New thinking about plaque in arteries that feed the brain
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New evidence that polyphenol-rich foods help the heart
What you need to know about the new dietary guidelines
Food that’s healthier for people and planet can be cheaper, too
What are somatic workouts?
How to curb your stress eating
8 simple ways to reduce ultra-processed foods in your diet
How to spot Parkinson’s disease symptoms
Heart failure symptoms in women: How they’re different
COPD
- Reviewed by Megan A. Koster, MD, PharmD, Contributor; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic lung disease that blocks airflow from the lungs. This condition affects about one in eight adults over age 45, and it is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Most cases of COPD are caused by smoking or inhaling secondhand smoke. COPD can also be caused by exposure to air pollutants, but this is much less common.
COPD is not one disease, but two. Doctors group chronic bronchitis and emphysema together under the label of COPD. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema share many symptoms, such as cough, mucus production, wheezing, fatigue, and difficulty breathing.
While COPD can’t be cured, treatments are available that can slow the disease’s progression, manage symptoms, and improve quality of life.
New thinking about plaque in arteries that feed the brain
Want to prevent shifting teeth? Maybe you need retainers
New evidence that polyphenol-rich foods help the heart
What you need to know about the new dietary guidelines
Food that’s healthier for people and planet can be cheaper, too
What are somatic workouts?
How to curb your stress eating
8 simple ways to reduce ultra-processed foods in your diet
How to spot Parkinson’s disease symptoms
Heart failure symptoms in women: How they’re different
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