Tuesday, February 09, 2010

Health Tips for February 9

Health Tip: What's Behind Nasal Congestion

Nasal congestion, commonly called a stuffy nose, occurs when the tissues that line the inside of the nose become swollen.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine says common causes of nasal congestion include:

  • Having the common cold or flu.
  • Having a sinus infection.
  • Having allergies.
  • Using nasal sprays or drops for longer than three days.
  • Having nasal polyps.
  • Being pregnant.
  • Having a condition called vasomotor rhinitis.

Health Tip: Keep Your Lungs Healthy

Your lungs may take a lot of abuse from the air that you breathe and an unhealthy lifestyle.

The American Lung Association offers these suggestions to help improve lung health:

  • Avoid cigarette smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke.
  • Limit exposure to pollutants in the air, including chemicals and smoke.
  • Minimize your risk of getting respiratory infections. Keep hands clean and get vaccinated to protect against illnesses such as flu and pneumonia.
  • Have regular medical checkups to help spot lung problems early.

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