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YOUR HEALTH
Ask Dr Gupta

Glaucoma symptoms and second-hand smoke hazards


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E-MAIL DR. GUPTA
Click here  to submit medical questions to Dr. Sanjay Gupta, then watch CNN at 2:30 p.m. ET Saturday to see if it is answered.

Editor's Note: CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta answers medical questions submitted by e-mail on "Your Health," which airs at 2:30 p.m. ET on Saturdays. Questions and answers are posted on CNN.com after the show.

Q: What are the symptoms of glaucoma and how is it treated? -- Julie Anne in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

A: There are three types of glaucoma: open-angle glaucoma, closed-angle glaucoma and congenital glaucoma. The most common type of glaucoma is open-angle glaucoma.

Symptoms to look for are increased pressure, need for new glasses, loss of side vision and blank spots in your vision. About 3 million Americans suffer from glaucoma, making it one of the leading causes to blindness. If you have any of these symptoms, contact a physician as soon as possible.

The most common treatment for glaucoma is to lower the pressure of the eyes. Other treatments may include medications, laser and other surgery.

Q: Can healthy nonsmokers get sick from excessive exposure to second-hand smoke in public places? -- Erin in Syracuse, New York

A: Health experts have not established a safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke. When you breathe in second-hand smoke, your lungs must work harder to function. The result may be coughing and chest discomfort.

If someone has asthma, they might find that it gets worse after they have been in a smoky room. Reducing exposure to second-hand smoke protects everyone's health.


"Ask Dr. Gupta" is not intended to address specific questions concerning individual cases. CNN does not directly or indirectly practice medicine or provide medical advice, and nothing contained in the responses of CNN through its correspondents is a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always contact your doctor if you need medical advice or treatment, or have any questions regarding a medical condition.


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