Respiratory Inspirations: A Cleveland Clinic Lungs, Allergy, Critical Illness and Infectious Disease Podcast

Oh, That Cough (Cough, Cough): Getting Help for Your Chronic Cough

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 08:00:00 -0400

Are you tired of a cough that just won’t go away? Chronic cough is defined as a cough lasting more than eight weeks; however, many patients will suffer months or even years before being referred for specialized care. In this episode, Drs. Taliercio and Ghobrial review some of the recognizable signs of chronic cough. They discuss the importance of finding a provider who will take the time to listen to you and evaluate every aspect of your health so they can uncover possible causes and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan. Drs. Taliercio and Ghobrial also cover medications currently in clinical trials, off-label use of existing drugs and promising non-drug options like behavioral cough suppression therapy that are already available.

Respiratory Viral Vaccines and Personalized Vaccinology

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 08:00:00 -0400

In this special episode from our Respiratory Exchange “Respiratory Syncytial Virus” series, Dr. Gregory Poland, distinguished investigator at Mayo Clinic and founding director of Mayo Clinic's Vaccine Research Group, explains the different types of immunity and what vaccines really prevent. In addition, he discusses the nuances of immunizing against RSV during pregnancy, the need for booster doses and the development of personalized vaccinology to optimize vaccine responses.

Understanding Delirium in Patients in the Intensive Care Unit

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 08:00:00 -0400

ICU delirium is a very common consequence of an ICU stay and critical illness, especially in very sick patients. Patients who develop delirium often appear confused, have difficulty paying attention, and may become aggressive or withdrawn. Dr. Heather Torbic discusses risk factors, diagnosis and treatment for delirium, and emphasizes the role that friends and family can play in helping patients with delirium.

Understanding Sepsis

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 08:00:00 -0400

Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency caused by the body's overwhelming reaction to an infection. Two Critical Care and Emergency Medicine physicians join this episode of Respiratory Inspirations to cover all things sepsis. They explain what sepsis is and how it is a leading cause of death in hospitals worldwide. They also cover what Cleveland Clinic is doing to reduce sepsis mortality.

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

Fri, 31 May 2024 08:00:00 -0400

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a lung injury that happens when fluids build up in small air sacs of the lungs, preventing your lungs from filling up with air. In this episode of Respiratory Inspirations, two doctors from the Department of Critical Care Medicine at Cleveland Clinic break down the causes, symptoms and treatments of ARDS.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 08:00:00 -0500

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a program designed to help people with a chronic lung disease, such as COPD or cystic fibrosis, learn how to breathe easier and improve their quality of life. Debasis Sahoo, MD, is the director of pulmonary rehabilitation at Marymount Hospital and South Point Hospital. Dr. Sahoo joins the Respiratory Inspirations podcast to explain how pulmonary rehabilitation works, the benefits of the program and more.

Preventing New HIV Infections with PrEP

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 08:00:00 -0500

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a medicine used to reduce the chances of getting HIV infection from sex or injection drug use. Three experts from the Department of Infectious Disease at Cleveland Clinic join this episode of Respiratory Inspirations to discuss PrEP and other tools for HIV prevention.

Tracheobronchomalacia

Wed, 27 Dec 2023 08:00:00 -0500

Tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) happens when your main airway and the airways leading to your lungs close more than they should, affecting your ability to breathe. Thomas Gildea, MD joins this episode of Respiratory Inspirations to talk about TBM and excessive dynamic airway collapse (EDAC). He explains how the large airway works, what happens when it’s not working well and how he diagnoses TBM/EDAC. He also covers how the condition is treated and what the EDAC/TBM program at Cleveland Clinic offers.

Critical Care for Patients With Cancer

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 08:00:00 -0500

Experts in critical care and pulmonary medicine join this episode of Respiratory Inspirations to discuss the Medical Oncology Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Cleveland Clinic. The doctors explain why this specialized ICU exists, who it serves and what to expect if you or a loved one are in the medical oncology ICU.

Opioids and Lung Health

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 08:00:00 -0500

Experts in pulmonary and critical care medicine from Cleveland Clinic join this episode of Respiratory Inspirations to discuss opioids and lung health. The doctors explain how opioids can affect the respiratory system, the signs someone might be experiencing breathing problems due to opioids and the precautions that should be taken to keep your lungs healthy if you are prescribed opioids.

Immunotherapy Side Effects: Pneumonitis and More

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 08:00:00 -0400

Immunotherapy is a newer form of therapy for cancers. While immunotherapy is revolutionizing the management of many cancers, there can be unintended consequences and side effects associated with the therapy. In this episode of Respiratory Inspirations, two experts in pulmonary and critical care medicine at Cleveland Clinic discuss the side effects of immunotherapy including immune checkpoint inhibitor toxicity and pneumonitis.

Virtual ICU Rounding: Involving Patients’ Loved Ones Through Video

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 08:00:03 -0400

Adi Gerblich, MD is a physician in the department of critical care medicine at Cleveland Clinic, as well as the division chief of pulmonary medicine at Hillcrest Hospital. Dr. Gerblich joins this episode of Respiratory Inspirations to talk about virtual ICU rounding. He starts by describing the ICU environment and the types of communications used between the ICU team and a patient’s family. Dr. Gerblich explains how this program better connects patients’ loved ones with the ICU care team, allowing them to be more involved in the patient’s care.

Bone and Joint Infections

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 08:00:09 -0400

Maja Babic, MD joins this episode of Respiratory Inspirations to cover everything you need to know about bone and joint infections. Dr. Babic explains why a team approach is needed for the diagnosis and treatment of bone and joint infections and how the team works together to care for the patient. She also covers topics such as diabetic foot infections, septic joints and prosthetic joint infections.

ECMO: Extracorporeal Life Support

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 08:00:00 -0400

Sudhir Krishnan, MD is the medical director of the ECMO team in the critical care department at Cleveland Clinic. He joins this episode of Respiratory Inspirations to discuss everything you need to know about ECMO. Listen in to learn what ECMO is, why and how it is used and how patients are chosen to undergo ECMO. Dr. Krishnan also covers common concerns and shares what family members can expect if their loved one goes on extracorporeal life support.

Respiratory Support and Therapy in the ICU

Thu, 03 Aug 2023 08:00:06 -0400

Eduardo Mireles-Cabodevila, MD, director of the Medical Intensive Care Unit at Cleveland Clinic, joins this episode of Respiratory Inspirations to discuss the details of respiratory support and therapy in the ICU. Dr. Mireles kicks things off by explaining the role of a respiratory therapist and how to become one. He goes on to explain the processes and devices used by the care team to help ICU patients with respiratory failure. Dr. Mireles also covers mechanical ventilation and ends the conversation with the topic of tracheostomy.

What You Should Know About Travel Vaccines

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 08:00:00 -0400

Steven Mawhorter, MD and Pooja Cerrato, Pharm.D. of the Cleveland Clinic Pre-Travel Clinic join this episode of Respiratory Inspirations to cover everything you need to know about staying healthy during international travel. They explain why it’s important to set up a travel health consultation before your trip and everything you can expect to learn during your individualized, pre-travel clinic visit – from vaccine recommendations to risk avoidance counseling. Their goal is to keep their traveling patients healthy and empower them to be informed and ready to meet potential challenges.

Non-invasive Ventilation Strategies for COPD and Hypercapnia

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 08:00:05 -0400

Umur Hatipoglu, MD, COPD expert and the director of respiratory therapy at Cleveland Clinic, joins this episode of Respiratory Inspirations to talk about the use of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) strategies for people with COPD and high carbon dioxide levels, or hypercapnia. Dr. Hatipoglu explains why COPD can lead to high carbon dioxide levels and the negative effects hypercapnia can have on your overall health. He explains how newer therapies are improving the quality of life for patients with COPD and hypercapnia, specifically intervention with a non-invasive mask.

Curing Food Allergies in Children with Early Oral Immunotherapy

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 08:00:06 -0400

Could food allergies become a thing of the past? Jaclyn Bjelac, MD, Associate Director of the Food Allergy Center of Excellence at Cleveland Clinic, joins this episode of Respiratory Inspirations to discuss early oral immunotherapy – a form of therapy being used to cure food allergies in children. Dr. Bjelac explains exactly what early OIT is, what food allergies can be treated with the therapy and how the Food Allergy Center of Excellence is improving the lives of even their youngest patients.

Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS)

Wed, 31 May 2023 08:00:08 -0400

Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS) is the term used to describe the collection of physical, mental and emotional symptoms that persist after a patient has been in the intensive care unit (ICU). Michelle Biehl, MD, director of the Post-ICU Recovery Clinic at Cleveland Clinic, discusses the symptoms, risk factors and likelihood of PICS occurring in a patient. She explains the important role family members play in the ICU, as well as the steps healthcare teams take to prevent the development of PICS. Dr. Biehl also explains what the patient journey looks like at the Post-ICU Recovery Clinic and talks about recovery and hope.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Wed, 17 May 2023 08:00:08 -0400

Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep-breathing disorder that occurs when muscles in the throat relax and block air flow to the lungs during sleep, interrupting normal breathing. Sleep experts Loutfi Aboussouan, MD and Reena Mehra, MD join this episode of Respiratory Inspirations to discuss all things obstructive sleep apnea: from symptoms and testing to diagnosis and treatment.

Nontuberculous Mycobacterial (NTM) Infections

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 08:00:07 -0400

In this episode of Respiratory Inspirations, experts from the Infectious Disease and Pulmonary Medicine departments at Cleveland Clinic join to discuss nontuberculous mycobacteria or NTM. The doctors explain the basics of what NTM is, who is most susceptible to nontuberculous mycobacterial infection and when to suspect infection. They cover testing and diagnosis, the side effects of involved medications and emphasize how treatment should be a shared decision between the patient and their physician.

Climate Change and Your Health

Wed, 12 Apr 2023 08:00:16 -0400

In this episode of Respiratory Inspirations, three experts from the Cleveland Clinic Respiratory Institute discuss the effect climate change has on our health. They explain how rising temperatures, wildfires and other natural disasters can affect all people across the country – even if you live states away from the devastation. They also offer advice on how to stay healthy during times when air quality is poor and ways listeners can make a difference in our changing environment.

Mechanical Ventilation: How Ventilators Work, Who Needs One and What to Expect

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 08:00:08 -0400

Eduardo Mireles, MD, director of the Medical Intensive Care Unit and vice-chair of the Department of Critical Care Medicine at Cleveland Clinic, joins this episode of Respiratory Inspirations to cover all things mechanical ventilation. Dr. Mireles starts with the basics of what mechanical ventilation is and the different ventilators used, then explains why someone may need one. He also describes how ICU teams work together to ensure the comfort and safety of patients on ventilators.

What is Eosinophilia?

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 08:00:10 -0400

Eosinophilia happens when the body produces an unusually high number of eosinophils – one of the white blood cells that support your immune system. Fred Hsieh, MD joins this episode of Respiratory Inspirations to discuss eosinophilic disorders. He covers the common causes of a high eosinophilic count, such as allergies or a parasitic infection, what testing is done and the treatment options available.

All About Asthma

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 08:00:00 -0500

Did you know approximately 25 million people in the U.S. have asthma? Still, it often goes undiagnosed. In this episode of Respiratory Inspirations, three experts from Cleveland Clinic’s Respiratory Institute cover all things asthma: from symptoms and triggers to diagnosis and treatment plans.

Fibrosing Mediastinitis

Fri, 17 Feb 2023 08:00:17 -0500

Francisco Almeida, MD, MS, director of the Fibrosing Mediastinitis Center at Cleveland Clinic, and Atul Mehta, MD join this episode of Respiratory Inspirations to cover all things fibrosing mediastinitis. Listen to learn the symptoms and causes of this condition and why it’s so common in Ohio, Missouri and the Mississippi Valley region. Dr. Almeida and Dr. Mehta also explain what to expect as a patient of the Fibrosing Mediastinitis Center and what the future holds for treatment.

Deployment-Related Lung Disease: Burn Pits and More

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 08:00:08 -0500

Are military burn pits the Agent Orange of today? And what other exposures lead to deployment-related lung disease? In 2022, Congress passed legislation to ensure that U.S. military personnel exposed to dangerous toxins from burn pits have their medical bills covered for any resulting diseases. In this episode, experts Dr. Maeve MacMurdo and Dr. Neha Solanki discuss the importance of investigating deeply to diagnose and treat formerly deployed military with respiratory health concerns.

RSV in Children

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 15:46:08 -0500

Dr. Kimberly Gifford, a primary care pediatrician at Cleveland Clinic Childrens, joins this episode of Respiratory Inspirations to discuss respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, specifically in children. She explains what RSV is, how it affects the body and the signs and symptoms parents should look out for.

Occupational Lung Disease

Fri, 30 Dec 2022 08:00:27 -0500

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.

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency

Wed, 14 Dec 2022 08:00:07 -0500

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.

What You Need to Know About Beryllium Exposure

Wed, 23 Nov 2022 08:00:19 -0500

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.

Keep Calm and Quit!

Wed, 09 Nov 2022 09:05:32 -0500

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.

Medical Intensive Liver Unit: An ICU for Advanced Liver Disease Patients

Wed, 19 Oct 2022 08:00:16 -0400

You’ve heard of the ICU, but what is the MILU? In this episode, Dr. Aanchal Kapoor, founder and director of the Medical Intensive Liver Unit at Cleveland Clinic, explains what the MILU is, who the unit is for and how they care for patients. She explains why a specialized unit is necessary for patients with advanced liver disease and what differences exist between the ICU and the MILU. Dr. Kapoor also shares how many areas within Cleveland Clinic work together to care for patients in the unit.

Understanding Interstitial Lung Disease

Wed, 28 Sep 2022 08:00:12 -0400

In this episode, Dr. Daniel Culver, chairman of the pulmonary department at Cleveland Clinic, discusses Interstitial Lung Disease, a group of 50-200 diseases that affect the working parts of the lungs. He explains how different teams at Cleveland Clinic come together to determine what is causing the patient’s disease, what the features are and what can be done to improve the outcome for the patient. Dr. Culver also covers the four main groups of treatments available and what expectations to have.

Lung Transplant Life: What to Expect Pre and Post Lung Transplant

Wed, 14 Sep 2022 08:00:20 -0400

In this episode, Dr. Marie Budev, medical director of the Cleveland Clinic Lung Transplant Program, covers all things lung transplant: the basics, who might need a lung transplant and why and what to expect pre- and post-lung transplant. She explains when the best time is to speak to your physician about a lung transplant and what patients can expect during an evaluation. Dr. Budev also discusses the various testing that goes into making sure the transplant has the best chance of success, as well as any limits or barriers there are to receiving a transplant.

The Critical Role Families Play in the ICU

Wed, 17 Aug 2022 08:00:26 -0400

If you have ever had a loved one in the ICU, you know how stressful it can be. In this episode, Dr. Hassan Khouli, department chairman of Critical Care Medicine, explains what exactly an intensive care unit is, the different technology and tools used in the ICU and the challenges for both the ICU team and family. He describes technology advancements in the ICU and how they’ve made connecting with the family easier. Dr. Khouli also explains how the family of a patient plays a key part of the care team and how the ICU team and family can partner together for the best experience and outcome.

Life and Health After COVID-19

Wed, 20 Jul 2022 09:00:12 -0400

While COVID-19 has affected everyone in one way or another, COVID-19 long-haulers are experiencing the effects long after the initial infection is gone. Dr. Kristin Englund, vice chair of Infectious Disease and founder and director of the reCOVer Clinic at Cleveland Clinic, explains what long-COVID is and how persisting symptoms are affecting long-haulers weeks or months after their initial infection. She covers the wide variety of symptoms patients experience, the impact long-COVID has on daily life and what the reCOVer Clinic is doing to help people get back to pre-COVID health.

Improving the Lives of Adult Cystic Fibrosis Patients

Wed, 20 Jul 2022 08:00:22 -0400

Dr. Elliot Dasenbrook, founder and director of the Adult Cystic Fibrosis Program, talks Adult Cystic Fibrosis: what it is, how it affects your lungs and body and the process of diagnosing cystic fibrosis in adults. He explains the differences in care for adult and pediatric cystic fibrosis patients and what changing your care from one to the other looks like. Dr. Dasenbrook also explains how many areas within Cleveland Clinic work together to care for patients in his program and the promising future of cystic fibrosis therapies.

Food Allergies No More? How Advances in Treatment Are Improving the Lives of Children and Adults

Fri, 24 Jun 2022 08:00:23 -0400

What if there was a future where food allergies didn’t exist? It could be closer than we think. Dr. Sandra Hong, founder and director of the Food Allergy Center of Excellence, discusses how they’ve found a way to increase the probability of children growing out of their food allergy from 20% to 80%. She covers the most common food allergies, the symptoms of a reaction, what the Food Allergy Center of Excellence offers and the different treatments and therapies available. Dr. Hong explains the multidisciplinary approach they use to improve the lives of their patients with food allergies through treatment and therapy options that aren’t available in every allergists’ office visits.

That Awful Cough

Wed, 27 Apr 2022 11:07:07 -0400

Dr. Rachel Taliercio, founder and director of the Chronic Cough Clinic, talks about chronic cough: how it’s defined, the most common causes and using over-the-counter options for short-term symptom relief. She discusses what a patient may experience if they make an appointment with the Chronic Cough Clinic and the importance of a thorough records review and history of medications already tried. Dr. Taliercio also covers cough hypersensitivity syndrome, behavioral cough suppression therapy and new therapies on the horizon.

Should You Be Screened for Lung Cancer?

Wed, 27 Apr 2022 11:02:48 -0400

In this podcast, Dr. Peter Mazzone, Director of the Lung Cancer Program for the Respiratory Institute and the Lung Cancer Screening Program for Cleveland Clinic, discusses why low-dose CT screening is essential for people at high-risk for lung cancer. You’ll learn about the eligibility recommendations for being screened, whether or not your insurance might cover it and what happens after you get screened. Dr. Mazzone also discusses why lung nodules don’t always mean cancer and the benefits of being screened as part of a high quality lung cancer program.

Think You’re Allergic to Aspirin or Penicillin? There’s a Good Chance You Aren’t

Wed, 27 Apr 2022 10:59:16 -0400

You’ve been told all your life that you’re allergic to penicillin, or to aspirin, or perhaps to a vaccine. And maybe you are allergic--or maybe not. In this podcast, Dr. David Lang, chairman of the Cleveland Clinic Department for Allergy and Immunology, explains why true penicillin and aspirin allergies are actually rare. He also discusses how testing and desensitization can be done safely. Dr. Lang describes why a vaccine allergy is often a reaction to one component that’s used with the vaccine, not the vaccine itself. So if you’re tired of not being able to use these drugs or get vaccinated, listen in and find out what to do next.

Take Your Shoes Off at the Door: Looking at the Environmental Impact on the Lungs

Wed, 27 Apr 2022 10:54:23 -0400

In this podcast, Dr. Sumita Khatri, vice chair of Cleveland Clinic’s Respiratory Institute and director of the Asthma Center, discusses how the environment, both indoor, outdoor and over a lifetime, impacts your lungs. You’ll learn about your “exposome” and how making changes in it can improve your lung health. You’ll also hear about HEPA filters versus air purifiers, understand the connection between dust and clutter and learn why not having a good winter frost can make allergies worse.