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October is Healthy Lung Month
Healthy lungs are vital to a thriving existence. Yet millions of Americans seem to be plagued by lung disease. Two of the major killers are chronic obstructive lung disease and lung cancer. |
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Chronic Obstructive Lung (Pulmonary) Disease |
| According to a December 2007 American Lung Association report, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) "is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. COPD includes both chronic bronchitis and emphysema as these conditions often coexist". It states that "as many as 24 million U.S. adults have some evidence of impaired lung function . . . It is the fourth leading cause of death and the number of women dying from the disease has surpassed the number seen in men". |
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Major Causes of Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease
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Smoking is the primary risk factor for COPD. Approximately 80 to 90 percent of COPD deaths are caused by smoking. Female smokers are nearly 13 times as likely to die from COPD as women who have never smoked. Male smokers are nearly 12 times as likely to die from COPD as men who have never smoked.
Other risk factors of COPD include air pollution, second-hand smoke, history of childhood respiratory infections and heredity. Occupational exposure to certain industrial pollutants also increases the odds for COPD.
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Lung Cancer
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| Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer in both men and women in the United States. In 1987, it surpassed breast cancer to become the leading cause of cancer deaths in women.
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Major Cause of Lung Cancer
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| Smoking is the most important cause of lung cancer in the United States. It is estimated that 90 percent of lung cancer cases are caused by smoking. Other causes include radon, asbestos and air pollution. |
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Symptoms of Lung Cancer
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HealthAtoZ provides the following information on lung cancer symptoms: "In its earliest stages, lung cancer might not have recognizable symptoms. As the cancer progresses, symptoms may include the following:
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A cough that doesn't seem to improve and may persist for a long time
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Shortness of breath
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Chronic hoarseness
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Wheezing or a whistling sound when breathing
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Coughing up blood or sputum that is tinged with blood
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Chest pain
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Repeated bouts of bronchitis or pneumonia.
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Generalized fatigue
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Loss of appetite accompanied by weight loss
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Swelling in the neck
These symptoms also can indicate other medical problems. If you have them, you should see your health care provider immediately."
www.lungusa.org
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For Healthier Lungs:
Avoid smoking
Avoid second-hand smoke and air pollutants
as much as possible Eat a diet rich in fruit, vegetables, whole grains and fish
Exercise
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Resources:
www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=33316
www.lungusa.org/atf/cf/{7a8d42c2-fcca-4604-8ade-7f5d5e762256}/COPD_DEC07.PDF
www.lungusa.org
www.healthatoz.com
www.medicinenet.com
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