Respiratory Inspirations

December 30, 2022

Occupational Lung Disease

Whether spending the day in an office, on the road or in a coal mine, today's workers are exposed to a variety of substances that can harm lung function. Dr. Maeve MacMurdo, the director of the Occupational Lung Disease Clinic at Cleveland Clinic, provides an overview of the types of irritants and substances on the job that can lead to lung disease. She covers everything from occupational asthma to black lung disease and offers guidance on how workers can keep themselves safe, what companies are required to do, and the role occupational lung disease physicians play.

December 14, 2022

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency

In this episode, Dr. James Stoller, chairman of the Education Institute at Cleveland Clinic, explains what Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency is, the effect it has on the body and what testing is available for diagnosis. He shares that shortness of breath is the most common symptom of the deficiency and encourages listeners to ask their physician about pulmonary function testing if this is a symptom they have experienced for a prolonged period of time. He stresses the importance of testing if a family member has received a diagnosis and explains the steps that can be taken to minimize the decline in lung function associated with the deficiency.

November 23, 2022

What You Need to Know About Beryllium Exposure

In this episode, Dr. Maeve Macmurdo, director of the Occupational Lung Disease Clinic at Cleveland Clinic, explains what beryllium is and how exposure can be harmful to one's health. She explains how beryllium sensitization can cause Chronic Beryllium Disease and the testing and monitoring that's done when a person becomes sensitized. Dr. Macmurdo stresses the importance of ongoing screening for those working in an environment with beryllium. If you do need care, she covers why it's important to go to a physician who understands Chronic Beryllium Disease and knows the early warning signs to look out for.

November 9, 2022

Keep Calm and Quit!

We all know smoking is bad for your health, but when it comes to quitting, it can be a tough habit to kick. In this episode, Dr. Humberto Choi, founder and director of the Smoking Cessation Program at Cleveland Clinic, explains exactly how smoking and vaping affects one's health. He explains how the Smoking Cessation Program is designed for success by combining different treatment and therapy methods and shares how to find resources and programs that work for you. While the addiction to nicotine can be difficult to treat, it's never too late.