Breathing is a fundamental act. We rarely think about it until it becomes a challenge and when that happens, it’s scary. As a parent, I recognize how alarming that experience is for family members, too. My job is to alleviate that fear and the symptoms causing it. A big part of my process is empowering patients. I thoroughly explain the physiology responsible for their symptoms and relevant therapeutic strategies. That way, they have a full understanding of their underlying lung problems and the tools needed to improve their symptoms. Together, we make a unified decision about the best course of treatment so they can breathe easily again.