Rates of lung diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer are just a few diseases that can affect the lungs. However, you can help keep their lungs healthy through a variety of approaches.
A series of lifestyle strategies can reduce or prevent serious lung health problems.
Contents
1 Prevent lung infections
Respiratory infections can be serious, especially in the elderly, very young children, and people with weakened immune systems. For example, the SARS-CoV-2 virus can cause COVID-19, leading to potentially severe symptoms and, in some cases, death, even in healthy people.
You can reduce your risk of getting a lung infection by:
– staying home when sick
– avoiding sick people
– washing hands frequently
– avoiding crowds during cold and flu season physical distancing and wearing a mask during the COVID-19 pandemic
– parking the children at home when they are sick
– coughing into a handkerchief or elbow
People with chronic lung disease should talk to their doctor about additional strategies to reduce their risk of getting infections.
2 Avoid smoking
Smoking is one of the main causes of lung cancer and lung diseases such as COPD. Avoid smoking or vaping, and stay away from passive smoking, especially indoors. Moreover, it is never too late for long-time smokers to quit. The lungs begin to heal almost immediately after quitting smoking. Ten years after quitting smoking. The risk of contracting lung cancer is about half that of a current smoker.
3 Reduce indoor air pollution
Indoor air pollution can damage the lungs and make asthma and allergies worse. To reduce indoor air pollution, a person can take the following steps:
– Use an air filter and replace it every 60-90 days.
– Test the house for mold if it is visible or smells musty.
– Test the house for the presence of radon.
– Avoid using strong-smelling chemicals in an unventilated space.
– Wear a mask when painting or working with harsh chemicals.
– Do not let people smoke inside the house.
– Keep doors and windows closed when the outside air is very polluted.
– Treat chronic lung problems
People with lung disease, asthma, allergies, and breathing problems can protect their lungs by working with a pulmonologist or other lung specialist. Talk to a doctor if symptoms change or worsen, medications trigger side effects, or management strategies aren’t working. People suffering from allergies should ask health professionals about antiallergic treatments. They should also avoid allergens, while household air filters can help reduce their effects.
4 Avoid outdoor air pollution
Outdoor air pollution can make it difficult to breathe and increase the risk of disease and lung cancer. The following measures can be tried to help reduce its impact:
Exercise
Regular exercise is essential for healthy lungs, heart and the whole body. Health experts recommend everyone try some form of regular exercise, regardless of age or physical condition. Even people with chronic lung diseases can see their health improve through regular physical activity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that adults
Perform at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, such as walking, each week. People who do intense aerobic exercise, such as running, should aim for 75 minutes per week. Participate in muscle-strengthening activities, such as weight training, at least two days a week.
5 Breathing exercises
Breathing exercises can also strengthen the lungs. Try the following exercises:
– Inhale through your nose. Then exhale through pursed lips, try to exhale twice as long as you inhale.
– Practice belly breathing, which uses the diaphragm to draw air deep into the lungs. Take an inhale and allow the belly to expand, then exhale to contract the belly.
– Practice the two exercises above while breathing normally for 5 to 10 minutes a day each. When the person is more comfortable with these techniques, they can practice them when they are out of breath.
– Avoid dangerous chemicals
Some dangerous chemicals can damage the lungs. People who work in factories or industrial facilities should educate themselves on workplace safety measures, including asbestos testing. Wear a mask when working in dusty areas or places that could expose a person to toxic chemicals.
At home, install a carbon monoxide detector and place smoke detectors in every room. This will help reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and smoke inhalation.
There are several methods to reduce the risk of lung diseases and infections. A healthy lifestyle that avoids allergens, cigarette smoke, and other air pollutants can help keep lungs healthy. Talk to your doctor about other strategies to reduce risk.
Sources
Breathing exercises. (2020).
https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/wellness/breathing-exercises
Health benefits of quitting smoking over time. (2020).
How much physical activity do adults need? (2020).
The connection between lung cancer and outdoor air pollution. (2016).
Tips for healthy lungs. (nd).
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