Regions such as your nose, mouth, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and lungs.
COMMON COLD
A viral upper respiratory infection
Symptoms
Treatments
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Rest
• Fluids
• Symptom relief medications
How Dangerous Is It?
Not life-threatening in healthy women. Can become serious during pregnancy or in immunocompromised women.
INFLUENZA
A viral respiratory infection that can be severe
Symptoms
Treatments
• High fever
• Body aches
• Fatigue
• Cough
• Headache
• Antiviral medications
• Fluids
• Hospital care in severe cases
How Dangerous Is It?
Can be life-threatening, especially during pregnancy. Pregnant women are at higher risk of complications.
ASTHMA
Chronic inflammation of the airways. More common in women after puberty
Symptoms
Treatments
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness
• Symptoms that worsen around menstruation
• Inhaled corticosteroids
• Rescue inhalers
• Trigger avoidance
How Dangerous Is It?
Can be life-threatening during severe attacks.
PNEUMONIA
Infection of the lungs
Symptoms
Treatments
• Fever
• Chest pain
• Cough with mucus
• Shortness of breath
• Confusion in older women
• Antibiotics (if bacterial)
• Antivirals (if viral)
• Oxygen support
How Dangerous Is It?
Can be fatal in elderly women or those with chronic illness.
LUNG CANCER
Cancer that begins in lung tissue
Symptoms
Treatments
• Persistent cough
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Back or shoulder pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation
• Targeted therapy
How Dangerous Is It?
The leading cause of cancer death in women.