Frequently Asked Questions

Dr. Mahler answers “real” questions
often asked by his patients with COPD

Nebulizer Therapy For COPD – Can It Help Me Breathe Easier?
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Nebulizer Therapy For COPD – Can It Help Me Breathe Easier?

There are four major reasons why your health care professional might prescribe nebulizer therapy: 1) cognitive impairment - such as a memory problem (dementia) or confusion; 2) problems with use of hands - such as arthritis of the hands and wrists or tremor; 3) difficulty coordinating release of the medication from the device, not inhaling correctly, and not holding your breath long enough; and 4) a low inspiratory force required to break up and then inhale powder particles out of a dry powder inhaler.

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Oral Thrush with Certain Inhalers
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Oral Thrush with Certain Inhalers

Dear Dr. Mahler:

I am concerned about getting thrush. I was diagnosed with severe COPD, and have improved with Stiolto Respimat. My pulmonary doctor said that I am now in the moderate category. A nurse who works at a community college with me asked if I was rinsing my mouth with water after inhaling the medication. She said that I should do this to prevent thrush. Is that correct?

Sophia from Key Biscayne, FL

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Why is my COPD getting worse even though I quit smoking?
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Why is my COPD getting worse even though I quit smoking?

Dear Dr. Mahler:

Why does my COPD seem to be getting worse? After my doctor pushed hard, I quit smoking 4 years ago. I have been doing pulmonary rehabilitation at the local hospital. However, my breathing seems to be getting worse and I have 1 – 2 chest colds each year, usually sometime between fall and spring. I take Advair and Spiriva regularly, and use ProAir 2 – 3 times a day when I am active. What do you think?

Hank from Appleton, WI

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Atrial Fibrillation and COPD
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Atrial Fibrillation and COPD

Dear Dr. Mahler:

My doctor told me that I have “severe” COPD, and I have been stable for years until one month ago when I had sudden breathing difficulty and I became lightheaded. The diagnosis was “afib,” and I am now taking a blood thinner medication to prevent clots from forming in my heart.

I am having a problem finding out about this heart condition. Thanks very much for your help.

Al from Grove City, PA

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