Most of the times we take our body organs such as lungs for granted, and do not take good care of them. Our body has a natural defense system for protection of the lungs and keeping them safe from germs and dirt. However, there are some things which throw us at risk of lung problems.
Here are some of the best ways to keep your lungs strong and healthy:
Do not smoke
Cigarette smoking is the main cause of lung-related diseases, including lung cancer and other Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Smoking cigarettes, cigars, pipes or marijuana is actually the worst thing that you can do to your lungs. The more you indulge in smoking, you throw yourself at high risk of such deadly health problems. Lung tissues are destroyed by smoking and can trigger cancer. Even passive smoking is harmful. If you are into smoking, kick the butt now!
Breathe fresh air
Air pollution is another major cause for lung problems such as Asthma and COPD. We can make our small efforts to keep our surroundings clean and fresh. Using car pool is one such option. It is not necessary for every family member to use different car, we can use one car and commute to where we want to go. We can also plan trees to make the air clean and increase awareness about the same. We must also avoid burning trash or wood.
Exercise regularly
Exercise is a reply to a number of health-related problems. Even if exercising doesn’t help your lungs directly or make them stronger, they help us getting more out of our lungs. If extreme cold triggers the symptoms of asthma in you, you can use face mask or a scarf for keeping the air warm, thus helping your lungs. You can do cardiorespiratory exercises so that the oxygen balance amid your lungs, muscles, and heart stays fit. Aerobics also increases the capacity of our lungs. Lung functioning can also be improved with some breathing exercises. Keep a proper exercising routine.
Refine the air indoors
The problem of air pollution is not just an outdoor things, even air indoor is infested with pollution. Indoor air pollution can occur due to a number of reasons such as wood-burning stoves, fireplaces, construction materials, mold, some kinds of candles, pet dander and even certain air fresheners. Be careful about eliminating the source of air pollution, bring improvement in your ventilation system, and make use of air cleaners.
Eating the right food
According to researchers, food rich in antioxidant must be consumed for improving the health condition of lungs. According to a study conducted a few years back, people who consumed cruciferous vegetables like kale, cabbage broccoli, bok choy, cauliflower etc., were at almost half risk of lung cancer in comparison to those did not. These green leafy vegetable protect our lungs.
Stay safe while on the job
There are some jobs which are extremely harmful for our lungs including working in chemical factories, styling hair and construction work. Around 15 percent of the cases of asthma are caused due to occupational hazards. Problems occur due to dust particles, paint fumes, a chemical named diacetyl, diesel exhaust along with a few other things. If possible, protective equipment must be used.
Do not skip shots
Lung issues and COPD can have a lot of problem with person who is suffering from respiratory infections. If you are 65 years of age and above, do not forget to get your pneumococcal vaccine, and flu shot during flu season. Avoid crowds during flu season, take good rest, frequent washing of hands, keeping stress levels under control and getting good amount of rest is important for avoiding infections.
Use safe products
Sometimes activities like renovation, cleaning and other kinds of hobbies can result in gases and damaging particles, which cause problem in the lungs. A well-ventilated environment, use of dust mask, and use of safe products is extremely important. Try to use water-based paint in the place of oil-based paints. Volatile organic compounds.in such paints, and some cleaning products with chemicals like bleach and ammonia must be avoided.
Look out for radon
Radon is a radioactive gas that is produced by the breakdown of uranium in the ground. This gas is leaked into the houses through cracks that appear in walls and foundation. It is the leading cause of lung cancer in people who do not smoke, and also the second main cause in those who smoke. Get your house checked, go for radon reduction, if the levels are between2 and 4 pCi/L.
Pay heed to the warning signs
If you are facing difficulty in breathing sans much of physical work or if you are coughing for over a month, visit the doctor right away. Other health conditions that require a quick visit to the doctor include coughing blood, wheezing or coughing phlegm from over a month.
Take control of your condition
Try your best to take care of your condition if you are suffering from COPD or asthma. Consume preventive medicine and opt for rescue medicines in the case of asthma attack, wheezing, coughing, and COPD. Try to recognize your triggers and try to avoid them.
Regular Health check-up
When you know that you are suffering from a particular kind of health condition, it is important that you go for regular health check-ups, even if you are feeling fine. This is also important in the case of lung disease, so that anything serious can be detected at the right time.
Also Read: Lung Cancer Awareness – Information About This Killer Disease