respiratory
wellness
we take our lungs for granted, but there are things you can do to safeguard these mission-critical organs. hy-vee can help every step of the way.
Lungs play a critical role in the respiratory system, which brings fresh air into the body while removing waste gases such as carbon dioxide. However, lung capacity declines with age, so it’s important to keep yourself healthy by exercising, eating a balanced diet and avoiding risk factors. If problems arise, look to the Hy-Vee Pharmacy for your respiratory health needs, including asthma inhalers, prescription medications, over-the-counter options and more.
Understand and manage respiratory illnesses
Chronic respiratory illnesses persist for at least a year and require ongoing medical attention. Acute respiratory illnesses are temporary infections. Hy-Vee can help you manage various aspects of both.
Chronic
Asthma makes it harder to move air in and out of lungs when swollen airways are aggravated by irritants. Triggers include exercise, stress, cold and irritants such as smoke, dust, chemicals and pet dander. What to do: Stay current with vaccines to prevent flu and pneumonia from triggering an asthma attack. See your doctor if you have frequent coughing or wheezing that lasts more than a few days. Visit the Hy-Vee Pharmacy for asthma inhalers.
Asthma
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, is a lung disease caused by repeated exposure to irritants. What to do: Avoid repeated exposure to air pollution, secondhand smoke, dust, fumes and chemicals. Join Hy-Vee’s Quit for Good program to stop smoking.
COPD
Lung cancer starts in the lungs but can spread to other parts of the body, preventing organs from functioning properly. Symptoms often do not appear until cancer has spread. Lung cancer is usually the result of breathing dangerous chemicals over time. What to do: If you are at high risk from long-term smoking or exposure to air pollutants, talk to your doctor about lung cancer screening.
Lung Cancer
COVID-19 is a serious disease that rapidly invades cells in the respiratory system, causing coughing and shortness of breath. It can be life-threatening. Hy-Vee administers COVID-19 vaccines without an appointment.
COVID-19
Acute Bronchitis develops from a respiratory infection such as a cold, and can cause coughing spells and make breathing difficult. Bronchitis generally goes away in a week or two without treatment. Hy-Vee offers saline nasal sprays to relieve congestion and lozenges or honey to relieve cough.
ACUTE BRONCHITIS
Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory illness that affects the whole body and includes fever, cough, muscle aches and overall fatigue. Hy-Vee offers annual flu shots to prevent infection, as well as medications to shorten the length of sickness.
Influenza
Acute
Pneumonia is caused by bacteria, viruses and fungi. Most people recover in a couple weeks, but it can be life-threatening for others. Seniors and others at high risk should talk to their doctor about getting a pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine, available at the Hy-Vee Pharmacy.
Pneumonia
Stay HealthY
Take action to prevent lung disease.
AVOID SMOKING
Cigarette smoking can lead to lung cancer and COPD. If you are a smoker, ask a Hy-Vee pharmacist about our Quit for Good program.
fortify your body
A nutritious diet can support and protect lung health. Talk to a Hy-Vee dietitian about nutritional counseling to help you nourish and fortify the body.
PURIFY INDOOR AIR
Household items can off-gas chemicals such as formaldehyde and benzene. Houseplants from Hy-Vee Floral can remove some of the toxins while also providing oxygen.
PREVENT infection
Protect yourself from acute infections with frequent handwashing, avoiding indoor crowds and by getting vaccinated at the Hy-Vee Pharmacy.
