Completing treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is a major step toward recovery. Most people who receive an appropriate treatment regimen and complete it as prescribed are successfully cured. However, TB can occur again in some people after treatment. If you previously completed TB treatment and later develop symptoms such as a persistent cough, fever, night…
Read MoreAdvanced COPD can change almost every part of daily life. Activities that were once easy—walking across a room, bathing, preparing a meal, or going outside—may become tiring or difficult. For family members and caregivers, caring for someone with advanced COPD can also be challenging. You may find yourself helping with medicines, oxygen, appointments, household activities,…
Read MoreMany people with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) stop using their inhalers once they start feeling better. Others worry about becoming dependent on inhalers or fear side effects, leading them to reduce or stop their medication without consulting their doctor. Although this may seem reasonable, stopping your inhaler without medical advice can allow…
Read MoreCan Coughing Make You Faint? It may sound surprising, but yes—severe coughing can sometimes cause a person to faint. Although this is uncommon, it is a recognised medical condition known as cough syncope. For many people, the episode lasts only a few seconds before they recover completely. However, fainting during or immediately after coughing should…
Read MoreSticky Phlegm in My Throat: Why Does It Keep Coming Back? Many people visit their doctor with the complaint: “I constantly feel sticky phlegm in my throat.” Others describe it as a thick layer of mucus that they are always trying to clear. Some feel as though something is stuck in their throat, while others…
Read MoreOne of the most common questions patients ask after being diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) is, “How long will I need treatment?” The answer is not always the same. While many people complete treatment in 6 months, others may need medicines for 9 months, 12 months, or even longer, depending on the type of TB and…
Read More“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 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…
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