Consuming foods high in vitamins, minerals, and key nutrients, such as protein and fiber, allows our bodies to perform the essential tasks we depend on each day. One such task is breathing. But did you know that certain foods can actually make breathing more difficult 1? Oxygen and Food Oxygen plays an important role in […]
Mucus often gets a bad reputation, but it actually helps protect your body by trapping germs and preventing the spread of bacteria and allergens.1 However, when we become sick, have a chronic lung condition, or are dealing with allergies, mucus can become thick and hard to get rid of. This, in turn, leaves our lungs […]
Mucus is an important part of our respiratory system, trapping different irritants, pathogens, and debris that can harm your lungs. However, when your body produces too much mucus, especially in the lungs, it can lead to health issues such as difficulty breathing, chronic coughing, and an increased risk of infections. In this article, we’ll explore: […]
Airway Clearance Devices: Understanding Their Benefits and Uses Living with bronchiectasis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can significantly impact daily life. Chronic lung conditions often involve excess mucus buildup in the lungs, which can lead to difficulty breathing, frequent infections, and reduced lung function. These symptoms can compound, leading to a cycle that can […]
Do you ever experience shortness of breath, even after exhaling deeply? It might feel like you cannot completely empty your lungs of air, causing your breathing to become labored. When air gets trapped in the lungs, over time, it can cause pulmonary hyperinflation—a condition where the lungs expand beyond their normal size.1 Although hyperinflated lungs […]
Can Cold Air Cause Coughing & Chest Pain? Winter is almost here and while there can be something enjoyable about cozy nights in, when the temperature drops, you may notice your body reacting in unexpected ways. For some, stepping outside on a brisk morning can cause coughing, while others experience chest discomfort or pain. This […]
Respiratory Care Week is an annual event that recognizes the essential work and dedication of respiratory care professionals around the globe—from clinicians and pulmonologists to nurses, respiratory therapists (RTs), and home caregivers. This year, respiratory care week runs from October 20th through the 26th, 2024. Coinciding with this event is Healthy Lung Month, […]
Though many of us would prefer to avoid coughing, this natural reflex actually helps protect our lungs and airways against certain irritants, such as dust, germs, pathogens, and mucus buildup.1 While it is a natural and often beneficial response, not all coughs are the same. Understanding the differences between productive and non-productive coughs can help […]
Did you know how we sit, stand, and even sleep affects our breathing? If you have a respiratory condition, you may not realize that your posture can limit your lung’s ability to inhale and exhale comfortably. The reason? Research shows that a person’s posture (particularly the head and neck positioning) can significantly impact the diaphragm’s […]
Chronic lung diseases like bronchiectasis and cystic fibrosis cause irreversible damage to the lungs and airways, making it difficult to breathe and break up mucus buildup. Other respiratory conditions, like asthma, force the airways to narrow due to swelling (i.e., inflammation), causing the muscles around the airways to tighten. As a result, breathing feels more […]