WHAT IS COPD? Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, refers to a group of diseases, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, that cause airway obstruction and other breathing-related problems. Chronic respiratory diseases comprise the third leading cause of death in the U.S. While more than 16 million Americans have COPD, millions more are not being treated and may not even know they have the condition. CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS Chronic lung disease is a serious condition that … [Read more...] about CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE (COPD)
Wheezing
Common Springtime Illnesses
Signs, Symptoms and When to Seek Emergency Care Most of us recognize spring as allergy season. There’s more at play than just allergies. Here is a guide to understanding springtime health conditions, how to recognize them, and when to seek the advice of your doctor or emergency medical facility. Spring typically means a return to outdoor activities and the lengthening of days, but it can also be a time for allergy related respiratory illnesses. The reason for the spike in allergy flare-ups … [Read more...] about Common Springtime Illnesses
Asthma Emergencies
Parents avoid the emergency room as often as possible, but if you are the parent of a child with asthma, it's important to know when the ER is the right choice. Emergency Symptoms When the following symptoms are showing up the answer to the question of when should I seek emergency medical attention is NOW. If your child is wheezing constantly. If they are using their inhaler repeatedly after severe asthma symptoms but they are return again quickly. If a long-lasting cough is not … [Read more...] about Asthma Emergencies