"80% of Care is Provided By Family Members"I had the recent opportunity to hear a wonderful speaker at a conference. Her name is Ai Jen Poo and she is the creator of an entire movement committed to caregivers... By Dia SWS2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
What's in Your Asthma Toolbox?This is a question I get asked quite frequently. What’s in your asthma toolbox? People ask me what I recommend that they include in their toolbox. While things may differ... By Theresa Cannizzaro, Respiratory Therapist2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
High Altitude and AsthmaRecently, we took a trip to Moab, Utah, to hike in Arches National Park and see the world-famous Delicate Arch. The elevation is a little over 4,000 feet which is... By Andrea M. Jensen CHES AE-C3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Asthma Subgroups: Severe AsthmaOne of the most recently defined asthma subgroups is severe asthma. It was first defined about 20 years ago. This was when physicians recognized 5-10% of asthmatics did not respond... By John Bottrell, RRT3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments10 comments
Medication ComplianceThe two words that seem to make everyone squirm: medication compliance. The two words apart from each other aren't bad but when they are put together have a negative connotation... By Theresa Cannizzaro, Respiratory Therapist3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Picking Yourself Up and Carrying OnThere are many phrases I have heard that summarize life as a patient. Some of my favorites are "Being a patient is a full-time job, on top of my full-time... By Dia SWS2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
What Are Subgroups, Phenotypes, And Endotypes?Asthma is now considered an umbrella term under which various asthma subgroups fall. Modern terms for subgroups are phenotypes and endotypes. So, what are subgroups, phenotypes, and endotypes anyway? Here... By John Bottrell, RRT3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
4 Nebulizer Tips Worth SharingSo, you have a Nebulizer System. One of the main reasons you have it is to inhale medicine to help you breathe easier. Here are some tips to making sure... By John Bottrell, RRT2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments2 comments
The (Second) Easiest Flu Shot EverSince I was diagnosed with asthma in 2008, I’ve gotten a flu shot every year as recommended. My first flu shot season was, ridiculously, 2009, the year that H1N1 had... By Kerri MacKay4 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Life Cycle Sessions: They'll Grow Out Of It... Or Will They?This is Part 2 in the Life Cycle Sessions series, providing an overview of research presented at Asthma Canada’s Breathe Easy: The Life Cycle of Asthma conference in Toronto, Ontario, on... By Kerri MacKay4 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Learning En-Masse: Pre-Life Cycle of Asthma SessionsNot long after booking my flight to Toronto for the Life Cycle of Asthma Conference hosted by Asthma Canada (disclosure below), I checked out the finalized agenda for the conference... By Kerri MacKay2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
What on Earth is "Hand-Breath Coordination"?When I was first diagnosed with asthma, I went to the pharmacy< and picked up a rescue inhaler. I went home, ready to take some medicine to help me breathe... By Kerri MacKay2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments4 comments
Corticosteroid Injections: A Pain in the Butt?Asthma is a pain in the butt, sometimes. Sure, that's probably true for asthma in and of itself, but I'm referring to systemic corticosteroid injections. Those of us with asthma... By John Bottrell, RRT4 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments10 comments
Responding to Unsolicited Asthma AdviceOn Friday night I was sitting at home, minding my own business and probably reading something in the Heather Wells series of books by Meg Cabot, when I got visually distracted... By Kerri MacKay2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments3 comments
Mapping The Road For Asthma AdvocacyThis fall I have found a renewed energy for asthma advocacy. I guess I am a bit fired up from a month of having some invigorating chats and planning sessions... By Dia SWS2 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Tips for Coping With Autumn Asthma Triggers: MoldsIf you're noticing that your asthma symptoms have worsened lately, it might be due to autumn asthma triggers. Triggers that are presented as summer fades into autumn include both ragweed... By Kathi MacNaughton3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Asthma Books and Videos For The KiddosAs a Certified Asthma Educator, (AE-C), I love teaching families about asthma. Especially since I live with asthma and have three kids who inherited asthma from me. So, it's a... By Andrea M. Jensen CHES AE-C3 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Let’s Talk Oral ThrushNo, thrush is not the name of a band. It’s not the name of a WWE championship wrestler. In actuality, it’s a slang term for a fungal infection. I did... By John Bottrell, RRT4 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments23 comments
Revisiting Planes, Pets and Service Dogs: Steps to TakeFlying with allergies and asthma can be very challenging. In September, another media frenzy around air travel occurred when a woman with a severe dog allergy was allegedly forcibly removed... By Kerri MacKay4 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments4 comments
Let’s Talk Inhaled Corticosteroid Side EffectsInhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are considered a top-line treatment for asthma. Side effects are generally considered rare or negligible. Still, some asthmatics do report that they have experienced one or another... By John Bottrell, RRT4 min readBookmark for laterReactions0reactionsComments0 comments