Chronic Conditions & Diseases

Medically Reviewed and Compiled by Dr. Adam N. Khan, MD. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a serious condition where the blood pressure in your lungs is too high. This puts a lot of strain on the right side of your heart. Over time, it can make it hard to breathe or even walk short distances. The … Read more

Medically Reviewed and Compiled by Dr. Adam N. Khan, MD. The Quick Answer The short answer is no, COPD cannot be fully reversed. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) causes permanent damage to the air sacs and airways in the lungs. However, while you cannot undo the scarring, you can stop it from getting worse. With … Read more

Medically Reviewed and Compiled by Dr. Adam N. Khan, MD. The most common symptoms of COPD in women include a persistent cough that produces mucus, shortness of breath during daily activities, and chronic fatigue. Unlike men, women often report higher levels of breathlessness even with less severe lung damage. Recognizing these early signs—such as chest tightness, wheezing, … Read more

Medically Reviewed and Compiled by Dr. Adam N. Khan, MD. Quick Answer: What is the Main Difference? While both conditions make it hard to breathe, the main difference lies in recovery and cause. An asthma attack is usually a sudden reaction to a trigger (like pollen or dust), and lung function typically returns to normal … Read more

Medically Reviewed and Compiled by Dr. Adam N. Khan, MD. Quick Answer: What is a COPD Exacerbation? A COPD exacerbation, or “flare-up,” is a sudden worsening of your usual lung symptoms. For older adults, this usually means a sharp increase in shortness of breath, a cough that won’t quit, and a change in the color … Read more

Medically Reviewed and Compiled by Dr. Adam N. Khan, MD. Quick Answer: How Long Does Recovery Take? Most people hospitalized for a COPD exacerbation begin to feel better within 7 to 14 days, but a full recovery of lung function and energy levels usually takes 4 to 8 weeks. In some cases, especially if the … Read more

Medically Reviewed and Compiled by Dr. Adam N. Khan, MD. If you or a loved one lives with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), you are likely used to a “new normal” of shortness of breath. However, when a bad day turns into a week of struggling to breathe, a vital question arises: Is this just … Read more

Medically Reviewed and Compiled by Dr. Adam N. Khan, MD. If you are living with severe emphysema, your doctor will likely recommend a Triple Therapy inhaler as the gold standard. These “3-in-1” devices (like Trelegy or Breztri) combine three different medicines to open your airways and stop swelling. For many, this is the most effective … Read more

Medically Reviewed and Compiled by Dr. Adam N. Khan, MD. Quick Answer: Staying Safe with Your COPD Inhaler Inhalers are the most important tools for managing COPD. While they are very safe because they send medicine directly to your lungs, they can still cause side effects. Common issues include a dry mouth, shaky hands, or … Read more

Medically Reviewed and Compiled by Dr. Adam N. Khan, MD. Quick Answer: How to Prevent COPD Flare-Ups at Home To prevent a COPD exacerbation (flare-up) at home, you must focus on three main pillars: strictly following your medication plan, avoiding environmental triggers (like smoke, dust, and extreme cold), and preventing infections through handwashing and vaccinations. … Read more

Medically Reviewed and Compiled by Dr. Adam N. Khan, MD. Quick Answer: To use a COPD inhaler correctly, start by exhaling fully away from the device. Place the mouthpiece between your teeth (without biting) and seal your lips tight. As you begin a slow, deep breath, press the canister once. Continue inhaling until your lungs … Read more

Medically Reviewed and Compiled by Dr. Adam N. Khan, MD. Quick Answer: Does COPD Qualify as a Disability? Yes, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is recognized as a disability by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). To qualify for monthly benefits, you must provide medical evidence showing that your … Read more

Medically Reviewed and Compiled by Dr. Adam N. Khan, MD. Quick Answer: What Does Bronchitis Feel Like? Bronchitis is essentially an inflammation of the lining of your bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from your lungs. The hallmark symptom is a persistent cough that often brings up thickened mucus. You may also feel short of breath, … Read more