WASHINGTON, Aug. 4 /EMWNews/ -- Air pollution is a

serious health issue, especially in Beijing. For even the healthiest

people, air pollution can irritate the respiratory tract and cause serious

health problems such as asthma attacks, coughing and wheezing, shortness of

breath and chest pain when inhaling deeply. It can also increase the risk

of heart attacks, strokes, lung cancer and even early death.



    Before spectators leave for Beijing, the American Lung Association

advises all Olympic travelers to plan in advance for any health emergencies

that may arise. Those individuals with conditions such as asthma, COPD

(emphysema and chronic bronchitis), heart disease and diabetes are

encouraged to make a doctor's appointment before making the trip.



    "Your doctor will be able to help you determine if you will be able to

sufficiently tolerate conditions in Beijing," said Dr. Norman Edelman,

Chief Medical Officer for the American Lung Association. "Your doctor will

also be able to work with you to develop a disease management plan to

ensure the healthiest trip possible. That may include increasing the dosage

levels of certain medications while in Beijing."



    "Smokers are also encouraged to take steps to quit," advised Edelman.

"Not only does smoking add to the pollution, but will also make for an even

greater strain on your lungs. The American Lung Association's Freedom From

Smoking online program is a valuable resource for those who want to break

free from nicotine."



    For even the healthiest people, air pollution can irritate the

respiratory tract and cause serious health problems such as, coughing and

wheezing, shortness of breath and chest pain when inhaling deeply. It can

also increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, lung cancer and even

early death.



    The American Lung Association encourages all Olympic travelers to plan

in advance for any health emergencies that might arise. It is important to

be aware of what medical services that will be available to you while in

China and how your medical insurance deals with incidents that happen while

on international travel.



    "To keep healthy while in Beijing, limit or avoid outdoor exercise,"

said Dr. Edelman. "If you choose to exercise, do so early in the day or in

the evening. If you feel any discomfort, including coughing or wheezing,

you should stop immediately."



    "If at any time you are outdoors and experience shortness of breath or

excessive coughing or wheezing, go inside immediately and take appropriate

action," said Dr. Edelman.



    "Don't assume face masks are going to solve the problem," said Janice

Nolen, an air quality policy analyst for the American Lung Association.

"While N95 face masks may provide some benefit, most commercially available

air masks were not designed to protect against all forms of air pollution.

For example, they don't protect against gases, like ozone smog, which will

be one of the important components of the air in Beijing."



    "The Beijing Olympics calls the world's attention to the seriousness of

air pollution. That focus needs to continue long after the Games end," said

Nolen. "Decades of hard work tackling air pollution in the United States

mean that we no longer have Beijing-levels of air pollution, but even our

problem isn't solved. We still have too many Americans breathing dangerous

-- sometimes fatal -- air pollution in their own backyards."



    The American Lung Association is dedicated to preventing lung disease

and is working to improve air quality for all Americans. For more

information or to support the American Lung Association's clean air

initiatives, visit http://www.lungusa.org.

    About the American Lung Association: Beginning our second century, the

American Lung Association is the leading organization working to prevent

lung disease and promote lung health. Lung disease death rates are

currently increasing while other major causes of death are declining. The

American Lung Association funds vital research on the causes of and

treatments for lung disease. With the generous support of the public, the

American Lung Association is "Improving life, one breath at a time." For

more information about the American Lung Association or to support the work

it does, call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) or log on to http://www.lungusa.org.