November marks four years since the start of an undeniable friendship. Two women brought together through a lung transplant have formed a unique bond in an untraditional way. Carrie Giddens, 31, and Valarie Fratiani, 45, consider each other sisters and live just 10 minutes away from one another in Frisco and Allen, Texas. They once … Continue reading Lung transplant recipient runs final stretch of marathon with new sister
It began when a mailer arrived and caught my attention with its bright yellow background and bold headline — Lung Cancer Screening Program. My profile was certainly in the description: an ex-smoker between 55-77 years of age who had smoked 30 years. I had no symptoms; I was jogging between five and 10 miles a … Continue reading A simple lung cancer screening saved my life
Cough, cough, cough. Sorry, are you sick? Nope, that’s just your pesky cough that has been lingering around since the upper respiratory infection you had over the holidays. Or maybe, you are someone who is always coughing and clearing their throat? A cough is a significant problem and one of the most common reasons for … Continue reading The terrible cough you can’t seem to kick
Fortunately, in the United States, smoking is decreasing over the last decade. As a surgeon who treats lung cancer, this makes me very happy. However, a new trend has developed over recent years with the use of electronic cigarettes or vaping. Vaping or e-cigarettes is inhalation of a vaporized substance typically containing nicotine that is … Continue reading Is vaping as bad as smoking?
Baylor Scott & White Health, the University of Texas at Austin and the Texas Department of State Health Services are training physicians to use eTobacco, a smoking and tobacco-cessation initiative that connects a patient’s electronic medical records (EMR) with a state-funded program called Quitline. There is a Quitline in every U.S. state, funded by the … Continue reading ETobacco program uses EHR to help smokers quit
Every time you take a breath, it kick-starts a complex series of events that brings oxygen from the air into the blood that circulates through your entire body. It’s a fascinating process that can sometimes hit speed bumps. “At least 40 million Americans are currently diagnosed with a chronic lung condition,” said Mark Millard, MD, … Continue reading 3 chronic conditions that can damage your lungs
In a time not so “bygone,” tobacco companies spent big money to get people addicted to their products. Movies and television were filled with people smoking. Advertising was rampant. Cigarette manufacturers bent the truth to boost their cigarette sales goals, telling consumers that dentists and physicians preferred to smoke particular brands. Cigarette smoking was even … Continue reading What will it take to quit smoking today?
Spring can be a busy time of year at the allergist’s office as many patients begin experiencing the first symptoms of seasonal allergies, also known as “hay fever.” Symptoms include sneezing, a stuffy or runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes. To help make the most of your spring and enjoy this time of year, follow … Continue reading Enjoy Spring, despite allergies
With all of the coughing and wheezing you have been doing, it can be hard to figure out what’s wrong. Are you out of shape, do you have allergies, feeling a little sick, or do you have asthma? For most people asthma is diagnosed as a child, but there are cases that may develop later … Continue reading Changes in asthma with age
After a sneeze you may hear the excuse, “Oh, it’s just allergies!” but bystanders wonder if it’s really true. During this season, airborne allergies are widespread but so is the common cold. Is it a Cold or Allergies? How do you know what is a sign of allergies or what is just a common cold? … Continue reading “Oh, it’s just allergies!”
