The Importance of Lung Health

Our bodies need oxygen to survive and function properly. Everything from digesting food to doing daily chores requires a certain amount of oxygen to work. The air we breathe contains oxygen and other gases, along with some pollutants. Our lungs are designed in such a way to extract the right amount of oxygen, filter out pollutants, and expel carbon dioxide, the waste gas produced by our cells.

A thick liquid called Mucus is produced in the walls of the small airways to help keep your lungs clean and well lubricated. Also, it is moved by tiny hairs called cilia that line your airways and these move back and forth sweeping a thin layer of mucus out of your lungs and into your throat. Unwanted materials get stick to the mucus. If your mucus builds up or causes inflammation, coughing can help to clear it from the airways.

Our lungs can be damaged if you breathe in cigarette smoke, air pollution or dust and fumes in the workplace over a sustained period. If your air pathways get damaged, you can get more breathless with time. Here are some of the ways to improve your lung health and breathe in the fresh air:

• Say no to smoking: If you smoke, stopping smoking is the best thing you can do for your lungs. Smoking tobacco can lead to lung cancer and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Smoking leads to a narrowing of the airways as it inflames the lungs and destroys the tissues over time.
• Try to stay active: Regular moderately intense activity is great for the lungs, and when you increase your daily activity you get three things done at once: healthy lungs, a healthier heart and a better mood all in one. Aim for at least 30 minutes of consistent, moderately intense movement daily, like a brisk walk or leisure activities like gardening.
• Keep yourself hydrated: Getting enough water is as important for the lungs as it is for the rest of your body. Staying well hydrated by taking in fluids throughout the day helps to keep the mucosal linings in the lungs thin. This thinner lining helps the lungs function more efficiently.
• Minimal exposure to outside air pollution: The air quality outside can vary from day to day and sometimes is unhealthy to breathe. Knowing useful strategies to minimize long exposure can help keep you and your family stay well. Climate change and natural disasters can also have a direct impact on lung health. Stay at home when the air outside is polluted.
• Avoid exposure to indoor air pollutants as well: Chemicals in the home and workplace all can cause or worsen lung disease. Make your home and car smoke-free. Test your home for radon which is a naturally occurring chemical linked with lung cancer. Also, avoid exercising outdoors on poor air quality days.

Over to you:

Your lungs are an important part of your body and contribute to your overall health. Give them some attention they need by making a change toward better lung health. Whether it’s quitting smoking, exercising or keeping good air quality at home, make necessary changes as your lungs will thank you for the effort!