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NetWellness is a global, community service providing quality, unbiased health information from our partner university faculty. NetWellness is commercial-free and does not accept advertising.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
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NetWellness is a global, community service providing quality, unbiased health information from our partner university faculty. NetWellness is commercial-free and does not accept advertising.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
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Smoking and Tobacco |
COPD08/04/2004 |
What is COPD
According to the American Lung Association, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a respiratory disease primarily caused by smoking, which is commonly known as chronic bronchitis, emphysema or "smoker's lung". COPD is a slowly progressive disease, not presenting any obvious signs or symptoms until many patients have reached middle age. Only a doctor can tell you for sure that you have chronic bronchitis or emphysema that indicates you have COPD. Risk factors for COPD include:
- Smoking (currently or in the past)
- Working in areas with a lot of dust and irritating fumes
- Exposure to second-hand smoke for extended periods of time
- Having a productive cough (with phlegm) most days of the week
- Shortness of breath Family history of early COPD (before age 45)
The American Lung Association also has a simple-to-use Internet-based lung health decision/support tool available to help people with COPD. Check out the COPD Lung Profiler at www.lungusa.org by clicking on the COPD link on the left.
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Kathy Vesha, RN, BSN, MA Formerly: Kick It! The James The Ohio State University |
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Patricia E Schmitt, CRC, MA Program Director The James The Ohio State University |
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Kay M Grey, BS, CHES Wellness and Prevention Specialist The James The Ohio State University |
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Please note: only your personal physician or other health professional you consult can best advise you on matters of your health based on your medical history, your family medical history, your medication history, and how information from any of these databases may apply to you. Neither University of Cincinnati (NetWellness) nor any party involved in creating, producing or delivering this web site shall be liable for any damages arising out of access to or use of this web site, or any errors or omissions in the content thereof. (More) 
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