If you’re like me and have spent years working closely with people who struggle with asthma, you know just how much of a difference clean, breathable air can make—especially indoors. As a pulmonary nurse practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how small changes in a home environment can lead to big improvements in respiratory health. That’s why…
Can asthma cause pain behind ribs? You wouldn’t believe how often I get asked this. As a pulmonary nurse practitioner, I’ve seen all kinds of symptoms walk through my clinic doors—some expected, some not-so-much. But rib pain in asthma? Yep, it’s a real thing, and it throws a lot of people off. I totally get…
As a pulmonary nurse practitioner who’s spent years working closely with asthma patients, I’ve seen firsthand how managing symptoms can be a daily challenge. While medications and inhalers are the cornerstone of asthma care, many people—myself included—have found that certain natural remedies, like essential oils, can offer additional relief when used properly. If you’ve been…
Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) means navigating a lot of unexpected challenges—one of which, surprisingly, is how RA affects nail health. From my years as a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how patients often overlook their nails when managing their disease. Yet, nails can tell us a lot about what’s happening beneath the surface,…
If you’ve ever lived with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you know how stubborn joint pain and stiffness can be, especially when the weather turns chilly or after a long day on your feet. Over the years, working closely with patients as a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how simple tools like heat wraps can offer…
If you’ve ever asked yourself, can asthma cause unusual chest sensations, you’re not alone. I get this question a lot in my pulmonary practice, especially from patients who are newly diagnosed or those who have been managing asthma for years but suddenly feel something “off.” Chest tightness, fluttering, a strange pressure—these aren’t just in your…
Let’s be real—when you’re living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), even something as simple as getting a good night’s sleep can feel like a battle. I’ve had countless conversations in clinic with patients (and have my own nights of tossing and turning) about the impact of pain and stiffness on sleep quality. So let’s dive right…
If you’ve ever struggled with GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), you know how tricky it can be to find meals that are both tasty and gentle on your stomach. As someone who’s worked as a Medical Assistant in a Gastroenterology Clinic, I’ve seen firsthand how diet plays a huge role in managing symptoms. One thing many…
When I first started managing hypertension in kids as part of my internal medicine practice, I realized just how overlooked low sodium snacks for kids with hypertension really are. As parents, we get bombarded with snack options that scream “healthy” on the label but hide a tidal wave of salt inside. The truth? Many of…