Exhale normally to functional residual capacity. Inhale slowly and deeply to total lung capacity. Hold breath for 10 seconds. Wait 3-5 minutes and repeat. Effect in COPD is less pronounced than in asthma.
Aerosolized corticosteroids provide the benefits of oral corticosteroids with fewer side effects.
Oropharyngeal candidiasis can be prevented by using proper technique and by rinsing throat with water after use. Infection frequently causes bronchitis exacerbations, and is associated with increased or purulent sputum, increased cough, chest congestion and discomfort, and increased dyspnea and wheezing. Chills and fever suggest pneumonia. Acute bacterial episodes tend to be seasonal, appearing more frequently in winter. Gram stain is a useful guide in the selection of an empiric antibiotic.