10 easy ways to keep your lungs healthy

You know how important it is to exercise and stay in shape. But did you know that this recommendation goes far beyond a healthy physique?

You may not think of lung cancer as a daily ritual, but maybe you should. After all, your lungs help you live the life you love every second of every day.

Your lungs allow your body to take in oxygen from the air and remove carbon dioxide (a gas that can become poisonous) from your body. This gas exchange is an essential part of breathing, which is a vital function of your life.

When people think of lung diseases, lung cancer is often the first thing that comes to mind, but there are many other lung diseases and conditions that can be prevented or better managed with these lung health solutions.

Types of lung diseases

Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a serious lung infection caused by bacteria or a virus that causes a buildup of mucus or fluid that can narrow the airways and reduce the flow of air in and out of the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. Bacterial pneumonia is the most common form and can be more serious than the other types.

Certain risk factors such as age, environment, lifestyle, and medical conditions can increase the risk of pneumonia. In general, infants two years and younger and people 65 and older tend to be at higher risk due to immaturity and aging of the immune system.

Prevention of pneumonia
Washing your hands and avoiding people with respiratory illnesses is an important first step. But another way to protect your lungs is to get vaccinated against pneumococcal polysaccharide if your doctor recommends it.

The CDC recommends the pneumococcal polysaccharide (pneumonia) vaccine for:
  • All adults aged 65 and over
  • People aged 2 to 64 with certain medical conditions
  • Adults aged 19 to 64 who smoke cigarettes
Ask your doctor whether or not the pneumococcal vaccine can protect you.

Asthma
Asthma is a chronic disease that can swell and narrow the airways in the lungs. During an episode, people with asthma often experience signs such as wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and coughing.

Asthma affects everyone differently. Some may have mild symptoms, while others may have more severe symptoms that are caused by more things, more often.

Asthma management
Asthma tends to run in families, and although you can't prevent it, you can manage your symptoms by being proactive with an asthma management plan.
This often includes partnering with your doctor or specialist to manage your asthma through a combination of frequent monitoring, avoidance of triggers, and medication.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
COPD is a group of progressive lung diseases that damage the airways over time, making it difficult to breathe. The most common cause of COPD is smoking or long-term exposure to lung irritants such as air pollution, chemicals, or dust.

Symptoms of COPD include coughing up mucus, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.

COPD Prevention
Avoiding smoking is the best way to take care of your lungs and prevent COPD. If you smoke, talk to your doctor about the best way to help you quit.
Since other lung irritants can contribute to COPD, such as air pollution, chemical fumes, dust, and second-hand smoke, making sure the air quality in your home, school and your working environment is healthy can be an important step in protecting your lungs. health today and tomorrow. the future.

Pulmonary embolism (PE)
Long periods of inactivity or surgery can cause a blood clot to move from the leg and block a pulmonary artery, called PE. This reduces or prevents blood flow through the small blood vessels in the lungs and can be life threatening if not treated immediately.

Prevention of PE
Preventing PE starts with preventing new blood clots. For some, this could mean:

  • Know when you are at risk, such as after surgery or pregnancy, or while taking certain medications
  • Take blood thinners as recommended and frequently monitored by a doctor
  • Lead a healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity, healthy eating, and not smoking.
  • Move your legs when seated for long periods of time, such as during a long flight or trip
  • Move as soon as possible after surgery or an injury requiring bed rest
10 tips to keep your lungs fit and healthy
If you put your head and heart into taking care of your lungs as best you can, you'll breathe a little easier today knowing you're protecting all of your health in the future.
Here are 10 daily tips to keep your lung health in peak condition and help prevent lung disease:

  • Avoid smoking and also second-hand smoke.
  • Be aware of the air quality around you. Do a contamination or contamination test if you are concerned and discuss it with your doctor.
  • Prevent colds and respiratory illnesses by washing your hands often with soap and water (or using an alcohol-based hand cleaner if it's not available).
  • Avoid large crowds during flu season or when you learn of another respiratory illness.
  • Stay home if you are sick to avoid spreading colds and respiratory illnesses to others.
  • Get your flu shot every year and encourage others in your household to do the same.
  • Do regular cardiovascular exercise to improve lung fitness and overall health.
  • Practice deep breathing or diaphragmatic breathing exercises.
  • Stay on top of your dental health and oral hygiene to prevent harmful bacteria from moving from your mouth to your upper respiratory tract.
  • Have regular checkups with your GP and discuss any concerns about your lung health, including symptoms of lung cancer and family history of lung disease.
If you want to learn more about protecting your lung health, you can reach us at any time of day or night by contacting us through our 24/7 online customer support chat or by calling 510-573-0064.

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