Evidence-Based Medical Knowledge You Can Trust
Chronic conditions and diseases are long-lasting health issues, such as diabetes, kidney disease, and hypertension, requiring ongoing management.
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
Medically Reviewed and Compiled by Dr. Adam N. Khan, MD. Can You Really Eat Dessert with Diabetes? If you live with diabetes, you have probably been told a dozen times to “watch your sugar.” For many, this feels like a life sentence of skipping the best part of the meal. However, the science of 2026 … Read more
Medically Reviewed and Compiled by Dr. Adam N. Khan, MD. Quick Answer: Emphysema and COPD are not two different diseases. Instead, emphysema is a specific type of lung damage that falls under the “umbrella” of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). While COPD is a broad term for conditions that block airflow, emphysema specifically refers to the destruction of … Read more
Medically Reviewed and Compiled by Dr. Adam N. Khan, MD. Quick Answer: How is COPD Diagnosed? Doctors diagnose Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) through a combination of your medical history, a physical exam, and a breathing test called spirometry. This test measures how much air you can breathe out and how fast you can do it. … Read more
Medically Reviewed and Compiled by Dr. Adam N. Khan, MD. Quick Answer: The 4 Stages of COPD Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is categorized into four stages based on the GOLD System (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease). These stages are determined by how well your lungs function during a breathing test called spirometry: Living with … Read more
Medically Reviewed and Compiled by Dr. Adam N. Khan, MD. Quick Answer: A COPD exacerbation is an acute worsening of respiratory symptoms—such as shortness of breath, cough, and mucus production—that lasts for up to 14 days and often requires a change in medication. According to the 2026 GOLD Report and the Rome Proposal, doctors now use objective criteria like respiratory rate … Read more
Medically Reviewed and Compiled by Dr. Adam N. Khan, MD. Quick Answer: What Causes COPD? Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is primarily caused by long-term exposure to lung irritants. Cigarette smoking is the leading risk factor, responsible for the vast majority of cases. Other significant factors include secondhand smoke, environmental pollutants, workplace dust and chemicals, and a … Read more
Medically Reviewed and Compiled by Dr. Adam N. Khan, MD. The Doll That Looks Like You For decades, Barbie has been a pilot, an astronaut, and a doctor. But for millions of children living with chronic conditions, she didn’t always look like “them.” That changed with the introduction of the Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) Barbie. This … Read more
Quick Answer: Can COPD Be Cured? Currently, there is no medical “cure” that completely eliminates Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or reverses lung damage. However, you can effectively manage it to stop further damage, relieve symptoms, and live a long, active life. Success depends on quitting smoking, using prescribed inhalers, and staying active through pulmonary rehab. Understanding … Read more
University of Bristol researchers have discovered a VEGF-C gene therapy that protects the kidneys and may prevent serious complications in people with type 1 diabetes Imagine waking up one day to discover that the silent thief stealing your kidney function – a complication that strikes one in three people with type 1 diabetes – could … Read more
Medically Reviewed and Compiled by Dr. [Adam N. Khan], MD. Quick summary Type 2 diabetes happens when the body cannot use insulin properly and the pancreas can no longer keep up. Major drivers are excess body fat, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, age, and genetics. Most cases can be delayed or prevented with sustained lifestyle change, … Read more
Medically Reviewed and Compiled by Dr. [Adam N. Khan], MD. Quick summary Type 3 diabetes is a nonstandard term used in two different ways: (1) as a label for brain insulin resistance linked to Alzheimer disease and other neurodegenerative conditions, and (2) as type 3c or pancreatogenic diabetes — diabetes that results from structural damage … Read more
Medically Reviewed and Compiled by Dr. [Adam N. Khan], MD. Quick answer Gestational diabetes is high blood sugar first recognized during pregnancy. It usually develops because pregnancy hormones make the body less responsive to insulin. Many cases can be prevented or their risk reduced with preconception and early-pregnancy lifestyle changes, targeted risk screening, and close … Read more