Asthma – most everyone has heard this term or knows someone who has it, but what exactly is asthma? In lay terms, Asthma is a constriction or narrowing of the airways and an increase in mucus production. As a result, it makes it hard for air to enter and to exit the lungs, causing shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing. These symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening and an attack can be triggered by many things.
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In a prior blog I talked about information to bring to your physician, as well as a preliminary test that may be done to aid in the diagnosis of the breathing problem. To continue, there are several other tests that may be done. These are often done based on the results of the physical examination, symptoms one may exhibit, as well as the findings from prior testing. Sometimes one test result will point the physician to another test, so information as to why each test is being done will need to be explained by the healthcare provider. Be sure you ask!
There are many reasons one can feel short of breath, ranging from participating in vigorous exercise, having some type of lung congestion or blockage, a chronic lung disease, as well as being at a high altitude without enough time to transition from a lower altitude. Obviously, the issues related to exercise and altitude are not expected, temporary, and not usually life changing. One usually stops exercising to allow for recovery, and our bodies eventually adapt to the change in altitude.
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Breathing is an essential part of life, yet we take it for granted. Many times we are not aware of even doing it.
For the majority of people, this is the case – until the time when you have a stuffy nose due to a head cold or allergies, or when you have exercised heavily. For another segment of the population, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing is a result of some type of medical condition and can be a matter of life or death. Many of the conditions are not rare, but are common – asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease (aka COPD, emphysema, chronic bronchitis), lung cancer and even influenza.
Reclaim Your Independence This Winter with the Inogen One Oxygen Machine
Posted by in Respiratory Equipment - (1 Comments)As of early 2012, most of the United States was experiencing an abnormally dry and warm winter. That, however, quickly changed. As of January 11th, snow was present in 49 of the 50 states (the sole exception being – surprise – Hawaii) confirming that winter, at long last, has arrived.
At Home Oxygen Therapy Might be the Right Choice for You
Posted by in Respiratory Equipment - (0 Comments)For the human body to work perfectly it must have enough energy to pull oxygen from the air. If the amount of oxygen is being restricted, because of a chronic disease, such as COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), chronic bronchitis, emphysema, severe asthma, to name a few, a physician may prescribe at-home oxygen therapy.
Turn on any television program that takes place in a hospital, and at least once during the broadcast you will see a patient in an ambulance or emergency room who is in the midst of oxygen therapy. (more…)
Understanding the Psychological Benefits of Portable Oxygen Therapy
Posted by in Portable Oxygen Concentrator - (1 Comments)The benefits of oxygen therapy are well-documented. They include reduced fatigue, a better night’s sleep – as many individuals have sleep disorders related to breathing issues – and in the cases of individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), it can help increase lifespan.1 (more…)
The Inogen Family is doing our part to keep your oxygen therapy worry free this Holiday Season
Posted by in Medical Oxygen - (3 Comments)When you or your loved one has been diagnosed with COPD or another diagnosis requiring oxygen therapy you may look at your tanks or that over sized concentrator and think, “There goes our independence!!!” or “Let’s just stay home for the holidays.” Whether your wish is to travel to visit friends and family or stay home for the holidays, don’t let your oxygen therapy make that decision for you!
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Inogen was founded in 2001 to improve quality of life and increase freedom and independence for oxygen therapy users. The Inogen One is your one solution for stationary, portable, and travel oxygen. Check back often to stay up to date with the latest Inogen news!
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