3 respiratory disorders you should know

Among our leading causes of sickness, disability and death, respiratory disorders range from colds and flu, which are usually minor infections, to chronic diseases, such as asthma, which are much more problematic. The following are three of the more common respiratory disorders.

Difficulty breathing, a relentless cough and production of thick mucus, or phlegm, are the characteristic symptoms of bronchitis — an inflammation of the bronchi, or branching tubes, that carry air to and from the lungs.

• There may also be a low-grade fever and a burning sensation in the chest.
• Acute bronchitis, often a complication of a severe cold, flu or other infection of the upper respiratory tract, may require antibiotic treatment, but it usually goes away in a week or two.
• Chronic bronchitis is an extremely serious problem that develops when the bronchial tubes are irritated over a long period of time.
• Cigarette smoking is by far the most common cause, although exposure to air pollution and occupational dusts and chemicals may also be involved.
• Whatever the cause, the tubes become thickened, a mucus-producing cough is present almost all of the time, and air flow to the lungs is often greatly impaired.
• This creates an ideal breeding ground for infection and sets the stage for progressive lung damage.

Also known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema afflicts more than one million North Americans.

• It takes years to develop, often as a consequence of smoking or chronic bronchitis.
• As the disease worsens, the air sacs, or alveoli, lose their elasticity and fill with stale air, leading to an increased shortness of breath and a distended, barrel-shaped chest.

There are many different types of pneumonia, but the symptoms generally include a cough with a great deal of sputum, fever, chills and chest pain.

• The causes of pneumonia include viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites and exposure of lung tissue to toxic substances.
• AIDS patients often develop Pneumocystis carinii, a rare type that strikes people with weakened immunity.
• One common bacterial type, pneumococcal pneumonia, can be prevented by a vaccine, which is recommended for everyone over 65 and for anyone over the age of two who has a chronic disease that increases their risk for pneumonia.

Consume plenty of:

• Non-alcoholic fluids to help thin mucus.
• Fresh fruits and vegetables for beta-carotene, vitamin C and other antioxidants.
• Lean meat, oysters, yogurt and whole-grain products for zinc.

Limit:

• Foods that cause bloating and gas.

Avoid:

• Smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke and other air pollutants.
• Alcohol.

Any condition that affects the passage of air to and from the lungs should always be taken seriously. Keep this guide in mind and remember that the onset of respiratory symptoms is sufficient cause to see your doctor.