How To Keep Lungs Healthy
Your lungs do a fantastic job every day. They supply large amounts of oxygen to your blood system, which allows you to work, play, and live well. They remove carbon dioxide and other gaseous waste that is unnecessary to your body. There are several things you can do to keep your lungs healthy and protect them against disease.
Table of Contents
1. If You Smoke, Get Help To Quit
And if you’re a non-smoker, stay that way. Smoking is the leading cause of severe lung diseases like lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Cigarette, cigar, and pipe smoke contain over 4,000 harmful chemicals – 50 of which are known causes of cancer. Even if you’ve smoked for a very long time, it’s never too late to quit and reap the benefits of a smoke-free life. Quitting smoking is difficult, but there are several resources available to you.
2. Avoid Second-Hand Smoke
Second-hand smoke is a complex mixture of chemicals resulting from the combustion of tobacco. Like primary smoke, it can cause illness and death. Two-thirds of cigarette smoke is not inhaled by the smoker but released into the surrounding air.
Here Are Some Things You Can Do To Avoid Secondhand Smoke:
- Ban smoking from your home, car, and workplace.
- Place “no smoking” signs in your home, car, and workplace.
- Support smoke-free businesses and activities.
- Make sure your kids are not exposed to second-hand smoke at daycare or with relatives or friends.
3. Wash Your Hands Properly With Normal Soap And Water
It is estimated that 80% of common respiratory infectious diseases like colds and flu are spread through the hands. You can reduce your risk of getting sick by learning how and when to wash your hands.
- Teach your children to wash their hands well.
- Post information about handwashing in your workplace.
- Avoid antibacterial soaps and cleansers – they can lead to antibiotic resistance.
- Use an alcohol-based hand wash gel when you don’t have access to soap and water.
4. Be Aware Of Air Pollution And Help Make The Air Healthier
Indoor and outdoor air pollution can cause health problems, especially for people with lung diseases. Polluted air can irritate or even destroy lung tissue. Even a low level of air pollution can lead to health problems. Children, seniors, and people with chronic (long-term) illnesses are the most vulnerable. Monitor your local air quality index – if outdoor pollution is high, stay indoors. There are several things you can do to protect indoor and outdoor air quality:
Outside
- Do not leave your car’s engine running when you are parked; avoid open fires.
- Avoid using pesticides and other chemicals on your lawn and in your garden.
- Use public transportation.
- Support laws aimed at improving air quality.
Inside
- Control the humidity level in your home: For example, use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to remove humidity. Keep the relative humidity between 30% and 50% in the house.
- Maintain your ventilation devices: Have your furnace, heat pump, and central air conditioner inspected and cleaned regularly by professionals.
- Clean Surfaces: Keep surfaces exposed to moisture such as baths, showers, and kitchen counters clean and dry.
- Manage dust (especially if you are allergic to animal dandruff and dust mites): Dust mites thrive in mattresses, sofas, upholstered furniture, and bedding. To remove them, wash your bedding in hot water (at least 54.5 ° C or 130 ° F). Keep carpets clean and dry.
- Ventilate the area: Be sure to circulate fresh air around your house. Open your windows when cleaning, installing new carpet, or doing other household projects.
5. Protect Yourself Against Lung Health Risks At Work
People who work in specific fields like construction or the mining industry have a greater risk of developing lung diseases like lung cancer, asthma, and COPD. If you are frequently exposed to dust, asbestos, or chemicals in your job, wear protective equipment, including a gas mask, and ventilate your workplace.