Preksha Dhyana Human Body Part 2

Author(s): Jethalal S Zaveri
Publisher: Jain Vishva Bharati

Page 63

not by one or two specific pathogens but by more than 100 different viruses. And the vaccines provide protection only against a few of them. Children upto the age of six are most susceptible to colds while people over the age of 45 seldom catch cold, probably as a result of accumulated immunity to cold viruses.
Colds are usually relatively mild illnesses that run their course in about a week. However, the infection may spread producing sinusitis, conjunctivitis and middle ear or mastoid infection. Besides, they lower the body defences and may prepare the way for bronchitis, meningitis or pneumonia. The use of a large dose of vitamin “C” may prevent the cold
Influenza
Influenza is caused by a group of viruses and is highly contagious. Common symptoms are fever, bodyaches, general weakness and inflammation of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. Outbreaks periodically sweep through the world. The fact that there are several types of viruses and that they have exhibited a great tendency to mutate into new violent forms means that immunity from the disease is difficult.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an acute infection in which lung tissue or the walls of the bronchi are inflammed. It is usually caused by a bacterium, pneumococcus. (A viral pneumonia is similar to influenza). Chills, chest-pain, fever, coughing and delirium are frequent symptoms. It occurs most often in young children and in the aged. Now that effective antibiotics are available, this disease is much less feared.
(Pulmonary) Fibrosis
In this disorder, the normal lung-tissue is replaced by fibrus tissue. The elasticity and capacity of the lungs are reduced and respiration is difficult. Chest-pain, a dry cough
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