Donald A. Mahler, MD

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Claremont, NH
Donald A. Mahler, MD

The vision of http://www.donaldmahler.com is to provide information that positively affects the daily lives of those with COPD and their families

01/26/2024

Screening For Lung Cancer: Should I Do It? Dear Dr. Mahler: I am 64 years old and my new physician's assistant recommended a CT scan to screen for lung cancer. Does this make sense? I take two different inhalers in the morning for my COPD and use albuterol puffer at least once most days. Each winter I seem to get a chest infection that requires an antibtiotic and a course of prednisone....

Screening for lung cancer is recommended for those 50-80 years of age, have smoked at least 20 pack-years, and are current or past smokers.

12/15/2023

Effectiveness of Influenza Vaccine in COPD: Results from 2018-2020 Seasons Background: Information about the effectivenss of the flu (influenza) vaccine is limited in preventing flu-related hospitalizations in older adults and those with high-risk conditions such as COPD. Study: Ashley Tippett, MPH, and colleagues from Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia, recorded information on adults 50 years of age or older admitted to two hospitals in the United States for an acute respiratory illness and adults admitted for congestive heart failure or COPD flare-ups (exacerbations)....

The adjusted effectiveness of the vaccine in preventing influenza-related hospitalization for COPD/congestive heart failure flare-up was 80%.

11/05/2023

Omega-3 Slows Decline In Lung Function In Adults Background: After about 50 years of age, lung function declines gradually in healthy adults. In those with COPD who continue to smoke, there is a faster rate of decline. Quitting smoking is important as it slows down this progression. Patients with COPD who have quit smoking as well as health care professionals are also interested in whether diet and/or exercise can also slow down any worsening in lung function....

Omega-3 slows decline in lung function in adults and has beneficial effects, especially DHA, on lung health.

10/29/2023

Improving Shortness Of Breath In COPD With Weight Loss Through Health Coaching Background: Shortness of breath (medical word is dyspnea) is the leading symptom of those with COPD. People who are overweight report more shortness of breath, have poorer quality of life, and use health care more frequently than those who are not obese. Overall, obesity is increasing in the general population as well as in those with COPD....

Improving shortness of breath in individuals with COPD and severe obesity was associated with weight loss and health coaching.

09/07/2023

RSV Vaccines in COPD: Should I Get The New Vaccine? What Is RSV? RSV is an abbreviation for Respiratory Syncthial Virus - a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious. Infants and older adults are more likely to develop severe RSV and need hospitalization. People infected with RSV usually show symptoms within 4 to 6 days after getting infected....

RSV Vaccines in COPD. There are two new vaccines that are more than 80% effective in in preventing RSV infection.

06/19/2023

Natural Disasters And COPD: How Should I Prepare? Dear Dr. Mahler: My COPD was diagnosed about four years and I live on the Gulf Coast of Florida. I am worried about the upcoming hurricane season and wanted to know y0ur thoughts about being prepared for a possible natural disaster. I try to keep active playing shuffle board and cards each once a week with others in park where I live....

Preparing for Natural Disasters And COPD includes youir personal safety, a plan for loss of electricity, and having medications available.

06/04/2023

What Causes A COPD Flare-up? Background: Many, if not most, indiviudals with COPD have experienced a flare-up or worsening of shortness of breath and/or cough which may be productive of mucus or phlegm. The medical word for a flare-up is an exacerbation. Generally, the causes of a flare-up include a respiratory infection, either viral or bacterial, and environmental - such as inhaling pollutants in the air....

By understanding the possible causes of a COPD flare-up, you are able to provide important information to assist the health care professional.

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Claremont, NH
03743

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(603) 542-6777

Website

http://www.donaldmahler.com/

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