"The single greatest avoidable cause of disease and death" is what the office of the surgeon general called smoking in a report in 2006. In the report, the surgeon general states that passive smoking or exposure to second-hand smoke poses a health...
Bacteria, viruses or fungi cause pneumonia, defined as inflammation of the lungs. The infection results in worsening lung function and difficulty breathing. Risk factors for pneumonia include cigarette smoking, chronic obstructive pulmonary...
Zinc is a mineral that serves critical roles in the immune system, growth, wound healing and the production of genetic material. The body doesn't store much zinc, so it's important to consume enough every day. Rich sources of zinc include...
During your child's doctor visits, your child's height and weight will likely be recorded on a growth chart that allows her doctor to monitor her growth patterns. According to Kids Health, a sudden change in growth patterns may indicate a problem....
Pneumonia is an inflammation in the lungs that is usually caused by an infection. Bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites can be the root cause of pneumonia. It is of particular concern in children younger than 6 and those who have a chronic...
All adults should have a yearly physical examination to determine any changes in their health status. The components of a doctor's checkup vary according to the doctor's preference and whether the patient is receiving an initial, brief or...
The respiratory system is composed of the trachea (windpipe), a set of lungs and its blood vessels and bronchioles (smaller airways). Sometimes, an infection can invade the respiratory system. In some cases, an anatomical problem is to blame for...
Garlic can treat a variety of ailments, but pneumonia is not one of them. Pneumonia can be very difficult to treat, which may be why a homeopathic remedy does not offer much of a cure. Those most at risk for developing pneumonia are those who are...
No matter which form of tobacco is used, the effects of tobacco and smoking take a toll on personal health and freedom. When people start smoking cigarettes, cigars or pipe tobacco, they begin a period of compulsive behavior that can cause serious...
Bacteria reside in great numbers in many places, both inside and on the surface of the human body. In many cases, like in the gut, the presence of bacteria is beneficial. Bacteria in the mouth causes the formation of cavities, and can increase the...
Passive smoking refers to the exposure of secondhand smoke, or smoke that is exhaled by smokers or burned from cigarettes, cigars or pipes. Passive smoking can occur in many different scenarios and carries many of the health dangers of active...
About 178,000 women die in the United States each year because of smoking-related diseases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. On average, smoking deprives these women of an additional 14.5 years of life. Smoking also...
Inflammation of the air passages in the lungs can lead to bronchitis. A viral infection causes acute bronchitis, and may last for a few days. Coughing, wheezing, sore throat and fever may occur. Chronic or recurring bronchitis results from...
When the lungs become inflamed, pneumonia can result. Pneumonia is usually cased by an infection, although bacteria, parasites, viruses and fungi also can cause the condition, according to the Mayo Clinic. Pneumonia is especially serious in older...
Your immune system is capable of responding to more than 1 trillion different foreign substances and manufactures billions of new cells each day to carry out is functions of diligently protecting your health from invading pathogens. A healthy diet...
AIDS, or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, is a serious medical condition that is contracted through exposure to HIV, the human immunodeficiency virus. AIDS affects the immune system, inhibiting the body's ability to fight off infection, leaving...
One of the unhealthiest, most dangerous and smelliest habits is cigarette smoking. It hurts the smoker, it hurts others, it is addictive, but it is possible to break the habit. The next time you light up a cigarette or see someone else light...
The U.S. Surgeon General indicates that there is no safe level of cigarette smoke exposure. In addition, as children's bodies and organs are still developing, they're more vulnerable to the hazards of cigarette smoke. The Centers for Disease...
