Difficulty breathing, coughing, wheezing, and mucus production are all symptoms of the inflammatory lung disease called COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). COPD is a grouping of pulmonary conditions that the patient is suffering simultaneously, usually emphysema and chronic bronchitis. COPD is not curable, but it is treatable and manageable. In addition to eliminating exposure to…
Cuts and scrapes are a normal part of life – regardless of your age. As such, proper wound care is an essential skill everyone should have. Even small wounds can end up being big trouble if they aren’t taken care of properly. As such, when you get a wound, make sure to know what you…
As summer returns and the sunshine invites everyone outside again, more people will get out and spend time on physical fitness and outdoor sports. However, all of the excitement can turn things upside-down, and injuries can happen because we’re suddenly pushing ourselves too much. Because so many sports injuries happen during summertime, it’s best to…
Athletes wishing to play sports are required by most schools, colleges, and other organizations to get a sports physical, also known as a preparticipation physical examination, before beginning to play. The purpose of the sports physical is to determine you are healthy enough to play in particular type of sport. A sports physical is done…
A respiratory infection hinders breathing, causing distress to the lungs. This type of infection can be particularly dangerous for people who have certain preexisting conditions, susceptibilities, or a compromised immune system. Let’s talk about some of the common respiratory infections and what you can do about them. Respiratory Infections Often Seen by Doctors A few…
A cold and the flu are two of the most common respiratory illnesses that people get, especially during wintertime. However, it can be hard to differentiate between the two. Despite their similarities, the common cold and the flu each pose a different burden on your body. Let’s talk about the differences between the cold and…
We all know that feeling… the tickle in your throat that accompanies the first cough of your cold. More than 30 million people pay a visit to their healthcare provider every year due to coughs and colds, so finding an over-the-counter remedy to your cough is ideal. How do you know which over-the-counter cough medicine…
The flu (influenza virus) is a contagious illness. It is a viral infection that hits the respiratory system. Young children, individuals over the age of 65, and people with weak immune systems have a higher chance of developing more severe symptoms when they catch the flu. There is no cure for the flu but recognizing…
In someone who has asthma, an asthma attack occurs when something suddenly prompts your airways to narrow and become swollen. This makes breathing extremely difficult, and it is why a severe asthma attack necessitates a visit to a doctor right away. The attack is often the result of an allergic reaction, such as to pollutants…
The first signs of an acute wrist injury are severe pain, swelling, tenderness, and bruising. You may have broken your wrist, sprained your wrist, or just developed a minor injury that will go away with rest. Do not try to self-diagnose an injured wrist, because this type of joint injury should be medically evaluated…
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common condition that affects about 45% of the U.S. adult population, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a division of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS). Because this condition causes a significant risk of having a heart attack or stroke, it…
Accidents are almost inevitable when you play sports. So, if you incur an injury, which doctor or facility should you visit first? Most people assume the best place to visit is the emergency room (ER), however, in most cases, this is not necessary. Others believe that unless it’s a life-threatening emergency, you should get an…
