the Dangers of Secondhand Smoke

Should antibiotics be used for respiratory infections?

Recently, I wrote a Health Tip on the topic of “Summer Colds”.  That particular tip was actually inspired by the viral upper respiratory tract infections that both my wife and I experienced a few weeks ago. While I usually try …

Are asthma cases on the rise?

Asthma is a chronic lung disease characterized by episodes of airflow obstruction known as asthma attacks. During an asthma attack, small muscles surrounding the airways contract, resisting the flow of air into and out of the lungs. Inflammation and swelling …

Is it just a cough?

Almost everyone has had a cough. Typically, this occurs in association with an acute infection such as a cold or the flu. Once the infection runs its course, or following effective treatment, this type of cough goes away within a …

Is it ok to take cough medicine?

Coughing helps to clear the respiratory system of irritants and secretions associated with a cold or flu. With most minor respiratory infections it is best not to interfere with this mechanism. When someone is unable to rest because of the …

What is RSV? (part two)

We have talked about influenza in the past couple of weeks, but this is also the time of year that we see another serious viral infection.  RSV can cause severe illness and even death in very young children.  Each year …

What is RSV?

We have talked about influenza in the past couple of weeks, but this is also the time of year that we see another serious viral infection.  RSV can cause severe illness and even death in very young children.  Each year …