“Doctor, my friend has lung fibrosis and is taking steroids, but you’ve prescribed antifibrotic medicine for me. Why are our treatments different?” This is one of the most common questions patients ask after being diagnosed with interstitial lung disease (ILD). Many people believe that steroids are the strongest treatment for every lung disease, while others…
Read More“Doctor, you told me I have an idiopathic lung disease. Does that mean you don’t know what’s wrong with me?” This is one of the most common questions patients ask after hearing the word “idiopathic.” It is completely understandable to feel worried because the term sounds unfamiliar and often raises more questions than answers. Many…
Read MoreOne of the most common concerns patients express after being prescribed oral steroids for asthma is: “Doctor, does this mean my asthma has become very severe?” Some patients become frightened when they hear the word steroids. Others believe that steroid tablets are only given when there is “no hope left” or when asthma has reached…
Read MoreI Have COPD. Why Do I Need Inhalers? One of the most common questions patients ask after being diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is: “If my lungs are already damaged, why do I need inhalers?” It’s a reasonable question. Many people assume that because COPD cannot be cured, treatment won’t make much difference.…
Read MoreIf you have asthma, your doctor may prescribe two different inhalers—a rescue inhaler and a maintenance inhaler. Many patients are confused about why they need both. Some believe that if the rescue inhaler relieves their breathing within minutes, there is no need to continue the maintenance inhaler. Others stop using their maintenance inhaler as soon…
Read MoreIf your doctor has prescribed montelukast, you may assume it is simply another allergy tablet. This is a common misunderstanding. Although montelukast is used to treat certain allergy-related conditions, it is not an antihistamine. Instead, montelukast works in a completely different way. It is commonly prescribed for people with asthma, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), and…
Read More“Doctor, my CT scan says I have scarring in my lungs. Is that the same as bronchiectasis?” This is one of the most common questions patients ask after having a CT scan. Seeing terms like lung fibrosis, bronchiectasis, or lung scarring on a report can be confusing and understandably worrying. Although both conditions affect the…
Read MoreUnderstanding Bronchiectasis and Why Early Diagnosis Matters World Bronchiectasis Day, observed each year on 1 July, is a global awareness campaign dedicated to improving understanding of bronchiectasis—a chronic lung disease that remains under-recognised despite affecting millions of people worldwide. The day brings together healthcare professionals, patients, researchers, and advocacy organisations to encourage earlier diagnosis, better…
Read MoreUsing the Right Inhaler Can Help You Breathe Better and Prevent Serious Flare-Ups If you have asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), you have been prescribed one or more inhalers. Many patients know the color of their inhaler but are unsure what it does. Others reach for the same inhaler every time they feel…
Read MoreRecurrent Chest Infections: Could There Be an Underlying Cause? Recovering from a chest infection only to develop another one a few months later can be frustrating and worrying. Many people ask, “Why do I keep getting chest infections?” or “Why do I keep getting pneumonia?” While an occasional chest infection is common, recurrent chest infections…
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