More than 50 million people in the suffer from lung and respiratory problems, but people can breath easier with proper care.

Chronic respiratory problems are the leading cause of death, illness and disability in the U.S. Dr. Akshay Sood, assistant professor of pulmonary medicine at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, says respiratory problems can include a runny nose and itchy eyes from hay fever, or wheezing and shortness of breath associated with asthma. He says other respiratory illnesses include
SOUND BITE: " . . . smoking related diseases which are called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease also called chronic bronchitis or emphysema. We see abnormally dilated airways, which is called bronchislectasis. And lung cancer, with the aging of the population, lung cancer is becoming a real problem. It is probably our number one cancer."

Dr. Sood says people can find help for their respiratory illnesses by having a thorough evaluation by a physician. A simple test can be used to measure pulmonary function and detect chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or C-O-P-D in current and former smokers aged 45 and older and anyone with difficulty in breathing. The most important aspect of treatment is to avoid tobacco smoke. Symptoms such as coughing or wheezing can be treated with medication. Dr. Sood says one of the most common symptoms is a cough: SOUND BITE: "This cough may be dry or it may be productive of phlegm. The phlegm may be white or it may be yellow or it may contain blood. The most important thing to remember, if you're coughing up blood, you have to see a doctor. And the other common symptom we see is shortness of breath."

Anyone with respiratory problems should see their primary care physician or pulmonologist for an evaluation and treatment.