Health News

How Does American Air Quality Fare in 2012?
The American Lung Association (ALA) has released their State of the Air for 2012. Is the city you live in one of the best or worst when it comes to air pollution?
Emphysema Gets the CSI Treatment
Sometimes researchers act like detectives when it comes to diseases. By exploring the “crime scene” of emphysema, a new study gets to the root of the disease.
COPD: Not Just a Smoker's Disease
"I stopped smoking years ago, but a lung-function test…showed that I had COPD," says actor and comedian Robert Klein. And that's the reality of smoking: every cigarette damages your lungs a little more and raises your risk of COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder.
Fires Flare Up Asthma and COPD Attacks
The summer of 2011 is one for the record books. This hottest and driest summer in recent memory has led to many forest and home fires. These fires can lead to more asthma attacks and worsen respiratory conditions in those most sensitive in the population.
Old Drug is New Again
Sudden coughing attacks for patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) can be a frightening, life-threatening event. These are usually brought on by bacterial infections.
Lungs and Fitness Heating Up
Outdoor activities are usually a summer staple. It's great to be outside, but record-breaking heat requires protective strategies to keep things fun, fit and safe.
Gasping for Air
"I couldn't breathe, I could barely walk, and felt like I was going to collapse or pass out when I did." "I can't stand but for a couple minutes, or walk very far that I am not gasping for breath." "Everything feels like it’s a hill I have to climb, but don’t have the energy, and breath to do it. I am really trying to have a more positive attitude, maybe I need a swift kick in the butt!" All of these individuals - writing on a patient support forum  - are talking about what it's like for them to live with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD.
FDA: Chantix (varenicline) May Increase Cardiovascular Risk
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is notifying the public that the smoking cessation aid Chantix ( varenicline ) may be associated with a small, increased risk of certain cardiovascular adverse events in patients who have cardiovascular disease.
Extinguishing Tobacco Deaths Around the World
Did you know that tobacco will kill 6 million people around the world this year? And by 2030, that number will be 8 million. The World Health Organization (WHO) is leading the fight against this epidemic.
You're Doing It Wrong
Once asthma and lung disease patients leave the hospital and are no longer under the supervision of physicians, they are likely to misuse their respiratory inhalers, according to new research.