There are many forms of lung disease, with some of the most common being respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) lung disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). If you are immunocompromised or more vulnerable, such as if you are elderly, it is important to take preventative measures to avoid contracting lung disease. For example, it would be valuable to get the ABRYSVO vaccine to prevent lower respiratory tract disease caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in seniors. If you do have lung disease, however, symptoms can be made more manageable by making some changes to your diet—here’s 5 foods to avoid with lung disease: 1. Dairy products Have you ever noticed that you develop a bit of a cough after drinking a glass of milk or eating some ice cream? This is due to casomorphin, found in dairy products, that increases fluids, phlegm, and mucus produced by the body. In turn, this causes you to cough and could potentially result in wheezing and pain. While you don’t have to entirely cut out dairy, it’s important to monitor your symptoms after consumption and eat in moderation. If you find you react poorly to dairy products, that’s when you should consider a non-dairy diet.

Parkison’s disease—a brain disorder that impacts the nervous system and results in a variety of challenging symptoms. This disease can affect the patients quality of life through negatively impacting their ability to move. Many patients choose to take medications and treatments that ease their symptoms, such as Gocovri ER, Rytary, Ingrezza, Austedo XR; however, it’s important to look at side effects, as some medications can cause symptoms like tardive dyskinesia. The sooner this disease is diagnosed, the sooner patients can receive treatments and experience some relief of symptoms. Here’s 6 early signs of Parkison’s disease: 1. Tremors Tremors are one of the most common and most characteristic symptoms of Parkinson’s. Tremors can show up as shaking, or other involuntary movement of the body. Typically this symptom begins in the fingers or hand, and is often called the ‘pill-rolling’ tremor—where you rub your thumb and forefinger together. Any unexplained, involuntary tremors are a raise for concern and could lead to a potential diagnosis for Parkinson’s. 2. Stiff-looking walking If anyone has commented that you look stiff while walking lately, this could be a sign of Parkinson’s. With the disease, normal, unconscious movements like swinging your arms while walking may stop—you’ll have to think about doing it in order for it to happen, whereas for individuals without Parkinson’s naturally do it without trying.

Sleep is essential to our well-being, and many of us strive to get a good night’s rest every night to maintain our health. However, between cars driving by your home, thoughts about work and other stressors, and uncomfortable bedding, you can be tossing and turning for hours. Some individuals experience narcolepsy, daytime sleepiness that can leave you feeling drowsy throughout the day, and they work to avoid narcolepsy with medications like Sunosi. However, like many other disorders, diseases, and illnesses, symptoms improve with a good sleep. Here’s 5 proven tips to help you sleep better at night: 1. Be consistent in your sleep schedule Going to bed at the same time each night and waking up at the same time each morning is essential to keeping your sleep schedule in check and consistently getting a good night’s sleep. This way, you can ensure your body always gets the full rest it needs and you will find it easier to fall asleep at night as your body prepares for it. Stay consistent, even on the weekends. 2. Avoid caffeine in the evening Caffeine should be avoided at a minimum of 6 hours before bed time. If consumed too late, caffeine can make it harder for you to fall asleep, reduce the amount of sleep you get, and reduce the amount of deep sleep you get.

Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), NTM lung disease, MAC lung infection, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infection, and nasal polyps (oh my)! These are all examples of breathing or respiratory issues that result in similar challenges and symptoms. Depending on what kind of breathing issue you have, your doctor will prescribe medications like Robitussin, Theraflu, Stiolto, Flonase, and Afrin to help with symptom management. Additionally, you may opt to participate in Novavax clinical trials or receive a Pfizer vaccine for further treatment. However, it can also be helpful to make some dietary changes, as diet is directly linked to optimal respiratory function. Here are 5 foods to avoid with breathing issues, no matter what they are: 1. Dairy products If you have a daily allergy, drinking milk or eating dairy products can trigger and worsen symptoms of any breathing issues you might have. For example, with this allergy, you may experience wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, runny nose, and more—you likely already experience these symptoms with your breathing issue. Avoid stacking and worsening symptoms by removing dairy products from your diet. 2. Beans Black beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, lima beans—a great recipe for chili, but a recipe for disaster when combined with breathing issues.

Lung cancer is cancer of the lungs, and it can take on a few forms, ranging from small cell carcinoma to advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and many variations in between. Like any type of cancer, it’s essential to catch it early on and start medications and treatments right away for the most optimal outcome, but unfortunately many individuals ignore their symptoms. Lung Cancer Treatment Options While there is currently no cure for lung cancer, there are many options for medications to help treat it and assist with symptom management. Medications your doctor may prescribe include Zepzelca, Alecensa, Rybevrant, and ROS1 tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), ROS1 inhibitor, or OPDIVO (nivolumab) combined with YERVOY (ipilimumab). In addition to medications to help manage symptoms, you likely will also require targeted treatments to directly fight against the cancerous tumors. One may endure therapies such as immunotherapy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies. These can be mentally and physically exhausting, so it’s helpful to have a support system there to encourage and help you through it, like close friends and family. There are also cancer support groups you can join to talk to people that understand exactly what you’re going through. Although it is an extremely challenging and scary process, you can feel assured that your doctor will work with you to get the best treatment plan that will meet your needs.