One 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…
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 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 MoreFew medical treatments create as much anxiety as mechanical ventilation, commonly known as being “on a ventilator.” When doctors mention the possibility of mechanical ventilation, patients and families often become frightened. Many believe that being placed on a ventilator means there is no hope of recovery, while others worry that once a person goes on…
Read MoreA Common Question Patients Ask One of the most common questions I hear from patients is: “Doctor, I’m taking allergy tablets every day, so why am I still sneezing, coughing, or having a blocked nose?” Many people assume that allergy medicines should completely eliminate their symptoms. However, the reality is that allergy medications help control…
Read MoreOne of the most common questions patients ask after being diagnosed with a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or Pulmonary Embolism (PE) is: “I feel fine now. Do I really need to keep taking my blood thinners?” The simple answer is yes. Many people start feeling better within days or weeks of treatment. Leg swelling improves,…
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