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Bronchitis

Bronchitis is a Common
Lung Disease Causing Dyspnea, Cough
Bronchitis is one of the most common
types of lung disease, but many people dismiss it as a bad flu, "smoker's
cough," or the result of a bad cold. Bronchitis, however, is a potentially
serious disease that can prove fatal in its chronic form.
Bronchitis is a lung disease that affects the bronchial tubes: the airways used
to transport air in and out of the lungs. In response to inflammation, excess
amounts of mucus, or phlegm, are produced. The mucus obstructs the airways,
making it difficult to breath. Mucus may become infected with bacteria, which
can lead to other types of lung disease, such as pneumonia.
Influenza
Virus (FLU)
Influenza or flu is an acute respiratory infection capable of sweeping through entire communities in a very short while. Flu season begins in November or December and may last until April or May. Primarily affecting children 5 to14 years of age, schools are infamous for being an accelerator of the transmission of the flu.
Although the word "flu" is often applied to almost anything that makes us feel unwell, influenza should not be mistaken for the common cold or other airborne viruses. The flu differs significantly from the common cold (refer to Common Cold protocol) in both the rapid onset of the illness and in the potentially of the life threatening complications that can develop, especially in the elderly.
Sinuses
WHAT ARE SINUSES? Sinuses are hollow air spaces in the human body.
When people say, "I'm having a sinus attack," they usually are
referring to symptoms in one or more of four pairs of cavities, or sinuses,
known as paranasal sinuses . These cavities, located within the
skull or bones of the head surrounding the nose, include the
- Frontal sinuses over the eyes in the brow
area
- Maxillary sinuses inside each cheekbone
- Ethmoid sinuses just behind the bridge of
the nose and between the eyes
- Sphenoid sinuses behind the ethmoids in
the upper region of the nose and behind the eyes
Each sinus has an opening into the nose for the
free exchange of air and mucus, and each is joined with the nasal passages
by a continuous mucous membrane lining. Therefore, anything that causes a
swelling in the nose?an infection, an allergic reaction, or another type
of immune reaction?also can affect the sinuses. Air trapped within a
blocked sinus, along with pus or other secretions, may cause pressure on the
sinus wall. The result is the sometimes intense pain of a sinus attack.
Similarly, when air is prevented from entering a paranasal sinus by a
swollen membrane at the opening, a vacuum can be created that also causes
pain.
Asthma
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