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www.SeniorsResourceGuide.com/National/NJC
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1400 Jackson Street
Denver, Colorado
www.njc.org
1-800-222-LUNG |
| Non Profit • Non Sectarian |
#1 Respiratory Hospital in the U.S.*
*U.S. News & World Report, 6 consecutive years |
 National Jewish is the only medical
and research center in the United States devoted entirely to respiratory, allergic and immune system diseases, including
asthma, tuberculosis, emphysema, severe allergies, AIDS, cancer and autoimmune diseases, such as lupus. Founded in 1899 as a
nonsectarian, nonprofit hospital for tuberculosis (TB) patients, National Jewish enters the 21st century dedicated to
enhancing prevention, treatment and cures through research, and to developing and providing innovative clinical programs.
Here is a selection of articles from National Jewish. We hope you find this
information useful. At the end of each article is a link to its main web site.
Please answer the questions below to determine if you are at risk for
respiratory disease, including bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and emphysema.
 Do you become out of breath while doing daily activities?- Do you cough or wheeze during or after exercise?
- Do you have trouble breathing with a cold?
- Do you have a cough at night?
- Do you smoke now, or have you ever smoked?
- Do you get at least one respiratory infection or cold that lasts more
than two weeks every year?
- Do you work in an environment that exposes you to materials that can be
irritating to your lungs?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be at risk for
respiratory disease. We recommend that you take a lung function test to further explore the possibility that you may have
impaired lung function or respiratory difficulties.
National Jewish Medical and Research Center offers free lung function
testing throughout the year. Please refer www.njc.org or call (303) 398-1873
for upcoming dates and locations. You can also call the LUNG LINE at 1-800-222-LUNG to discuss any questions you may
have about the above questions or any other respiratory issues.
Visit www.njc.org for
more information about these or any other respiratory topics.
For Dr. Barry Make, an expert on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
(COPD) at Denver’s National Jewish Medical and Research Center, this message is a critical one for seniors and their
families.
 "Shortness of breath is often a warning sign," says Dr. Make. "Not all seniors
experience it, but if they do, it’s important to get evaluated."
COPD - lung diseases such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis - affects
millions of people across the country, and thousands in Colorado.
The first step in diagnosing COPD is a good evaluation by a physician,
including a physical exam, breathing tests, and x-rays. If COPD is confirmed, then developing a treatment plan with your
doctor is the next step.
At National Jewish, health care providers believe people with COPD can lead
active and full lives. Their goal is to help people take charge of their breathing and gain control of their lives by becoming
more active, decreasing shortness of breath and anxiety, improving mood, and learning as much as possible about COPD.
Following a treatment plan will help patients take charge of their
breathing. Key components include: quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, avoiding infections,
breathing retraining, and taking medication as prescribed or oxygen therapy if necessary.
Having trouble breathing is not a normal symptom of growing older. If you
experience shortness of breath and can’t participate in the activities you once enjoyed, National Jewish can help. Call the
National Jewish LUNG LING at 1-800-222-LUNG, or visit www.njc.org to
learn more about COPD.
Visit www.njc.org for
more information about these or any other respiratory topics.
More than 100,000 Americans die each year from chronic bronchitis,
emphysema and other obstructive lung diseases. Many of these deaths could be prevented through proper education and early
testing.
 That’s why National Jewish Medical and Research Center offers a breathing test called spirometry,
which takes just a few minutes to complete. By the time a person experiences shortness of breath and wheezing, significant
lung damage may have already occurred. Spirometry can help identify respiratory disease in its earliest stages, when lifestyle
changes and treatment are the most effective.
Spirometry is as important to checking the lungs as blood pressure is to
learning about the heart. And it’s a simple procedure. As you blow into a tube, a computerized sensor automatically measures
airflow into and out of your lungs. The results are calculated and graphed immediately, providing you with a detailed chart of
how your lungs compare to others of the same sex, age and height.
National Jewish provides free spirometry screenings throughout the year.
Please call (303) 398-1873 for upcoming dates and locations. Call the National Jewish LUNG LINE at 1-800-222-LUNG, or
visit www.njc.org for additional information.
Visit www.njc.org for
more information about these or any other respiratory topics.
Pneumonia refers to an infection of the lung. It can be caused by bacteria,
viruses, parasites, and other organisms. Infectious pneumonia usually is spread by inhalation of infected particles or by
aspiration ("swallowing" into the lungs). It rarely can spread through the blood stream from another infected area
of the body. Typical respiratory symptoms of pneumonia include cough (with or without mucus), chest pain, rapid breathing, and
shortness of breath. Other symptoms of pneumonia include fever, sweats, headache, and weakness. Some people may be at a higher
risk of developing pneumonias. These people include diabetics, alcoholics, immunosuppressed individuals (which can occur with
steroid use), and the elderly.
How is pneumonia diagnosed?
 To diagnose pneumonia, the
doctor begins with a medical history and physical examination. Bacterial pneumonias often have a sudden onset, creating a
sporadic cough with mucus production (often colored or "rusty"), and fever (often with chills), and pain along the
chest wall. Infections caused by mycoplasma and viruses typically develop more slowly (often after a few days of flu-like
symptoms) and can create a hacky or barky cough, a headache, and pain under the breastbone.
The doctor may order several tests to help diagnose the pneumonia. Chest
x-rays are examined for signs of infection in the lungs. Often, different types of pneumonia will have different patterns on
the x-ray. Blood and sputum tests may be done to collect a specimen if the doctor needs to determine the organism causing the
pneumonia. Furthermore, a biopsy ( taking a lung tissue sample via needle, tube, or surgery) may be done in more severe
cases.)
What is the treatment?
The key to treatment is seeking medical care promptly! Treatment depends upon the severity of symptoms and the type of
organism causing the infection. Antibiotics are used in bacterial infections while antifungal medicines are used for the
uncommon fungal infections. In most cases of viral pneumonia specific medications usually are not needed. Several antiviral
medicines are available on the market to treat specific viruses. Bronchodilators are used at times to keep the airways open.
Treatment may require hospitalization if severe pneumonia is present. Additional treatment may include rest, fluids, oxygen,
and respiratory therapy.
What is preventative therapy?
A vaccine is available to prevent infection caused by a pneumococcal strain of bacteria. An annual flu shot may be helpful in
decreasing influenza-triggered pneumonias. Your doctor can provide the necessary vaccines for you. Other preventative measures
include good medical control of other respiratory and sinus problems, good hand washing, and not smoking.
How long does pneumonia last?
The course of pneumonia is quite variable. Its length depends upon the organism involved, the general health of the
individual, and how promptly medical attention is sought. Some people may be hospitalized while others continue their routine
without being aware that they are infected. Certain individuals may have to limit their work or school schedule for a brief
period. Your physician can help you define any limits on work or other activities. It is important to remember that irritation
(especially from viruses) may lead to a cough that persists for 6-8 weeks after the actual infection clears. You may want to
discuss your prognosis (expected outcome) with your doctor.
Are there complications?
Complications from pneumonia may occur occasionally. Secondary infections (usually bacterial) may require that antibiotics be
added or altered to combat the new organism. Rarely, a lung abscess may result from pneumonia. If excess fluid builds up in
the sac around the lungs (pleural effusion), this also may need to be drained. Another potential complication of pneumonia can
be a slowing of the intestines which the doctor may need to treat. Hyponatremia (low blood sodium) is another possible
complication of bacterial pneumonia, and children are especially prone to this. In these cases hospitalization may be required
to provide intravenous saline (I.V. salt water). Many complications from pneumonia can be eliminated by prompt medical
attention.
NOTE: This information is provided as an educational service of LUNG LINE.
It is not meant to be a substitute for consulting with your own physician.
Visit www.njc.org for
more information about these or any other respiratory topics.
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1400 Jackson Street
Denver, Colorado
www.njc.org
1-800-222-LUNG |
| Non Profit • Non Sectarian |
#1 Respiratory Hospital in the U.S.*
*U.S. News & World Report, 6 consecutive years |
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Copyright © National Jewish Medical and Research
Center.
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