6 Ways To Keep Your Lungs Healthy

Your lungs play a critical role in the functioning of your body. They provide oxygen to your bloodstream and remove carbon dioxide. However, smoking, air pollution and other factors can harm your lungs. That's why maintaining the health of your lungs is crucial for your overall well-being.

In this article, we'll explore lung check-ups and other ways to keep your lungs in good shape, but before that, let's understand just what the nature of the threats to our lungs are.

Factors That Are Hazardous To Lung Health

Smoking

Smoking introduces harmful chemicals into your respiratory system. These chemicals cause inflammation and scarring, which increases the risk of lung infections such as pneumonia and cancer. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that smoking contributes to the deaths of approximately 8 million people each year, making it a major cause of preventable death globally. 

Environmental pollutants

Prolonged exposure to pollutants like nitrogen dioxide or particulate matter can harm the lungs, leading to respiratory infections, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the latter being the third leading cause of death worldwide. One way to limit your exposure is by wearing a mask, a daily necessity since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020. 

Allergens

Allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, and pet dander, can trigger allergic reactions in the lungs, leading to symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, so it's important to manage them. This can include washing bedding in hot water, vacuuming regularly, and using an air purifier.

6 Tips To Maintain Healthy Lungs

1. Exercise 

When you exercise, your body requires more oxygen to meet the demands of your muscles. This increased demand for oxygen causes you to breathe more deeply, strengthening your lungs. Research has shown that regular exercise can improve lung function and reduce the risk of developing lung diseases such as lung cancer or COPD. 

2. Drink adequate amounts of water

Staying hydrated is important for maintaining healthy lungs because it keeps the mucus in the lungs thin and easy to cough up. This can help prevent mucus buildup in the lungs, which can lead to infections and breathing difficulties. It’s recommended to drink approximately two litres of water a day and also limit caffeine or alcohol intake. 

3. Get regular lung checkups

Regular checkups are important because they allow for early detection and treatment of potential respiratory issues. Doing so can help detect lung problems such as asthma, COPD, lung cancer, and other infections. This is a proactive measure to maintain lung health.

4. Get vaccinated

Vaccines stimulate the immune system to develop antibodies that fight off specific viruses or bacteria that can cause respiratory infections. This reduces lung strain and lowers the risk of lung-related complications.

5. Stop smoking

Smoking harms your lungs and can cause many problems, including lung cancer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that people who smoke are 15 to 30 times more likely to get lung cancer or die from it than people who don't smoke. Therefore, it's important to stop smoking to minimise the possibility of lung issues arising down the line. 

You can consult with a doctor on how to do it properly. They‘ll offer guidance and aids, like nicotine gum or patches, to ease your transition. You may also ask your friends and family for emotional support to keep yourself accountable. 

6. Spend time exercising outdoors

Like taking walks or jogging in the park? Outdoor physical activities help to promote cardiovascular fitness, which is beneficial for lung function. Breathing in fresh air while engaging in outdoor activities can also help to expand and strengthen the lungs.

Looking for a lung specialist in Singapore for a lung checkup?

Maintaining healthy lungs is vital to prevent respiratory issues and ensure overall well-being. Factors such as smoking, environmental pollutants, and allergens can harm lung health, but there are proactive steps you can take to maintain healthy lungs.

However, it is always best to consult a professional if you face any breathing issues. At Respiratory Medical Associates Singapore, our doctors will do a lung checkup and other tests to ensure that you are in good health and that your treatment fits the problem you’re facing. 

Contact us today!