If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years working as a pulmonary nurse practitioner, it’s that managing asthma with minimal medication is not only possible—it’s often a game-changer for patients who feel overwhelmed by their prescriptions. I’ve seen so many folks who are tired of taking multiple inhalers or steroids every single day, and…
Can asthma cause vocal cord issues? You’d be surprised how often I get asked this in my clinic, and honestly, it’s a fantastic question. As a pulmonary nurse practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how easy it is to confuse the wheezing and throat tightness of asthma with something much trickier — vocal cord dysfunction. If you’ve…
Living with asthma is tough—but loving someone who battles it daily comes with its own set of challenges too. If you’re wondering how to support a partner with asthma, you’re already on the right track. It’s not just about puffers and prescriptions. It’s about being present, aware, and proactive. I’ve seen it firsthand, both as…
Is asthma always linked to allergies? That’s a question I get asked almost weekly in clinic — and honestly, it’s a great one. As a pulmonary nurse practitioner who’s spent years helping patients manage their breathing, I’ve seen just how confusing the connection between asthma and allergies can be. Some people wheeze and cough every…
As a pulmonary nurse practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how confusing respiratory symptoms can be—especially when they seem to mimic something else entirely. One of the most common questions I get is, “Can asthma cause flu-like symptoms?” It’s a valid concern. You start coughing, feel fatigued, maybe even develop some body aches, and it’s easy to…
When I first started practicing as a pulmonary nurse practitioner, one of the most common questions my patients asked—especially as the seasons started to shift—was this: “Why does my asthma get so much worse in the cold?” If you’ve ever noticed your asthma symptoms triggered by cold air, you’re definitely not alone. In fact, it’s…
If you’ve ever worked a 12-hour shift juggling respiratory assessments and patient education, you probably understand just how complex asthma management can be. As a pulmonary nurse practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how much people struggle with tight chests, wheezing, and that frustrating feeling of not being able to get a deep breath. Medication definitely has…
Ever felt that weird, dull ache in your jaw or maybe some ear pressure and thought, “Is this just a coincidence, or could it be connected to my asthma?” I’ve been a Pulmonary Nurse for years, and trust me, you’re not the only one who’s asked that. It’s one of those strange overlaps people don’t…
If you’re like most of my patients, you’re doing everything you can to manage your asthma — taking your meds, staying active, even steering clear of the obvious stuff like smoke or heavy perfume. But what if I told you that some of the worst asthma triggers hiding in your home are the ones you…