Nihon rinsho. Japanese journal of clinical medicine
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The identification of risk factors is an important step toward developing strategies for prevention and treatment of any disease. The risks of COPD are related to environmental exposures in combination with the genetic makeup of the individual. ⋯ Air pollution, occupational dusts and chemicals can also cause COPD when the exposures are sufficiently intense or prolonged. This is a summary of environmental risk factors for COPD.
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Outbreaks of SARS affected more than 8,400 people, and caused more than 900 deaths worldwide but came to an end in July, 2003. However, the recurrence of SARS epidemics in winter is possible. The symptoms of SARS resemble those of influenza. ⋯ We compared clinical symptoms between SARS and influenza and discussed infection-control measures. Since both SARS and influenza mainly spread by droplet infection, preventive measures against this route are important. In addition, vaccination for influenza and the use of rapid diagnosis kits for influenza are recommended.