The Lung Institute- Lung Disease
We spoke to Associate Professor Richard Van Zyl-Smit from
the Lung Institute who spoke to us about lung diseases. The Institute started
off with the focus being on Asthma and COPD 15-16 years ago. They then expanded
into the focus being on Tuberculoses and other chronic diseases whereby they look
for guidelines and developments, off treatments for people with other diseases
of the lungs.
The Lung Institute researches to seek ways to make peoples
lungs better or provide them with the best treatment available. As in the South
African context the biggest diseases that effect the lung is TB although you
can get it outside the lung as well, secondly will be Asthma as it effects children
and adults and lastly Emphysema being related to smoking is the most common and
important, although they are more rare
but can cause disability for them.
If a cough last more then two weeks it will be a concern for
the institute.
A few lifestyle tips would be: eating healthy and quit
smoking.
For more information:
Website: www.asthmasa.org
(The National Asthma Education Programme)
Website: www.thelunginstitute.co.za
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