Unfortunately, COPD is not curable, but with the right treatment and lifestyle changes, you can manage the symptoms and improve your quality of life.¹

COPD is not contagious. You cannot catch it from someone else. COPD is usually caused by smoking, exposure to biomass smoke, air pollution, or long-term exposure to harmful fumes. ²

Yes, smoking can worsen COPD. Smoking greatly elevates the risk of both developing and worsening COPD, ultimately contributing to increased mortality rates. Current smokers are more likely to develop COPD compared to non-smokers, and the risk rises with the amount smoked. Passive smoking is also a risk that should not be ignored.
Stopping smoking is crucial for managing and preventing COPD. Smoking cessation can reduce the progression of COPD and lower mortality risk. Using nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) can aid in quitting smoking.⁷

Yes, you can develop COPD even if you don’t smoke. COPD can occur in non-smokers due to biomass smoke exposure, occupational exposure and air pollution.³

Asthma and COPD both affect your lungs, but they are different conditions. Asthma usually starts in childhood and is caused due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. COPD usually happens later in life, mostly due to smoking, air pollution and exposure to biomass smoke, and it gets worse over time.⁴

Asthma does not directly cause COPD, but it can increase the risk of developing COPD under certain conditions. Patients with longstanding or poorly controlled asthma may develop persistent lung damage and reduced lung function over time which can be a risk factor for COPD.⁵

If you have COPD, regular tests can help monitor your condition. The tests you should undergo:

• Spirometry: This essential test of lung function helps in diagnosing and determining the severity of your COPD.
• Peak Expiratory Flow Test: This test measures the speed of your exhalation, which is helpful for observing changes in your lung function over time.
• Arterial Blood Gas Test: The Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) test evaluates lung function by measuring the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the bloodstream.
• Chest X-ray or CT Scan: These imaging tests help identify any lung damage or other complications related to COPD.⁸

For individuals with COPD, it’s important to follow these essential precautions:

• Use medications as recommended by your physicians
• Vaccinations: Get regular flu and pneumonia vaccines, as well as the COVID-19 vaccine, to prevent infections that could worsen your COPD.
• Wear Masks in Public: Use a mask in crowded or polluted areas to protect your lungs from irritants and infections.
• Wash Your Hands Frequently:Regularly washing your hands is crucial to minimizing the chances of infection, particularly during flu season or after spending time in public areas.
• Steer Clear of Lung Irritants:Avoid exposure to smoke, dust, chemical vapors, and cold air, as these can lead to respiratory issues and exacerbate symptoms.
• Stay Informed on Air Quality:Monitor air quality regularly, and try to remain indoors on days when pollution levels are elevated.
• Consult your doctor during seasonal changes.¹²

No, you shouldn’t discontinue your medication, even if you’re feeling better without consulting your doctor. COPD is a persistent health condition that necessitates ongoing care and management. Stopping your medication can lead to worsening symptoms or flare-ups.¹³

Yes, you can exercise if you have COPD. Physical activity plays a vital role for individuals with COPD, as it can significantly enhance muscle function, increase exercise capacity, and improve overall quality of life. Speak to your doctor about appropriate exercise routines and options for you.¹⁴

To make breathing easier with COPD, the following techniques have been shown to help:

1. Pursed-Lip Breathing: Inhale slowly through your nose, then exhale slowly through pursed lips. This helps keep your airways open and can improve oxygen exchange.
2. Diaphragmatic Breathing: Focus on breathing deeply using your diaphragm. This can improve lung efficiency and reduce the work of breathing.
3. Active Expiration and Inspiratory Muscle Training: Practicing controlled exhalation (active expiration) and strengthening the muscles used in breathing (inspiratory muscle training) can improve respiratory muscle strength and breathing ability.
4. Active Cycle of Breathing Techniques (ACBT): ACBT, an airway clearance method, uses various techniques like thoracic expansion exercises and breathing control.

These techniques can help alleviate symptoms of breathlessness, improve lung function, and support mucus clearance.¹⁵

There’s no permanent cure, but you can manage allergic rhinitis by avoiding triggers (pollen, dust mites, mold, pets, or substances like wood dust or flour dust) and using medicines like antihistamines, decongestants, and saltwater nasal sprays or solutions.¹

Allergic rhinitis lasts as long as you're exposed to triggers like pollen, dust mites, or animals, but medicines can help control the symptoms.¹

Patients with allergic rhinitis have a greater risk of causing asthma, as allergy triggers symptoms of asthma.²

No, allergic rhinitis does not cause fever. If someone has allergy symptoms like a runny or stuffy nose along with a fever, the fever is likely due to another condition, such as a sinus infection. Allergies may increase the risk of sinus infections, which can cause fever, but allergies themselves do not.³

Yes, cold air can cause rhinitis symptoms like a runny nose, congestion, and nasal burning. This happens quickly after exposure and goes away once you're out of the cold. It’s not necessarily allergic rhinitis, but people with allergies or no nasal conditions can experience it. The cold triggers nasal cells and sensory nerves, causing these symptoms, which can be managed with certain medications.⁴

No, they are not the same. Allergic rhinitis is an allergic reaction that causes sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy eyes, while sinusitis is an infection of the sinuses often caused by blocked or inflamed sinus openings. However, allergic rhinitis can lead to sinusitis by causing swelling and mucus buildup, which creates conditions for infection.⁵

1. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/allergic-rhinitis/
2. Bergeron C, Hamid Q. et al. Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. 2005 Jun 15;1(2):81-7.
3. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/fever-with-allergies#causes.
4. Cruz AA, Togias A. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2008 Apr;8(2):111-7.
5. Slavin RG. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 1988 Nov;82(5 Pt 2):950-6.

Asthma cannot be completely cured. However, with proper treatment it is possible to effectively manage the symptoms and lead a normal, active lifestyle.¹

The exact cause of asthma is not known. Airways in the lungs get inflamed (swollen) in asthma making it difficult to breathe. It can run in families, especially if close relatives like parents or siblings have it and is more common in people with allergies such as eczema or hay fever. Residing in urban areas, where air pollution levels are typically higher, can increase the related health risks. Early-life factors like low birth weight, prematurity, and exposure to tobacco smoke or pollution can contribute, as well as environmental triggers such as dust mites, mould, chemicals, or fumes. Additionally, being overweight or obese heightens the risk of developing asthma.²

Asthma is not contagious like a cold or the flu. This condition affects the airways in the lungs, causing difficulty in breathing. It can develop at any age, and its symptoms are triggered by factors such as allergies or viral infections, but it cannot be spread through contact with someone who has it.³

Yes, asthma maybe be hereditary. It is thought that about three-fifths of asthma cases are hereditary, meaning that if someone has a parent with asthma or allergies, they are more likely to develop asthma themselves. Genetics are a key factor in increasing the likelihood of developing asthma, particularly if there is a family history of the condition.⁴

Cat hair itself does not directly cause asthma, but it can carry allergens that trigger asthma symptoms in people with asthma. Allergens in cat dander (dead skin cells), saliva, and urine can trigger reactions. When individuals inhale these allergens, their immune system may respond, leading to asthma symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and breathing difficulties. Therefore, while cat hair may not be the primary cause, it can carry allergens that contribute to asthma in sensitive individuals.⁵

To control asthma, it's important to follow a few key steps:

• Avoid triggers: Identify your triggers (example: dust, smoke, pollen, or pet dander) and avoid them to prevent worsening of asthma
• Use medication: Inhalers are effective in managing asthma symptoms. It is important to use your inhalers as prescribed by your doctor.
• Stay active: Exercise is important, but make sure to avoid triggers during physical activity and consult your doctor before starting an new exercise regime.
• Schedule regular check-ups: Visit your healthcare provider consistently to monitor your asthma and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

By managing your medication, avoiding triggers, and following a plan, you can control asthma and lead a normal life.⁶

The exact reason why asthma occurs is not known. Several factors can increase the risk of developing asthma, such as:

• Family history: Having close relatives, such as parents or siblings, with asthma increases the likelihood of developing the condition.
• Allergic conditions: Individuals with allergies like hay fever or eczema are at a higher risk of developing asthma.
• Environmental factors: Exposure to air pollution, tobacco smoke, dust, mold, and chemicals can contribute to a higher risk of developing asthma.
• Obesity: Excess weight or obesity can also increase the likelihood of asthma.
• Early life events: Factors like low birth weight or viral infections during early childhood may contribute to asthma risk.

These factors can interact in various ways to trigger asthma in some individuals.⁶

1. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/asthma/treatment/
2. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/asthma
3. https://acaai.org/asthma/asthma-101/who-gets-asthma/children/
4. https://www.webmd.com/asthma/asthma-risk-factors
5. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cats-and-asthma#the-link
6. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/asthma/

 

Doctors diagnose asthma in children by conducting tests to assess lung function. These tests are usually for children over 5 years old. Here are the main ones:

1. Spirometry: This checks for blocked airways and how much better breathing gets after treatment. It's often recommended for kids over 5 years old.
2. Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF): This test evaluates how quickly a child can exhale air from their lungs.

For children under 5 years old, these tests are hard to do. So, doctors mostly look at symptoms, treatment responses, and other signs to determine if its asthma.¹

Asthma action plans (AAPs) are helpful for children with asthma. These plans are written instructions that guide parents and caregivers on how to manage asthma, especially during worsening symptoms or attacks.²

Children with asthma can lead a normal life. With proper treatment, following an asthma action plan, avoiding triggers, and using medications as prescribed, they can stay active and enjoy everyday activities. Regular check-ups and good management are key.³

With proper treatment as prescribed, kids with asthma can live an active life and play sports. Some activities may trigger asthma symptoms; hence it is important to consult your doctor before starting any new physical activity.⁴

Signs of asthma in children include persistent coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness, especially during activities, at night or on exposure to a trigger.³

The exact cause for asthma is not known. However, respiratory infections, allergens like dust and pet dander, and irritants such as smoke and air pollution can trigger asthma attacks in children.³

1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9045042/
2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9113391/
3. https://www.webmd.com/asthma/children-asthma
4. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4235445/

Yes, bronchitis can be contagious. Acute bronchitis is typically caused by infections such as the seasonal cold, flu, or viruses. It can also occur occasionally due to bacterial infection. Most people recover from acute bronchitis within a few days or weeks. On the other hand, chronic bronchitis caused because of underlying diseases like asthma and COPD is not contagious.¹

Bronchitis is usually not dangerous, but it can cause problems in some cases. Acute bronchitis patients feel better on their own in a duration of few weeks. However, chronic bronchitis lasts longer. In this case, breathing becomes difficult because of the inflamed airways and causes complications. If no improvement in symptoms is observed, it is important to see a doctor.¹

Taking few steps can make patients feel better. You should get enough rest daily, and drink plenty of fluids. You can also use a humidifier. You should not smoke, stay away from second hand smoke and irritants like dust, fumes. If the cough persists or worsens, you should consult a doctor.³

Bronchitis can last for different lengths of time depending on the type. Acute bronchitis typically goes on its own within a few weeks, although the symptoms may last less than 3 weeks. Chronic bronchitis is long-term and can persist for months or even longer, especially if not properly managed.^{2 3}

1. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/bronchitis Accessed in May 2025
2. https://www.cdc.gov/acute-bronchitis/media/pdfs/Bronchitis-508.pdf Accessed in May 2025
3. https://www.lung.org/blog/bronchitis-frequently-asked-questions Accessed in May 2025

A nebuliser is a medical device that turns liquid medication into a mist or an aerosol so that it can be inhaled directly into the lungs through a face mask or a mouthpiece.

Nebulisers and inhalers are different types of devices. They are both used to deliver medicines to the airways and the lungs. Nebulisers are usually powered by electricity or batteries. An inhaler is not powered by electricity and is usually handheld.

A nebuliser should be used at home only when prescribed by a doctor and after clearly understanding the instructions on how to use it. The medicine dosage and the frequency of use should be in accordance with your doctor’s prescription. Moreover, proper cleaning and maintenance of the device should be done regularly as per the instructions in the device manual

No, nebulisation does not cause any addiction whatsoever – the medicines are the same as those that are administered through handheld inhalers.

A nebuliser delivers the medication directly to the lungs and the airways. Hence, the medicine dose required is much less than that present in the tablets or syrups used for oral therapy.

Yes, it is safe to perform nebulisation in infants and small children with breathing difficulty, but it should be done only if prescribed by the physician and only after following the instructions on the use of a nebuliser correctly. As a parent or caregiver, you should first clearly understand the steps to perform nebulisation before you use it to treat your child or patient.

Nebulisation should be done only if it is prescribed by the doctor. The instructions pertaining to usage, dosage, cleaning and maintenance need to be followed correctly. The medication dosage, nebulisation frequency and duration should be strictly adhered to as per the doctor’s prescription.

A nebuliser must be used as per your doctor's recommendation. The medication dosage, frequency and duration of the nebulisation should be strictly adhered to as per the doctor’s prescription.

Nebulisation should be performed using the medicine dosage as recommended by the doctor. If it is strictly followed, there is no chance of overdosing.

When certain medications such as steroids or anticholinergics are to be administered, there are chances of some side effects if the mist comes in contact with the skin or eyes. In such cases, the side effects can be prevented by using a mouthpiece and cleaning the nose and gargling to clean the mouth area after nebulisation with warm water to prevent side effects.

Irrespective of any type of nebulised medication used, rinsing of the throat and mouth with water should be done. On the other hand, unlike oral medicines where a high amount of medicine is administered, the systemic side effects are much lower in nebulisation since a smaller amount of medicine is administered.

The fill volume should not be less than 2 mL, especially when you are using a jet nebuliser. For mesh nebulizers, the fill volume should not be less than 0.5 mL. For a nebuliser to work efficiently, the correct fill volume should be used. Water should not be used to dilute it, as it can lead to a dangerous condition called bronchospasm and cough.

No, it is not advisable to share the mouthpiece or face mask. Sharing can increase the risk of the spread of infections from one person to another. If disposable nebulisers are used, they should be used once and then disposed of.

A mouthpiece is better than a face mask. With the mouthpiece, the mist directly enters the respiratory system. It has been documented that nebulisation using a mouthpiece is more effective than a face mask. However, a facemask can be used, as per the doctor’s recommendations, in patients who are not cooperative and in an acute condition.

A proper and tight-fitting mask can improve the delivery of the nebuliser medication and reduce the chances of wastage of medicine. The tight-fitting mask also prevents the medicine from coming in contact with the eyes. A patient using a face mask should be encouraged to inhale through the mouth.

It is essential to clean the nebuliser and its accessories after every use and disinfect them daily. If any liquid is left in the nebuliser and its parts, germs such as yeast, bacteria and fungus can colonise and multiply. This poses a risk of infection to the patient undergoing nebulisation. Cleaning the accessories after nebulisation and daily disinfection of the nebuliser kills these germs and ensures future germ-free treatment to the patient.

The user should sit comfortably in an upright position or at a 45-degree angle so as to minimise breathing difficulty and also to allow maximum lung expansion in order to ensure that the maximum amount of medication reaches the airways and the lungs.

When using a jet nebuliser, most of the medicine is nebulised in this time span and the leftover medicine cannot be nebulised further. When most of the medicine is nebulised, a spluttering sound is heard, which indicates that the nebulisation should be stopped. However, it is important to note that for mesh (3-10 min) and ultrasonic nebulisers (5- 10 min), the nebulisation time is even shorter than jet nebulisers.