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Air Quality

Asthma
June 11, 2012, 3:30 pm EDT
For many desperate hours after the World Trade Center collapsed, the dense plumes of smoke that raced down New York City's broad avenues rained white ash, debris, and asbestos-laced dust onto police and rescue workers. Iucciolino, who walked a beat in Brooklyn at the time, was one of them.
Important Asthma Triggers
June 11, 2012, 3:07 pm EDT
When you have an asthma attack this irritation gets worse and your airways close part way and get blocked with mucus. Asthma attacks may include coughing, chest tightness, wheezing, and trouble breathing.
Quick Fix For Healthier Lungs
June 11, 2012, 3:04 pm EDT
Researchers found that using aerosolized cleaners once weekly or more increases the chances of experiencing asthma symptoms by almost 50%--meaning sprayed products may be responsible for the condition in up to 1 in 7 asthma sufferers.
Is It Asthma? Or Are You Too Heavy?
June 11, 2012, 3:01 pm EDT
Obesity is considered a risk factor for asthma, but a new study suggests that wheezing and shortness of breath may be nothing more than signs of weight-stressed lungs.
Breathe Easier with Japanese Herbs
June 11, 2012, 3:01 pm EDT
In Japan, where all herbal treatments are covered by national health insurance, six different botanical therapies are recognized under national guidelines for asthma management. Dr. Yoshida says that two herbs are particularly effective--and both are available in the US.
How to Exercise With Asthma
June 11, 2012, 3:01 pm EDT
End-of-the-day workouts can relieve some of the huffing and puffing--at least for people with asthma. When researchers at Long Island Jewish Medical Center followed 4,835 people over a 5-year period, they found that lungs are strongest late in the afternoon.
Exercising with Asthma
June 11, 2012, 3:01 pm EDT
But wheezing, chest tightness, or breathlessness can make exercising more difficult. For a more comfortable workout, try these tips:
Drop Pounds, Dodge Asthma
June 11, 2012, 3:01 pm EDT
September, 2005)--Experts estimate that being overweight or obese may cause an astonishing 28 percent of asthma in women that starts after age 9. Previous studies linking asthma and obesity didn't distinguish between "real" asthma and lungs that were overworked from supporting excess pounds. Shortness of breath could be caused by the strain of supporting an overweight or obese body, the experts reasoned.
12 Important Questions About Asthma
June 11, 2012, 3:01 pm EDT
Asthma is an umbrella term for a chronic respiratory disease with a group of symptoms that includes wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath caused by a constriction of the muscles surrounding the airway and inflammation of the lining of the airway. Since experts aren't exactly sure what causes asthma, treating it can be complex. Many believe the disease has a variety of different roots--ranging from allergies to genetics.
CDC Response to the Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill
June 11, 2012, 3:01 pm EDT
CDC activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) on May 6th as part of the federal response to the environmental disaster.