIT-4-LIFE (866-784-8454) around the clock 24/7 and the American Lung Association at 800-LUNGUSA (800-586-4872). The American Lung Association also offers a “Freedom From Smoking” support program, which can be accessed online. Ask your healthcare provider
Inhalers: What Are They, How Do I Use Them, Why Do I Need One?
Inhalers – also known as bronchodilators – are medications breathed through the mouth and into the lungs in order to help clear airways. For example, an asthma attack swells and narrows the airways, making it difficult to breathe and triggering symptoms like coughing and wheezing. An inhaler relaxes these tightened muscles surrounding the airway. Air then moves in and out with greater ease, and the person is able to breathe
Do I Need An Annual COVID-19 Vaccine?
Click here to download a video greeting from Dr. Mike! COVID-19 stands poised to persist as a chronic presence in the coming years. Another uptick of mild cases in late May affirmed that the disease is still a part of our lives. Newer therapeutics offer the ability to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 to avoid hospitalization and death among the unvaccinated. If an annual vaccine is the recommendation handed down by
Types of Masks Used to Prevent COVID-19
There are a few different types of masks that can be utilized to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. Read more for information about the different types of masks. On July 10th, 2020, a mask mandate went into effect for Hamilton County, Tennessee. You can read more about this mandate including fast facts, restrictions, and expectations for Lung Docs patients here. Surgical Masks Also called a "medical mask," a
Hamilton County Mask Mandate
On Monday, July 6th, in an attempt to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger approved a mask mandate. Facial coverings shall fit snugly and securely against the side of the face. Cloth masks are preferred and should ideally include multiple layers of fabric. Surgical and other medical masks such as N95 are not required. According to the executive order, these should be preserved for health care personnel.