What is Lupus
In lupus, the body’s immune system does not work as it should. A healthy immune system produces substances called antibodies that help fight and destroy viruses, bacteria, and other foreign substances that invade the body. In lupus, the immune system produces antibodies against the body’s healthy cells and tissues. These antibodies, called autoantibodies (”auto” means self), contribute to the inflammation of various parts of the body, causing damage and altering the function of target organs and tissues. In addition, some autoantibodies join with substances from the body’s own cells or tissues to form molecules called immune complexes. A buildup of these immune complexes in the body also contributes to inflammation and tissue injury in people with lupus. Researchers do not yet understand all of the factors that cause inflammation and tissue damage in lupus, and this is an active area of research.

Common Symptoms of Lupus

* Painful or swollen joints and muscle pain

* Unexplained fever

* Red rashes, most commonly on the face.

* Chest pain upon deep breathing (pleurisy)

* Unusual loss of hair

* Pale or purple fingers or toes from cold or stress (Raynaud’s phenomenon)

* Sensitivity to the sun

* Swelling (edema) in legs or around eyes

* Swollen glands

* Extreme fatigue

In some people with lupus, only one system of the body such as the skin or joints is affected. Other people experience symptoms in many parts of their body. Just how seriously a body system is affected also varies from person to person. Most commonly, joints and muscles are affected, causing arthritis and muscle pain. Skin rashes are quite common. The following systems in the body also can be affected by lupus.

Kidneys: Inflammation of the kidneys (nephritis) can impair their ability to get rid of waste products and other toxins from the body effectively. Because the kidneys are so important to overall health, lupus affecting the kidneys generally requires intensive drug treatment to prevent permanent damage. There is usually no pain associated with kidney involvement, although some patients may notice that their ankles swell. Most often the only indication of kidney disease is an abnormal urine or blood test.

Lungs: Some people with lupus develop pleuritis, an inflammation of the lining of the chest cavity that causes chest pain, particularly with breathing. Patients with lupus also may get pneumonia.

Central nervous system: In some patients, lupus affects the brain or central nervous system. This can cause headaches, dizziness, memory disturbances, vision problems, stroke, or changes in behavior.

Blood vessels: Blood vessels may become inflamed (vasculitis), affecting the way blood circulates through the body. The inflammation may be mild and may not require treatment or may be severe and require immediate attention.

Blood: People with lupus may develop anemia, leukopenia (a decreased number of white blood cells), or a decrease in the number of platelets (thrombocytopenia). Some people with lupus may have abnormalities that cause an increased risk for blood clots.

Heart: In some people with lupus, inflammation can occur in the heart itself (myocarditis and endocarditis) or the membrane that surrounds it (pericarditis), causing chest pains or other symptoms. Lupus can also increase the risk of atherosclerosis. Despite the symptoms of lupus and the potential side effects of treatment, people with lupus can maintain a high quality of life overall. One key to managing lupus is to understand the disease and its impact. Learning to recognize the warning signs of a flare can help the patient take steps to ward it off or reduce its intensity. Many people with lupus experience increased fatigue, pain, a rash, fever, abdominal discomfort, headache, or dizziness just before a flare. Developing strategies to prevent flares can also be helpful, such as learning to recognize your warning signals and maintaining good communication with your doctor.

Warning Signs of a Lupus Flare

* Increased fatigue

* Pain

* Rash

* Fever

* Abdominal discomfort

* Headache

* Dizziness

Preventing a Flare

Learn to recognize your warning signals. Maintain good communication with your doctor.

People with lupus should receive regular preventive health care, such as gynecological and breast examinations. Regular dental care will help avoid potentially dangerous infections. If a person is taking corticosteroids or antimalarial medications, a yearly eye exam should be done to screen for and treat eye problems.

Staying healthy requires extra effort and care for people with lupus, so it becomes especially important to develop strategies for maintaining wellness. Wellness involves close attention to the body, mind, and spirit. One of the primary goals of wellness for people with lupus is coping with the stress of having a chronic disorder. Effective stress management varies from person to person. Some approaches that may help include exercise, relaxation techniques such as meditation, and setting priorities for spending time and energy.

Melissa Gallagher is the founder and president of Healthy Being, LLC. For more details about Healthy Being Products please contact Melissa at melissa@healthybeingproducts.com or visit our website at http://www.healthybeingproducts.com or purchase products online at: http://stores.ebay.com/healthybeingproducts

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Adult dyslexia can be defined as a language-based learning disability, which renders the person unable to read, write, comprehend and even speak. However, such disabilities do not mean that a dyslexic cannot be intelligent. Their intelligence level may range from average to above average. What is more, if given proper support and encouragement in time, they can even be helped and motivated for accurate and fluent reading. It means that their disabilities are not necessarily a hindrance in the path of their academic success. In fact, it is not an exaggeration to say that adult dyslexia is all about a problem with reading and writing and it has nothing to do with the smartness or intelligence of the person. In most of the cases, dyslexics have been found to be very talented people in different creative fields. The list of such exceptionally talented people includes Leonardo Da Vinci, Tom Cruise, and many others. Dyslexics are gifted people. It is just that they read more slowly and differently.

A thorough research and study of different dyslexia symptoms have shown that the intensity of such neurological disorder varies from person to person. Sometimes, proper care and motivation helps the person to easily overcome all the problems that are associated with reading and writing. In some other cases, it may take a much longer time to actually improve the learning experience. This is because of some particular wiring in the brain. The brain of a dyslexic is wired up differently. They have to work harder to perform the same task that others do relatively easily.

When a person is involved in reading, his or her posterior brain regions become active and at the same time, the anterior brain regions become relatively overactive. It is because of these variations in the activity of the posterior brain regions that distinguishes an adult with dyslexia. However, irrespective of the variations in the learning disabilities and the intelligence levels, the good news is that there is always a solution available.

However, the first thing that is very important in this regard is that the problem must be diagnosed at an early stage. Any delay will worsen the problem. There are different types of adult dyslexia tests that you can use in order to identify whether the person is affected with such a problem or not. Once identified, special treatments (which usually include proper support, encouragement and motivation) can help. The moment a person with adult dyslexia stops feeling that he or she is not isolated or rejected, half of the problem is already solved.

An Adult Dyslexia Test is one of the best ways to see if you have dyslexia. It isn’t a medical procedure rather a test to evaluate how severe your dyslexia symptoms are, if there are any present. Adult dyslexia is a serious condition but there are solutions and information that can help. DJ Howse recommends that you look into the possibility of a dyslexia test if you have think at all that you are suffering from it.

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There can be many symptoms associated with acid reflux including heartburn, nausea and a sore throat, but did you know that there is also an acid reflux IBS connection? This may sound surprising considering acid reflux is a condition that affects the esophagus, while irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition that tends to be related to the intestines. However, many people who suffer from IBS often complain of symptoms that occur in their upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract including stomach pain, nausea, and acid reflux/heartburn.

It is thought that the upper GI symptoms an IBS sufferer experiences is related to the rate that the stomach empties its acid and food contents. If the stomach environment is ‘unbalanced’, it can effectively try to expel partially digested contents from both of its openings - the small intestine and the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). This can lead to acid reflux IBS symptoms occurring simultaneously.

In some cases, the imbalance in the gastric environment related to acid reflux and GI problems is the result of not enough stomach acid for proper food digestion. When the stomach is deficient in acid, food cannot be broken down and easily digested. This can not only lead to heartburn because food isn’t being moved into the small intestine fast enough, but it can allow bad bacteria that are usually kept in check by stomach acid to flourish. This may lead to fungal overgrowths and nutrient deficiencies, which can lead to chronic conditions such as IBS. Furthermore, it is now widely believed that bacterial infections within the GI tract may cause ulcers.

For this reason, many acid reflux and IBS sufferers may in fact be making both conditions worse if they take antacids to treat their heartburn if their stomach does not produce enough acid. Antacids are designed to neutralize stomach acid, and frequent use may put an individual at a greater risk of bacterial infection. However, keep in mind that if your doctor has prescribed you medication for your heartburn or acid reflux/GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) symptoms, you should not stop taking prescription antacid medication without first notifying your doctor.

Many GI issues including acid reflux can be by controlled through your diet and lifestyle choices. Here are some tips to help you bring your symptoms under control:

- Friendly foods and beverages. Knowing what foods you should eat and avoid is very important for controlling acid reflux, IBS or other GI symptoms. The first step is to know what foods trigger your acid reflux (I.E. fatty foods, spicy food, tomatoes, citrus fruits and juices, caffeine, and alcohol) and avoid them. The next step is to find out what foods cause your IBS symptoms (I.E. bloating, stomach pain and cramping, gas, constipation, diarrhea, etc.).

Keeping a food diary to find out what specific foods cause your symptoms is a great way to stay on top of your food choices. By removing potential trigger foods from your diet and reintroducing them one food at a time to your diet can help you identify those items which cause symptoms to flare.

Foods that many IBS sufferers report make their symptoms worse include: foods high in fat, caffeine, and milk and milk products. In fact, a large number of IBS sufferers are actually lactose intolerant.

Essentially, when it comes to creating a diet for acid reflux, IBS, or other GI issues you will want to ensure you are drinking plenty of water, and are providing your body with as much healthy food variety as possible.

- Change eating habits. Eat smaller portions and more frequent meals, and avoid lying down directly after eating. You should also wear comfortable clothing, and sit down and relax while you eat your meals slowly. This will allow your body the time it needs to properly digest the food you’ve eaten.

- Reduce stress. Stress can wreak havoc on the GI tract and make symptoms worse. Learn how to relax and deal with your stress through exercise, meditation, or enjoying activities that make you happy such as reading, going shopping, and so on.

Grab your free copy of Kathryn Whittaker’s brand new Acid Reflux & GERD Newsletter - Overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you discover more about the acid reflux IBS connection and for information on acid reflux help please visit Stop Acid Reflux Now.

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Your choice to read this article is greatly appreciated. I hope you will enjoy reading the following text as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Cold sores are an unpleasant, although not serious condition that causes painful and ugly looking sores around the mouth that are often triggered by stress, either physical or mental. Cold sores can occur due to herpes simplex virus of type I. These virus are extremely contagious and once contracted will stay in the body for life time.

Although it is not serious and clears up on its own, anyone who has suffered from cold sores knows how unpleasant the condition can be. As there is no cure, it remains essential for regular sufferers to learn how to get rid of cold sores, complicated by the fact that different treatments can prove to be more effective in some people than in others.

However, the herpes simplex virus does give you a warning before it attacks, which is the tingle you feel before the blister appears, caused by the virus moving from where it lies in its dormant state to the skin’s surface where it replicates.

Learned exactly how to get rid of a cold sore can be crucial to your feelings of well being, especially in face of such situations and while there is no right time for a cold sore outbreak to occur, they always seem to appear at exactly the worst possible moment in your life, probably brought on by stress.

How to get rid of cold sores? There are some proven techniques that can be taking to get rid of cold sores.

One of the simplest treatments for cold sores is to apply ice to the infected area for 15-30 minutes. This seems to interfere with the virus’s ability to replicate and encourages it back into its dormant state, thus lessening the impact and length of a cold sore attack.

Herpes simplex likes you to consume arginine rich foods that help it thrive, while being inhibited by lysine. You should avoid foods such as grains, nuts, oatmeal, seeds and chocolate, which have high levels of arginine for red meat and dairy products which contain lysine. Therefore, supplement your diet with adequate amount of vitamins, and proteins. Intake of vitamin B complex and folic acid are particularly beneficial. Healthy diet can help to shield you from the viruses.

Any infection can decrease with proper intake of healthy diet, herpes simplex infection also cures. To reduce the infections try to include notorious and healthy food. Along with the proper diet exercise and adequate amount of rest is also necessary.

All these remedies are helpful in getting rid of the cold sores. Knowing how to get rid of cold sores help will do wonders for your self esteem. By trying some of the recommended remedies you can find out what specific steps work for you and over time fine-tune your own personal cold sore treatment.

That concludes this article, I hope you found the information helpful. You may also be interested in reading how to get rid of cold sores at http://www.coldsoresinfo.com/ Visit us for more information about cold sores.

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Fibromyalgia affects people the world over. It is actually a constellation of different symptoms and signs, most of which include pains in the muscles and joints. People with fibromyalgia are often easily fatigued, and can find it difficult to move, get up, even work and think. It is for this reason that scientists are still studying different medications, and the latest treatments for fibromyalgia reflect their efforts.

Because fibromyalgia has many different symptoms and signs, the latest treatments for fibromyalgia should not be mistaken as a cure. Currently, doctors prescribe muscle relaxants and antidepressants. Traditionally, doctors used low doses of such medicines in order to avoid the undesirable side effects characteristic of them. New types of these medications have emerged, however: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors help ease depression, but they have also been shown to ease the pains of fibromyalgia.

Some of the latest treatments for fibromyalgia take their cue from other diseases such as diabetes. Diabetics experience nerve pain frequently, and their drugs are often used for fibromyalgia patients as well. For instance, anti-seizure drugs can be recommended for fibromyalgia. Dopamine agonists, as well as combinations of different drugs now make up the latest treatments for fibromyalgia.

There are still more options coming in the future. For instance, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors have shown efficacy in recent clinical trials. Research is also ongoing in the use of cough suppressants, such as dextrometorphan. As research continues, these latest treatments for fibromyalgia may soon be commonly prescribed by your physician. If you are curious about these drugs and need to learn more, you can talk to your doctor or a pharmacist and see if you need to watch out for any unwanted side effects.

Charlene J. Nuble is a healthcare professional who loves writing about women’s issues, parenting and other health related stuffs. Click on the link to learn more aboutLatest Treatments For Fibromyalgia.

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Ringworm is one of the most common types of skin diseases that could happen to anyone, so you must be very careful to give the right way of treatments, otherwise, it will be very hard to cure.

Ringworm has nothing to do with its name, as the word “ringworm” may not directly represent its own meaning. The name ringworm is given to this disease because the formation of red ring occurs around the infected area on the surface of the skin which can be transmitted by having direct contact with other infected people or animals.

Normally, this condition occurs due to several types of mold-like fungus called Dermatophytes, which is known as the disease could be alive on dead cells of the body like nails and scalp. More often, it effects younger children because there are common occurrences in child care homes, schools, as well as in infant nurseries. Apart from this, the risk of this infectious disease increases more dramatically in families that have pets than others who do not have pets with them.

Ringworm that is caused by fungus can be transmitted by having direct contact or while petting, cleaning and other such contact with pets. Infection can also occur from animals such as horses, goats and cows. Moreover, the reason for the spread of ringworm is due to touch on the objects that has also been touched by infected animals or people such as upholstery, bedding, combs, towels, clothing and brushes.

Sometimes, human can be infected by ringworm when they touch contaminated soil but this case is rare. The mold-fungi causing ringworms exist for a much longer time if the soil is full of adequate nutrients. The infection of ring worm caused in people is much more likely to come about from prolonged contact with heavily infected soil.

Areas where Ringworms generally appear Ringworm that appears on the scalp will first take the form of a small pimple, which keeps getting larger in area, thus leaving crusty patches or temporary baldness on the infected person. As a result, this will cause the roots of the hair to become weak and start breaking off easily and results in heavy hair loss. Ringworm may also develop in the yellowish crusty area during its occurrence.

Ringworm can also appear on the other parts of the body including feet, which may appear as red from patchy spots. This turns into expanding rashes which keep spreading on the area on which ring is developed. The severe case of ringworms leads to several patches on the skin surface which sometimes overlap each other and results in the inflammation on the effected area.

Ringworms effecting nails sometimes make the nails become more thick but weak and pale. You are suggested to consult your doctor if you have any kind of symptoms that similar to ringworm such as itchy and red spot on your skin.

Treatment This disease is fortunately very simple to identify and treat. Ringworm can be easily diagnosed by a dermatologist but sometimes the doctors may scrape few pieces of flaky infectious skin for further diagnosis under microscope for fungal detection. Then they can prescribe ring worms sufferers an anti-fungal medication to apply on the infected area to treat it, but ring worms on nails and scalp require oral anti-fungal medications in order to treat completely after determining which one is the most suitable treatment for this disease.

Maintaining good personal hygiene is also the good way to prevent yourself from ringworm. It is suggested that individuals suffering from ringworm infection to wear cotton clothing to prevent it from spreading.

Copyright (c) 2008 Patnaree Sukgrarongka

Find more useful articles about ringworm at Ringworm knowledge and Ringworm articles

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There is considerable confusion regarding the conditions sciatica and piriformis syndrome. Some think that they are the same thing, but although they have very similar symptoms in many cases and can be present simultaneously, the underlying causes of sciatica and piriformis syndrome can be quite different.

Sciatica refers to irritation of the sciatic (often mis-spelled as syatic or psyatic) nerve, that arises from nerve roots in the lumbar spine. The most common cause of sciatic nerve irritation, or “true” sciatica is compression of one or more of its component nerve roots due to disc herniation or spinal degeneration in the lower lumbar region. Sciatica usually begins in the buttock area and, depending on the severity of the underlying nerve compression and inflammation, may extend down the entire leg to the ankle and foot.

Piriformis syndrome is sometimes called false sciatica, because instead of actual nerve irritation, it is caused by referral pain.) caused by tight knots of contraction in the piriformis muscle, which attaches to the upper femur bone and then runs across the back of the pelvis to the outside edge of the sacrum, the triangular pelvic bone at the base of the spine. The symptoms of piriformis syndrome are very similar and may be indistinguishable from true sciatica.

In some cases, piriformis syndrome may cause true sciatic nerve irritation, as the sciatic nerve may run underneath or even through the middle of the piriformis, so contraction of the piriformis may produce sufficient compression of the sciatic nerve to produce actual nerve symptoms. This is one of the main sources of confusion when it comes to distinguishing true sciatica from piriformis syndrome.

As mentioned earlier, the symptoms of true sciatica are very similar to piriformis syndrome. Both cause pain, tingling, burning, “electrical shock” sensations, and/or numbness down the leg, often all the way to the foot. In addition, both sciatica and piriformis syndrome tend to be at least partially related to biomechanical functional problems in the joints of the back and pelvis and they may even be present simultaneously in the same person, so it an be difficult to tell them apart.

But since the most effective treatment for the two conditions varies significantly, it is important to determine the correct diagnosis if at all possible. In most cases there is an easy way to distinguish between sciatica and piriformis syndrome.

In most cases,sciatica can be differentiated from piriformis syndrome with a couple of simple test maneuvers. To begin, from a seated position, one straightens the knee on the side of sciatic pain, holding the leg out straight and parallel to the floor, and if this position causes an increase in symptoms, it is a good indicator of true sciatica.

The second maneuver is done in two parts. First, from the sitting position one bends the leg and pulls the knee on the painful side towards the same-side shoulder. In all but the most severe cases, there is usually no major increase in pain in this position. The second part of the maneuver is to pull the knee toward the opposite side shoulder. An increase in the sciatica-like symptoms is a strong indication of piriformis syndrome.

It is important to distinguish between sciatica and piriformis syndrome, because the treatment for the conditions varies, and getting the diagnosis right typically leads to more effective treatment.

Dr. George Best is in private practice in San Antonio, Texas. For more information, check out Dr. Best’s free e-book and online video course to assist in understanding and treating sciatica and piriformis syndrome, including in-depth instruction on sciatica exercises at http://www.SciaticaSelfCare.com

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We all know someone struggling to cope with the agony of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. But did you know that taking a few simple, preventative measures is our best defense against suffering the agonizing pain of carpal tunnel?

Orthopedic specialists recommend that the best preventative measure is wearing mildly-compressive therapy garments specially designed to align your hands and wrists when working at repetitive tasks by correctly supporting wrist movements. This compressive support is particularly important during those activities which require up-and down or side-to-side movements of your wrist.

Further, when working at your computer your wrists should be approximately parallel with your elbows maintaining a 90 degree angle to your keyboard or work surface. Choose specially-designed supportive therapy garments, such as thermal health gloves and wrist body bands to encourage your hands to maintain a natural, relaxed and open posture when using the mouse. It’s also important that you don’t grip the mouse between your thumb and little fingers. Generally, wrist rests should be avoided because of the awkward position they create for your lower arm and it’s best to keep the mouse close to your keyboard to help maintain a relaxed upper body posture. This also encourages you to use your entire arm to move your mouse rather than wrist-straining side-to-side movements.

Physiotherapists suggest you avoid resting your wrists on hard surfaces for extended periods, that you choose tools that are ergonomically designed for ease of use and to change hands regularly during repetitive tasks. Activities such as writing, typing, those that involve forceful or repetitive finger or wrist action and the use of vibrating power tools can also increase your risk of developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

In the workplace, regularly perform gentle hand stretching exercises, be sure to take frequent rest breaks, and most importantly, wear supportive therapy garments to maintain optimum wrist position and avoid tendon strain. Studies show that adapting your workplace conditions and job demands to your own capabilities will also help reduce your risk of developing carpal tunnel injury. Further, desk and chair height, workstations, the position of your computer keyboard and the tasks you perform should all be individually adjusted to encourage your wrists to maintain a healthy and natural position.

It is also worthwhile knowing that some health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, poor circulation and being over-weight may make you more susceptible to developing carpal tunnel injury. Therapy garments are effective pain management tools for these serious health complaints, too.

So, simply paying attention to these very easy strategies can help you prevent the occurrence of this debilitating and painful injury.

Gloria Chang is a published author who has researched natural, drug-free treatments for carpal tunnel, arthritis & joint pain. She studied science at The University of Sydney and has worked professionally in health care & textile technology for over 30 years. You’ll find great tips on choosing the best therapy garments for you at: http://www.thermomedic.com Chang hosts the educational health care web site, http://www.farinfraredmedical.org You may also suggest topics for discussion or request articles written exclusively for your site or magazine.

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Fibromyalgia can be difficult to deal with if you have to think about work, office, and family. In general, people with fibromyalgia have a constellation of different pains, which can affect the joints, bones, or muscles, and which can spread throughout the body. These pains can be difficult to treat together, which is why different painkillers, anti-depressants, and even anti-seizure drugs are recommended for people with fibromyalgia. Under naturopathic treatment fibromyalgia can also be eased.

Under naturopathic treatment fibromyalgia patients learn how to use their muscles again. Fibromyalgia often affects people who spend a lot of time sitting down at their computers, with bad posture, little movement, and a lot of stress. This can pinch nerves and make muscles swell, thereby causing pain. With gentle naturopathic treatment fibromyalgia patients start by stretching their muscles; then move on to gradual exercise, such as swimming and light aerobics.

Along with naturopathic treatment fibromyalgia patients also have to change their lifestyle. They need to relax more often, and they can accomplish this by sleeping more. Other techniques include applying hot compresses to key sore areas of the body, such as the back, shoulders, arms, and knees. Massages are also recommended, and chiropractic methods can work best for people who have no time to attend exercise classes or spend some time meditating.

In addition to physical naturopathic treatment fibromyalgia patients have to watch their diet. They will need to consume fewer stimulants and more fresh vegetables and fruits. They will also need to drink more water and consume less fat. If you are interested in such treatments, talk to your doctor and ask for more information.

Charlene J. Nuble is a healthcare professional who loves writing about women’s issues, parenting and other health related stuffs. Click on the link to learn more about Naturopathic Treatment Fibromyalgia…

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The Health Risks of Second Hand Smoke

The majority of the population can identify with a situation in which one is enjoying a nice meal or a ball game when they are suddenly overcome with the unpleasant odor of tobacco. This may not seem to affect some people, some may simply be annoyed, while others who are particularly sensitive to the effects may become enraged. Whichever category one may fall under, they all have one thing in common: health is at risk. Whether sensitive to smoke or not, no one can escape the harmful, even potentially fatal, effects.

Effects of Secondhand Smoke

According to the American Lung Association, “Secondhand smoke, also known as environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), is a mixture of the smoke given off by the burning end of a cigarette, pipe or cigar and the smoke exhaled from the lungs of smokers.”1 Even when smokers take cigarette breaks in an assigned location, once the cigarette is crushed, they are free to roam wherever they please, and they continue to breathe out the toxic fumes. Though smoking in a designated area, these smokers will intoxicate anyone exposed to them after their smoking session.

Many unfortunate results arise from this habit, for the toxins do not only exist during the actual smoking of tobacco products but remain in the air even hours after the last puff. Everyday victims often inhale these “leftovers” involuntarily and unknowingly. While it may be widespread knowledge that cancer can be contracted through tobacco smoke due to the cancer-causing agent Carcinogen A, it is also true that asthma, respiratory infections, and other illnesses such as colds and bronchitis can arise from this dangerous activity.

Any exposure to ETS, despite the duration, is harmful to the body. There is no safe allotment of exposure. The American Lung Association explains that, “Short exposures to second hand smoke can cause blood platelets to become stickier, damage the lining of blood vessels, decrease coronary flow velocity reserves, and reduce heart rate variability, potentially increasing the risk of heart attack.”1 Research is also being conducted on a possible link between ETS and a hardening of the arteries causing strokes.

Statistics

Most people understand to some degree that inhaling tobacco in any form is harmful to the body. In fact, of the 4,000 chemicals in tobacco, more than 250 are harmful, and at least 50 are known to cause cancer. The American Lung Association found that, “Secondhand smoke causes approximately 3,400 lung cancer deaths and 46,000 heart disease deaths in adult nonsmokers in the United States each year.”1 The heart and lungs are the organs typically affected by tobacco inhalation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that, “Nonsmokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke at home or work increase their heart disease risk by 25 - 30% and their lung cancer risk by 20 - 30%.”3

Smokers must beware of whom their actions are affecting. They could not only be slowly killing themselves but innocent bystanders as well, and adults are certainly not the only ones damaged by the effects of ETS. The American Lung Association goes on to say that, “Secondhand smoke is especially harmful to young children. ETS is responsible for between 150,000 and 300,000 lower respiratory tract infections in infants and children under 18 months of age, resulting in between 7,500 and 15,000 hospitalizations each year, and causes 430 sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) deaths in the United States annually.”1 The National Cancer Institute explains that exposure to ETS “slows the growth of children’s lungs and can cause them to cough, wheeze, and feel breathless.”4 Additionally, pregnant women with exposure to these poisons have a heightened risk of giving birth to low weight babies.

Everyone exposed to ETS is at risk for contracting diseases, but some are particularly agitated by these toxins, such as asthmatics. The American Cancer Society reports that ETS “increases in the number and severity of asthma attacks in about 200,000 to 1 million children who have asthma.”2 Smokers obviously have no innate sense of whether or not a bystander suffers from asthma, and they should not pose the threat of causing an attack. Additionally, these toxins immediately affect the heart and blood vessels despite the amount of exposure.

The dangers of ETS are real and widespread among the population. It is unfortunate when people who are taking the proper measures to maintain good health are powerless to prevent this disease-causing invasion.

What Can You Do?

Once informed about the dangers associated with ETS, it is difficult to ignore the next deep breath of toxic fumes that are inhaled when we pass a smoker in a public area. Anyone can lobby for change in this unhealthy practice. Fifteen states have already passed legislations to ban smoking in any public place including restaurants and sporting events. Several other states are in the process of passing similar laws. ETS is becoming less acceptable in our society. For those states that continue to permit this practice, individuals can take matters into their own hands to prevent this toxic invasion from spreading to their facilities.

NO-SMOKING SIGNS can be purchased and displayed where smokers typically congregate, leaving no opportunity for carcinogens to invade non-smoking, health-conscious citizens. Smoke-free areas, particularly restaurants, are very attractive to consumers with asthma, allergies, or extra sensitivity to smoke. It is extremely beneficial for such people to have a safe haven where they know they will be free of not only an irritating, but also harmful environment.

1 http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=35422

2 http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PED/content/PED_10_2X_Secondhand_Smoke-Clean_Indoor_Air.asp

3 http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/Factsheets/SecondhandSmoke.htm

4 http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Tobacco/ETS