STHS: COPD causes and treatments

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Over 34 million people in the United States live with chronic lung diseases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Health experts say the situation is worsening across the country and over time, chronic lung diseases can lead to respiratory failure, the need for a lung transplant, and even death if left untreated.

South Texas Health System is helping to raise awareness about the dangers of lung-related health issues among Rio Grande Valley residents. STHS and its clinics will devote the latest episode of its monthly “South Texas Healthy Living” episode to chronic lung diseases.

In addition to discussions on the common causes, risk factors, and early warning signs of chronic lung disease with a critical care specialist affiliated with STHS McAllen, viewers will hear from a local man who quit smoking after nearly 50 years, but not before the damage to his lungs and heart had been done.

Mark your calendars for this episode of South Texas Healthy Living, on Saturday, July 20 and Sunday, July 21 at 11 a.m. on KGBT 4.1.