Healthy Lungs Month: Best Ways to Keep your Lungs

The lungs are one of the most important organs of the body after the heart. Research shows that there has been a steady rise in worldwide deaths and disabilities as a result of lung diseases over the last three decades

There were at least 3.9 million deaths in 2017 linked to chronic respiratory diseases. Although Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and Asthma pose as the most common and deadliest of lung diseases, recent times have shown that others like pneumoconiosis and sarcoidosis have become global concerns. This is why it is important to prioritize the safety of your lungs.

October is dedicated to supporting the value and importance of lung health. It is important to encourage and sensitizing people on the need of taking care of their lungs and the effects of failing to do so.

In light of October being healthy lungs month, here are a few tips that you can apply in keeping your lungs safe.

1. Don’t smoke.

Smoking is one of the bad habits that increase your risk of being a victim of lung disease. Apart from the fact that it also does damage to your heart, smoking damages your blood vessels and makes them thicker and narrower. This makes it difficult for your heart to pump blood thus increasing blood pressure and the chances of a heart attack.

As a result, clots can be formed in your blood vessels causing stroke. Smoking damages the airways of the lungs and small air sacs within the lungs. If you have asthma, smoking can also trigger an attack and increases your chances of lung cancer and COPD.

For the sake of your lungs, avoid smoking and if you have an addiction to the habit, speak to a health professional and seek medical assistance.

2. Practice breathing exercises.

Apart from the fact that breathing exercises are very helpful with anxiety, they are good for your lungs too. Breathing exercises help you improve the strength of your lungs and make it easier for your body to access oxygen. You can make breathing exercises a part of your daily routine or use them during meditative sessions. Breathing exercises are even more effective for people who struggle with asthma, chronic bronchitis, or any other lung disease. Luckily there is a wide range of techniques to explore or try out from deep breathing to pursed-lip breathing.

However, ensure that you visit a primary care clinic/health center and speak to a lung doctor or pulmonologist before you begin. They are in the best position to direct and guide you.

3. Exercise or engage in physical activity.

Exercise is great for your body but even better for your lungs. Apart from making you look good, exercise does a lot for your lungs. Exercise provides an opportunity to stretch and put your lungs to work thus improving the strength and capacity of your lungs. This keeps you fit and makes breathing easier. Fat around the lungs get burnt off and mucus in the lungs dissolves faster when you work out.

Make exercise a part of your daily routine and ensure that you get at least 20 minutes of exercise daily, it doesn’t have to be very intense. A walk, a short run, or cycling for 30 minutes is enough to do your lungs some good.

4. Be mindful of your hygiene to avoid infections.

Another way to protect your lungs is by taking care of your hygiene. This helps wade off potential infections and keep you safe. Since most lung diseases are airborne and transmittable, it would be best if you take note of the following precautions.

• Wash your hands often with alcohol-based cleaners.
• Brush your teeth often. At least twice daily.
• Avoid large gatherings of people during winter or flu seasons.
• Wear a face mask in crowded environments.
• Get vaccinated against influenza and pneumonia yearly.
• When you are sick, stay alone and avoid contact with other people to avoid the spread of the disease.

5. Consistent checkups.

Being consistent with visits to your doctor can help you prevent diseases and detect lung diseases early. This increases your chances of being treated completely, especially for lung diseases that sometimes go undetected until it worsens. Therefore, talk to your doctor and set up examination options and schedules. Be consistent too!

Being cautious about your lungs is one of the best things you can do for your health. Practice all of these tips and speak to a health expert here to guide you further.

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