VARIOUS DISEASES RELATED TO THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM.

1. COMMON COLD : What we call the common cold is actually a set of symptoms of upper respiratory infection caused by a wide range of infectious viruses. Symptoms include watery nasal discharge, sneezing, stuffiness, sore throat, fatigue, muscle aches and headache, and - occasionally fever. If the doctor suspects a cold, he will look out for inflamed nasal lining, a swollen turbinate, clear mucus or a red throat. In any case, call him if your fever fails to subside in 48 to 72 hours or if it exceeds 102 degrees F.

2. ASTHMA : The word asthma is derived from a Greek work meaning "breathlessness" or "panting", both of which accurately describe an asthma attack. It is, however, not just another "breathing problem". To physicians who treat asthma, it is a serious medical condition" untreated asthma can be fatal.

3. BRONCHITIS : Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi, the large airways inside the lungs. (Bronchiolitis is the inflammation of the bronchioles, the small airways.) The inflammation causes these passages, or bronchial tubes, to increase their production of mucus that is thick and yellow or grey in color, which is then coughed up. Bronchitis may be either acute or chronic.

4. PNUEMONIA : Pneumonia is an infection of the lung tissue. It is usually associated with cough, sputum, fever and shortness of breath. There are various kinds of pneumonias. In adults, most pneumonias are due to bacterial infections (the most common infectious cause of pneumonia is the bacterial Streptococcus Pneumoniae). Other bacteria, such as Mycoplasma and Legionella, as well as certain viruses, may also cause pneumonia. Fungi, and protozoa, however, may also be causes. These microorganisms have become very common as causes of pneumonia in immuno-suppressed persons, such as those with HIV infection. In children, pneumonia is most commonly caused by viruses.

5. EMPHYSEMA : Emphysema is a widespread disease of the lungs. It is a condition in which there is overinflation of structures in the lungs known as alveoli or air sacs. This over-inflation results from a breakdown of the walls of the alveoli, which causes a decrease in respiratory function and often, breathlessness. It is known from function and often, breathlessness. It is known from scientific research that the normal lung has a remarkable balance between two classes of chemicals with opposing action.

THE PRACTICE OF KEEPING THE AIR CLEAN.

1.

Choose a cleaner commute car pool, use public transportation, bike or walk when possible. Combine errands to reduce "cold starts" of your car and avoid extended idling. Be sure your tires are properly inflated. Keep car, boat and other engines properly tuned, and avoid engines that smoke. Follow gasoline refueling instructions for efficient vapor recovery. Be careful not to spill fuel and always tighten your gas cap securely.

2.

Use environmentally safe paints and cleaning products whenever possible. Some products that you use at your home or office are made with smog-forming chemicals that can evaporate into the air when you use them. Follow manufacturers' recommendations for use and properly seal cleaners, paints, and other chemicals to prevent evaporation into the air.

Conserve electricity. Consider setting your thermostat a little higher in the summer and lower in winter. Participate in local energy conservation programs. Look for the energy star label when buying home or office equipment.

Consider using gas logs instead of wood. If you use a wood-burning stove or fireplace insert, make sure it meets EPA design specifications. Burn only dry, seasoned wood.

3.
Mulch or compost leaves and yard waste. Composting for Facilities Green Landscaping with Native Plants

4.
Days when ozone is expected to be high :

Conserve electricity and set your air conditioner at a higher temperature. Choose a cleaner commuteshare a ride to work or use public transportation. Bicycle or walk to errands when possible. Refuel cars and trucks after dusk. Combine errands and reduce trips. Limit engine idling. Use household, workshop and garden chemicals in ways that keep evaporation to a minimum, or try to delay using them when poor air quality is forecast.

Days when particle pollution is expected to be high :

Reduce or eliminate fireplace and wood stove use. Avoid using gas-powered lawn and garden equipment. Avoid burning leaves, trash and other materials.