In this APAPP podcast, Rebecca Ezell, NP, is joined by James McNutt, NP, for a practical discussion on environmental triggers and reactive airway disease. Recapping their 2026 APAPP presentation, Rebecca and James review the global burden of asthma and COPD, the disparities faced by patients in both pollution-heavy urban areas and rural agricultural communities, and how fine particulate matter and diesel exhaust penetrate the airway mucosa to drive oxidative stress, type 2 inflammation, mucus production, and impaired repair pathways.
They also share practical strategies pulmonary advanced practice providers can use right away: environmental and occupational exposure screening, HEPA filtration, mask use at work, peak flow journaling to identify exposure patterns, addressing gas stoves, wood smoke, candles, carpet, secondhand smoke, and post-hurricane mold, and writing letters on a patient's behalf for housing accommodations. Tune in for key clinical insights on whole-patient assessment, allergy testing and referral, patient buy-in, and reducing medication burden by controlling the environment.
Register to join us for the 4th Annual APAPP National Conference in New Orleans in 2027. For more expert-driven pulmonary education, visit the Pulm Hub and APAPP ACE app.
Claim your 0.5 CME credits for listening to this episode here: https://forms.gle/42yHmF8UpemVhdDJA
Visit our website for more APP Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine content and free CMEs www.pulmapp.com
Follow us on:
