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WHAT'S NEW
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Canada's 5 most deadly diseases
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Find out what the biggest killers are, know their symptoms and cut your risk of developing one of Canada's most common diseases.
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By Tammy Sutherland
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3. Lung disease
Almost 20,000 Canadians died of lung diseases (excluding lung cancer) in 2004. According to the Canadian Lung Association, the three most common are chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia and influenza.
What is lung disease?
COPD is a long-term illness that's usually caused by smoking. It progressively damages airways, resulting in swelling and partial blockage, and damages air sacs.
Pneumonia occurs when an infection settles in the air sacs of your lungs, overcoming your body's normal defenses.
Influenza is when a strain of the influenza virus infects your nose, throat and lungs. Healthy adults can generally fight off the flu with a few days of rest, but for seniors, children and anyone suffering from other respiratory diseases, it can be fatal.
Symptoms of lung conditions
Don't hesitate to see your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms.
Symptoms of COPD:
- Shortness of breath, feeling like you're breathing through a straw
- Increased mucus and coughing
Symptoms of pneumonia:
- Cough and/or yellow-green mucus
- Shortness of breath and chest pain
- Fever and/or fatigue and a general feeling of unwellness
Symptoms of influenza:
- Headaches, chills, cough, fever
- Loss of appetite and throat irritation
- Fatigue and muscle aches
- Runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes
Preventing lung disease
Keeping your lungs strong and healthy is your best defense against respiratory diseases. There are several ways to keep your lungs in fighting condition:
- Don't smoke and avoid any exposure to second-hand smoke
- Wash your hands often and prevent the spread of infectious lung diseases like colds and flu by covering your coughs and sneezes
- Reduce your exposure to indoor air pollution at home and at work by using an exhaust fan when you cook and wearing a protective mask when you work with chemicals
- Exercise regularly
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