It typically begins with the sudden onset of fever, chills, headache, and body aches. It then progresses to cause sore throat, cough, and nasal congestion. Redness of the eyes, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea can also be associated with influenza.

Influenza is spread from person to person by respiratory droplets created by coughing or sneezing. Contact with respiratory droplet-contaminated surfaces is another mode of transmission. Such surfaces include door knobs, elevator buttons, computer keyboards, and mobile devices like tablets and smartphones. Outbreaks of influenza typically begin in school aged children. This can then lead to transmission to adults, the elderly, and other children within the family.

Although the majority of children with influenza recover after about 7 days, some children even without prior medical problems can suffer serious adverse effects. Like all viral infections, influenza can weaken the immune system and make one susceptible to bacterial infections such as streptococcus and staphylococcus. These bacteria can cause co-infections such as pneumonia and sepsis — a serious sometimes life threatening bacterial infection of the blood.

Influenza can also invade the tissues of the heart and cause a dangerous condition myocarditis. Finally, neurologic complications from influenza can range from febrile seizures to viral infections of the brain called encephalopathy, which can lead to permanent cognitive impairment.

Some are at higher risk for serious complications

While these adverse effects can affect anyone, certain groups are at higher risk from serious complications of influenza than others.These include children under the age of 5 but especially younger than 2 years of age, pregnant women, adults over the age of 65, and those with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart problems, neurologic issues, or any major health condition.

Prevention is key

The best preventative measure to fight against influenza and its possible complications is vaccination with the annual flu vaccine. Flu season typically begins in October and November and peaks in January. It takes about 2 weeks for the body to generate a protective immune response after vaccination, so the time for vaccination is now. The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months of age or older but especially for those who fit the higher risk categories that were just mentioned above.

Children under 9 years of age who have never received a flu shot may need two doses usually given 4 weeks apart. There are specialized versions of the flu vaccine that are meant to be given to those who are 65 years of age or older. The flu vaccine is safe and has been shown to reduce influenza illness, doctor’s visits, trips to the emergency room, and missed work due to flu. The benefits affect all ages.

A recent study showed that flu vaccine reduced children’s risk of flu related pediatric ICU admissions by 74% during the flu seasons of 2010–2012. Another study showed that people 50 years of age and older who received the vaccine reduced their risk of flu-related hospitalization by 57%. Finally, other studies have shown that administering the flu vaccine to pregnant women (at any stage of pregnancy) can not only be beneficial to them, but it can also reduce the infant’s risk of getting the flu for several months after birth.

A common misconception about the flu vaccine is the thought that receiving the vaccine itself can cause the flu.

This is simply not true. The vaccine is compiled using an inactivated (dead) virus, so it is not possible to contract influenza from the vaccine. The live, intranasal version of the flu vaccine has not been recommended this year by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention due to its general lack of effectiveness noted during the last 3 flu seasons.

Some possible side effects from the flu vaccine include tenderness and pain from the injection site, headache, muscle aches, and chills. Fever can occur within 24 hours in 10% — 35% of children under the age of 2, but this rarely occurs in older children or adults. Generally speaking, side effects from the flu vaccine resolve within a few days.

Despite the safe and effective nature of the flu vaccine, there are a few contraindications to receiving it. As with all vaccines, if there has been a history of a severe allergic reaction — also known as an anaphylactic reaction — associated with flu vaccine, it should be avoided. Also if one has contracted the neurologic disease Guillain-Barre syndrome within 6 weeks of receiving a prior flu vaccine, one should not be vaccinated. Allergy to eggs used to be a contraindication to receiving flu vaccine, but that disqualifier has been removed recently. People with milder reactions like hives can receive the flu vaccine wherever it is available. Those with more severe reactions to eggs may need to receive the vaccine under the guidance of an allergist.

Tamiflu helps but can not cure

While the influenza vaccine is the most effective preventative measure to fight the flu, there are medications available that can shorten the course of the illness if one unfortunately becomes infected with the flu. Tamiflu (oseltamivir) remains an effective antiviral medication to treat people with influenza as young as 2 weeks of age. Another antiviral Relenza (zanamivir) is an inhaled medication that can be given to patients as young as 7 years of age. Administering these antivirals within 48 hours of symptoms can help to reduce the duration of fever and symptoms of influenza. They can also reduce the rate of severe complications especially in high risk patients.

Wash your hands

There are other preventative measures that can help one stay healthy during flu season.Frequent hand washing can help to limit exposure to germs. If soap and water are not nearby, alcohol based hand sanitizers (Purell) can be used. Avoiding close contact with those who are visibly sick can help reduce the risk of becoming sick. At the same time, staying home from work or school when you are sick can help prevent the spread of illness to other people. Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue while coughing or sneezing (or coughing/sneezing into your elbow) can also prevent those around you from becoming ill.

Also, while it can be difficult as it is second nature for a lot of us, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth if possible. Germs are spread when someone touches a contaminated surface and then proceeds to touch his or her nose, eyes, or mouth. Disinfecting frequently touched surfaces at work or at schools such as keyboards, desks, and doorknobs can also be helpful. You may also want to think twice about touching another person’s tablet or smartphone who is visibly ill. As always, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Staying active, getting sufficient rest, managing stress, drinking plenty of fluids, and making healthy diet choices can go a long way to ensuring a healthy and hearty holiday season.

The post Flu Shots Save Lives appeared first on Medika Life.

Respiratory failure is a condition in which your blood doesn’t have enough oxygen or has too much carbon dioxide. Sometimes you can have both problems.

When you breathe, your lungs take in oxygen. The oxygen passes into your blood, which carries it to your organs. Your organs, such as your heart and brain, need this oxygen-rich blood to work well.

Another part of breathing is removing the carbon dioxide from the blood and breathing it out. Having too much carbon dioxide in your blood can harm your organs.

What causes respiratory failure?

Conditions that affect your breathing can cause respiratory failure. These conditions may affect the muscles, nerves, bones, or tissues that support breathing. Or they may affect the lungs directly. These conditions include

• Lung diseases such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), cystic fibrosis, pneumonia, and pulmonary embolism
• Conditions that affect the nerves and muscles that control breathing, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), muscular dystrophy, spinal cord injuries, and stroke
• Problems with the spine, such as scoliosis (a curve in the spine). They can affect the bones and muscles used for breathing.
• Damage to the tissues and ribs around the lungs. An injury to the chest can cause this damage.
• Drug or alcohol overdose
• Inhalation injuries, such as from inhaling smoke (from fires) or harmful fumes

What are the symptoms of respiratory failure?

The symptoms of respiratory failure depend on the cause and the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood.

A low oxygen level in the blood can cause shortness of breath and air hunger (the feeling that you can’t breathe in enough air). Your skin, lips, and fingernails may also have a bluish color. A high carbon dioxide level can cause rapid breathing and confusion.

Some people who have respiratory failure may become very sleepy or lose consciousness. They also may have arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat). You may have these symptoms if your brain and heart are not getting enough oxygen.

How is respiratory failure diagnosed?

Your health care provider will diagnose respiratory failure based on

• Your medical history
• A physical exam, which often includes
  • Listening to your lungs to check for abnormal sounds
  • Listening to your heart to check for arrhythmia
  • Looking for a bluish color on your skin, lips, and fingernails
• Diagnostic tests, such as
  • Pulse oximetry, a small sensor that uses a light to measure how much oxygen is in your blood. The sensor goes on the end of your finger or on your ear.
  • Arterial blood gas test, a test that measures the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in your blood. The blood sample is taken from an artery, usually in your wrist.

Once you are diagnosed with respiratory failure, your provider will look for what is causing it. Tests for this often include a chest x-ray. If your provider thinks you may have arrhythmia because of the respiratory failure, you may have an EKG (electrocardiogram). This is simple, painless test that detects and records your heart’s electrical activity.

What are the treatments for respiratory failure?

Treatment for respiratory failure depends on

• Whether it is acute (short-term) or chronic (ongoing)
• How severe it is
• What is causing it

Acute respiratory failure can be a medical emergency. You may need treatment in intensive care unit at a hospital. Chronic respiratory failure can often be treated at home. But if your chronic respiratory failure is severe, you might need treatment in a long-term care center.

One of the main goals of treatment is to get oxygen to your lungs and other organs and remove carbon dioxide from your body. Another goal is to treat the cause of the condition. Treatments may include

• Oxygen therapy, through a nasal cannula (two small plastic tubes that go in your nostrils) or through a mask that fits over your nose and mouth
• Tracheostomy, a surgically-made hole that goes through the front of your neck and into your windpipe. A breathing tube, also called a tracheostomy, or trach tube, is placed in the hole to help you breathe.
• Ventilator, a breathing machine that blows air into your lungs. It also carries carbon dioxide out of your lungs.
• Other breathing treatments, such as noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV), which uses mild air pressure to keep your airways open while you sleep. Another treatment is a special bed that rocks back and forth, to help you breathe in and out.
• Fluids, often through an intravenous (IV), to improve blood flow throughout your body. They also provide nutrition.
• Medicines for discomfort
• Treatments for the cause of the respiratory failure. These treatments may include medicines and procedures.

If you have respiratory failure, see your health care provider for ongoing medical care. Your provider may suggest pulmonary rehabilitation.

If your respiratory failure is chronic, make sure that you know when and where to get help for your symptoms. You need emergency care if you have severe symptoms, such as trouble catching your breath or talking. You should call your provider if you notice that your symptoms are worsening or if you have new signs and symptoms.

Living with respiratory failure may cause fear, anxiety, depression, and stress. Talk therapy, medicines, and support groups can help you feel better.

The post Respiratory Failure appeared first on Medika Life.

Chronic bronchitis is a type of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). COPD is a group of lung diseases that make it hard to breathe and get worse over time. The other main type of COPD is emphysema. Most people with COPD have both emphysema and chronic bronchitis, but how severe each type is can be different from person to person.

Chronic bronchitis is inflammation (swelling) and irritation of the bronchial tubes. These tubes are the airways that carry air to and from the air sacs in your lungs. The irritation of the tubes causes mucus to build up. This mucus and the swelling of the tubes make it harder for your lungs to move oxygen in and carbon dioxide out of your body.

What causes chronic bronchitis?

The cause of chronic bronchitis is usually long-term exposure to irritants that damage your lungs and airways. In the United States, cigarette smoke is the main cause. Pipe, cigar, and other types of tobacco smoke can also cause chronic bronchitis, especially if you inhale them.

Exposure to other inhaled irritants can contribute to chronic bronchitis. These include secondhand smoke, air pollution, and chemical fumes or dusts from the environment or workplace.

Rarely, a genetic condition called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency can play a role in causing chronic bronchitis.

Who is at risk for chronic bronchitis?

The risk factors for chronic bronchitis include

• Smoking. This the main risk factor. Up to 75 percent of people who have chronic bronchitis smoke or used to smoke.
• Long-term exposure to other lung irritants, such as secondhand smoke, air pollution, and chemical fumes and dusts from the environment or workplace.
• Age. Most people who have chronic bronchitis are at least 40 years old when their symptoms begin.
• Genetics. This includes alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, which is a genetic condition. Also, smokers who get chronic bronchitis are more likely to get it if they have a family history of COPD.

What are the symptoms of chronic bronchitis?

At first, you may have no symptoms or only mild symptoms. As the disease gets worse, your symptoms usually become more severe. They can include

• Frequent coughing or a cough that produces a lot mucus
• Wheezing
• A whistling or squeaky sound when you breathe
• Shortness of breath, especially with physical activity
• Tightness in your chest

Some people with chronic bronchitis get frequent respiratory infections such as colds and the flu. In severe cases, chronic bronchitis can cause weight loss, weakness in your lower muscles, and swelling in your ankles, feet, or legs.

How is chronic bronchitis diagnosed?

To make a diagnosis, your health care provider

• Will ask about your medical history and family history
• Will ask about your symptoms
• May do lab tests, such as lung function tests, a chest x-ray or CT scan, and blood tests

What are the treatments for chronic bronchitis?

There is no cure for chronic bronchitis. However, treatments can help with symptoms, slow the progress of the disease, and improve your ability to stay active. There are also treatments to prevent or treat complications of the disease. Treatments include

• Lifestyle changes, such as
  • Quitting smoking if you are a smoker. This is the most important step you can take to treat chronic bronchitis.
  • Avoiding secondhand smoke and places where you might breathe in other lung irritants
  • Ask your health care provider for an eating plan that will meet your nutritional needs. Also ask about how much physical activity you can do. Physical activity can strengthen the muscles that help you breathe and improve your overall wellness.
• Medicines, such as
  • Bronchodilators, which relax the muscles around your airways. This helps open your airways and makes breathing easier. Most bronchodilators are taken through an inhaler. In more severe cases, the inhaler may also contain steroids to reduce inflammation.
  • Vaccines for the flu and pneumococcal pneumonia, since people with chronic bronchitis are at higher risk for serious problems from these diseases.
  • Antibiotics if you get a bacterial or viral lung infection
• Oxygen therapy, if you have severe chronic bronchitis and low levels of oxygen in your blood. Oxygen therapy can help you breathe better. You may need extra oxygen all the time or only at certain times.
• Pulmonary rehabilitation, which is a program that helps improve the well-being of people who have chronic breathing problems. It may include
  • An exercise program
  • Disease management training
  • Nutritional counseling
  • Psychological counseling
• A lung transplant, as a last resort for people who have severe symptoms that have not gotten better with medicines

If you have chronic bronchitis, it’s important to know when and where to get help for your symptoms. You should get emergency care if you have severe symptoms, such as trouble catching your breath or talking. Call your health care provider if your symptoms are getting worse or if you have signs of an infection, such as a fever.

Can chronic bronchitis be prevented?

Since smoking causes most cases of chronic bronchitis, the best way to prevent it is to not smoke. It’s also important to try to avoid lung irritants such as secondhand smoke, air pollution, chemical fumes, and dusts.

The post Chronic Bronchitis, a COPD appeared first on Medika Life.

Emphysema is a type of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). COPD is a group of lung diseases that make it hard to breathe and get worse over time. The other main type of COPD is chronic bronchitis. Most people with COPD have both emphysema and chronic bronchitis, but how severe each type is can be different from person to person.

Emphysema affects the air sacs in your lungs. Normally, these sacs are elastic or stretchy. When you breathe in, each air sac fills up with air, like a small balloon. When you breathe out, the air sacs deflate, and the air goes out.

In emphysema, the walls between many of the air sacs in the lungs are damaged. This causes the air sacs to lose their shape and become floppy. The damage also can destroy the walls of the air sacs, leading to fewer and larger air sacs instead of many tiny ones. This makes it harder for your lungs to move oxygen in and carbon dioxide out of your body.

What causes emphysema?

The cause of emphysema is usually long-term exposure to irritants that damage your lungs and the airways. In the United States, cigarette smoke is the main cause. Pipe, cigar, and other types of tobacco smoke can also cause emphysema, especially if you inhale them.

Exposure to other inhaled irritants can contribute to emphysema. These include secondhand smoke, air pollution, and chemical fumes or dusts from the environment or workplace.

Rarely, a genetic condition called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency can play a role in causing emphysema.

Who is at risk for emphysema?

The risk factors for emphysema include

• Smoking. This the main risk factor. Up to 75 percent of people who have emphysema smoke or used to smoke.
• Long-term exposure to other lung irritants, such as secondhand smoke, air pollution, and chemical fumes and dusts from the environment or workplace.
• Age. Most people who have emphysema are at least 40 years old when their symptoms begin.
• Genetics. This includes alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, which is a genetic condition. Also, smokers who get emphysema are more likely to get it if they have a family history of COPD.

What are the symptoms of emphysema?

At first, you may have no symptoms or only mild symptoms. As the disease gets worse, your symptoms usually become more severe. They can include

• Frequent coughing or wheezing
• A cough that produces a lot mucus
• Shortness of breath, especially with physical activity
• A whistling or squeaky sound when you breathe
• Tightness in your chest

Some people with emphysema get frequent respiratory infections such as colds and the flu. In severe cases, emphysema can cause weight loss, weakness in your lower muscles, and swelling in your ankles, feet, or legs.

How is emphysema diagnosed?

To make a diagnosis, your health care provider

• Will ask about your medical history and family history
• Will ask about your symptoms
• May do lab tests, such as lung function tests, a chest x-ray or CT scan, and blood tests

What Are Emphysema Stages?

When diagnosed with emphysema, the severity of the disease’s progression can be measured in several emphysema stages, using two different testing methods: the GOLD Emphysema Staging System and the BODE Emphysema Staging System. On one hand, the GOLD system uses the FEV1 metric to determine its staging, while on the other, the BODE System is a bit more comprehensive, working to stage emphysema as well as quality of life within a patient.

The Gold System can be broken down into four stages:

• Stage I– Mild emphysema (a normal life expectancy is common)
• Stage II– Moderate Emphysema (5+ life expectancy with treatment)
• Stage III– Severe Emphysema (5+ life expectancy with treatment)
• Stage IV*- Very Severe Emphysema (Time is limited even with treatment)

*Typically those with Stage IV emphysema are on supplemental oxygen

When it comes to measuring quality of life, the BODE System is preferred which collects metrics such as body mass index, airflow limitation (PFTs), breathlessness and exercise capacity through a six-minute walk test.

What are the treatments for emphysema?

There is no cure for emphysema. However, treatments can help with symptoms, slow the progress of the disease, and improve your ability to stay active. There are also treatments to prevent or treat complications of the disease. Treatments include

• Lifestyle changes, such as
  • Quitting smoking if you are a smoker. This is the most important step you can take to treat emphysema.
  • Avoiding secondhand smoke and places where you might breathe in other lung irritants
  • Ask your health care provider for an eating plan that will meet your nutritional needs. Also ask about how much physical activity you can do. Physical activity can strengthen the muscles that help you breathe and improve your overall wellness.
• Medicines, such as
  • Bronchodilators, which relax the muscles around your airways. This helps open your airways and makes breathing easier. Most bronchodilators are taken through an inhaler. In more severe cases, the inhaler may also contain steroids to reduce inflammation.
  • Vaccines for the flu and pneumococcal pneumonia, since people with emphysema are at higher risk for serious problems from these diseases
  • Antibiotics if you get a bacterial or viral lung infection
• Oxygen therapy, if you have severe emphysema and low levels of oxygen in your blood. Oxygen therapy can help you breathe better. You may need extra oxygen all the time or only at certain times.
• Pulmonary rehabilitation, which is a program that helps improve the well-being of people who have chronic breathing problems. It may include
  • An exercise program
  • Disease management training
  • Nutritional counseling
  • Psychological counseling
• Surgery, usually as a last resort for people who have severe symptoms that have not gotten better with medicines. There are surgeries to
  • Remove damaged lung tissue
  • Remove large air spaces (bullae) that can form when air sacs are destroyed. The bullae can interfere with breathing.
  • Do a lung transplant. This might be an option if you have very severe emphysema.

If you have emphysema, it’s important to know when and where to get help for your symptoms. You should get emergency care if you have severe symptoms, such as trouble catching your breath or talking. Call your health care provider if your symptoms are getting worse or if you have signs of an infection, such as a fever.

Can emphysema be prevented?

Since smoking causes most cases of emphysema, the best way to prevent it is to not smoke. It’s also important to try to avoid lung irritants such as secondhand smoke, air pollution, chemical fumes, and dusts.

The post Emphysema, a COPD appeared first on Medika Life.

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is a group of lung diseases that make it hard to breathe and get worse over time.

Normally, the airways and air sacs in your lungs are elastic or stretchy. When you breathe in, the airways bring air to the air sacs. The air sacs fill up with air, like a small balloon. When you breathe out, the air sacs deflate, and the air goes out. If you have COPD, less air flows in and out of your airways because of one or more problems:

• The airways and air sacs in your lungs become less elastic
• The walls between many of the air sacs are destroyed
• The walls of the airways become thick and inflamed
• The airways make more mucus than usual and can become clogged

What are the types of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)?

COPD includes two main types:

• Emphysema affects the air sacs in your lungs, as well as the walls between them. They become damaged and are less elastic.
• Chronic bronchitis, in which the lining of your airways is constantly irritated and inflamed. This causes the lining to swell and make mucus.

Most people with COPD have both emphysema and chronic bronchitis, but how severe each type is can be different from person to person.

What causes COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)?

The cause of COPD is usually long-term exposure to irritants that damage your lungs and airways. In the United States, cigarette smoke is the main cause. Pipe, cigar, and other types of tobacco smoke can also cause COPD, especially if you inhale them.

Exposure to other inhaled irritants can contribute to COPD. These include secondhand smoke, air pollution, and chemical fumes or dusts from the environment or workplace.

Rarely, a genetic condition called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency can play a role in causing COPD.

Who is at risk for COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)?

The risk factors for COPD include

• Smoking. This the main risk factor. Up to 75 percent of people who have COPD smoke or used to smoke.
• Long-term exposure to other lung irritants, such as secondhand smoke, air pollution, and chemical fumes and dusts from the environment or workplace
• Age. Most people who have COPD are at least 40 years old when their symptoms begin.
• Genetics. This includes alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, which is a genetic condition. Also, smokers who get COPD are more likely to get it if they have a family history of COPD.

What are the symptoms of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)?

At first, you may have no symptoms or only mild symptoms. As the disease gets worse, your symptoms usually become more severe. They can include

• Frequent coughing or a cough that produces a lot mucus
• Wheezing
• A whistling or squeaky sound when you breathe
• Shortness of breath, especially with physical activity
• Tightness in your chest

Some people with COPD get frequent respiratory infections such as colds and the flu. In severe cases, COPD can cause weight loss, weakness in your lower muscles, and swelling in your ankles, feet, or legs.

How is COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) diagnosed?

To make a diagnosis, your health care provider

• Will ask about your medical history and family history
• Will ask about your symptoms
• May do lab tests, such as lung function tests, a chest x-ray or CT scan, and blood tests

Your doctor will diagnose COPD based on your signs and symptoms, your medical and family histories, and test results.

What are the treatments for COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)?

There is no cure for COPD. However, treatments can help with symptoms, slow the progress of the disease, and improve your ability to stay active. There are also treatments to prevent or treat complications of the disease. Treatments include

• Lifestyle changes, such as
  • Quitting smoking if you are a smoker. This is the most important step you can take to treat COPD.
  • Avoiding secondhand smoke and places where you might breathe in other lung irritants
  • Ask your health care provider for an eating plan that will meet your nutritional needs. Also ask about how much physical activity you can do. Physical activity can strengthen the muscles that help you breathe and improve your overall wellness.
• Medicines, such as
  • Bronchodilators, which relax the muscles around your airways. This helps open your airways and makes breathing easier. Most bronchodilators are taken through an inhaler. In more severe cases, the inhaler may also contain steroids to reduce inflammation.
  • Vaccines for the flu and pneumococcal pneumonia, since people with COPD are at higher risk for serious problems from these diseases
  • Antibiotics if you get a bacterial or viral lung infection
• Oxygen therapy, if you have severe COPD and low levels of oxygen in your blood. Oxygen therapy can help you breathe better. You may need extra oxygen all the time or only at certain times.
• Pulmonary rehabilitation, which is a program that helps improve the well-being of people who have chronic breathing problems. It may include
  • An exercise program
  • Disease management training
  • Nutritional counseling
  • Psychological counseling
• Surgery, usually as a last resort for people who have severe symptoms that have not gotten better with medicines:
  • For COPD that is mainly related to emphysema, there are surgeries that
    • Remove damaged lung tissue
    • Remove large air spaces (bullae) that can form when air sacs are destroyed. The bullae can interfere with breathing.
  • For severe COPD, some people may need lung transplant

If you have COPD, it’s important to know when and where to get help for your symptoms. You should get emergency care if you have severe symptoms, such as trouble catching your breath or talking. Call your health care provider if your symptoms are getting worse or if you have signs of an infection, such as a fever.

Can COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) be prevented?

Since smoking causes most cases of COPD, the best way to prevent it is to not smoke. It’s also important to try to avoid lung irritants such as secondhand smoke, air pollution, chemical fumes, and dusts.

The post Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) appeared first on Medika Life.