July 9th, 2008
Warning message
This news item is more than a year old. Links, graphics, content, medical information, and statistics may be out of date. We invite you to search, visit our homepage, or contact us to find more current information on the topic you're looking for.Save your breath: Work to slow lung deterioration
By Jane Brody, The New York Times
February 17, 2004
Perhaps the most frightening symptom one can experience is being unable to inhale enough air to perform even the simplest activities, like walking from the bedroom to the bathroom or even talking. But that is the ultimate fate of millions of Americans with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
The ailment - which encompasses chronic bronchitis, emphysema and some forms of asthma - is now the fourth leading cause of death of Americans and the only major one that is on a seemingly relentless increase.