Lung Health

Make Your Lungs Healthier Via Lifestyle Changes

There are viable solutions to reduce the risks of respiratory diseases, the leading cause of death and suffering.

Purpose of the Article

Our lungs are vital for our survival and prosperity. Respiratory diseases are in the top ten causes of death. This article is not a lecture or prescriptive text on respiratory diseases. Instead, it is a practical piece for awareness.

I aim to create awareness of the major causes and risk factors of these common diseases leading to death and suffering for many people. Then, I provide practical tips to mitigate risks.

I believe every educated adult understands the importance of the lungs. The human respiratory system is critical for survival and well-being.

As part of the respiratory system, our lungs play a vital role in getting fresh air and removing stale ones for bodily functions. We can leave without eating for long but cannot without breathing.

This simple process determines our survival. Despite its prominence, avoiding the health of our lungs is well documented in the literature, causing severe health problems globally.

I hope this piece contributes to the awareness of these across-the-board health issues so that we can reduce risks collectively.

Why Respiratory Diseases Matter

Respiratory diseases are widespread, causing millions of death and suffering globally. For example, lower respiratory diseases are among the top ten death causes.

According to World Health Organization (WHO), it is fourth on the list.WHO informs that: “262 million people suffer from chronic respiratory diseases. “

“Chronic respiratory diseases affect the airways and other structures of the lungs. Some of the most common are chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, occupational lung diseases, and pulmonary hypertension.”

Moreover, WHO informs that “up to 650 000 people die of respiratory diseases linked to seasonal flu yearly.”

Lancet documented the global burden of lower respiratory infections, informing we are making progress, but we need to do better.

Brief Introduction to Respiratory Diseases

Respiratory diseases are complex. It is impossible to cover them in an article.

Therefore, I want to give a very high-level perspective based on credible sources to gain awareness in summary. There are two types of respiratory diseases.

Infection of the respiratory system is the primary cause of these diseases. NIH Medical Microbiology classifies infections as “upper and lower” respiratory infections.

Upper Respiratory Infections

The source informs that most upper respiratory infections are viral. They are “common cold, sinusitis, pharyngitis, epiglottitis, and laryngotracheitis. These infections are treated symptomatically. There are also vaccines as part of the childhood immunization program.”

Lower Respiratory Infections

Lower respiratory infections include:

“bronchitis, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia. Their causes are viral or bacterial. Symptomatic treatment is used for most viral infections. Bacterial pneumonia is treated with antibacterials. A polysaccharide vaccine against 23 serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae is recommended for individuals at high risk.”

Acute and Chronic Respiratory Diseases

Respiratory diseases manifest as acute and chronic.

According to Mayo Clinic:

“Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) occurs when fluid builds up in the tiny, elastic air sacs (alveoli) in your lungs. The fluid keeps your lungs from filling with enough air, which means less oxygen reaches your bloodstream. This deprives your organs of the oxygen they need to function.”

World Health Organization (WHO) informs that:

“Chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) affect the airways and other structures of the lungs. The most common chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are asthma, occupational lung diseases, and pulmonary hypertension.”

As WHO reports:

“Chronic respiratory diseases are not curable. However, various forms of treatment that help open the air passages and improve shortness of breath can help control symptoms and improve daily life for people living with these conditions.”

Reduce the Risks of Infections in the Lungs

In addition to toxic materials, pathogens like viruses, bacteria, fungi, yeast, and parasites can cause infection in the lungs.

The defense system works hard to fight against the infection in the lungs. During the process, we feel sick.

We can reduce the risks of infections by refraining from toxic materials such as smoking, toxic gases, and fumes. We may consider air cleaners if the location we live in has a high pollution rate.

Another caution is to avoid close contact with people having flu or cold. Most of the pathogens come to the body via hands. Thus, washing our hands as needed can be helpful.

As a long-term precaution, getting available vaccinations can be valuable in reducing the risks of infections.

In addition to infection, lung cancer is another significant risk for a large population. One of the major culprits is cigarette smoking.

Significant Risks of Cigarette Smoking for Lungs

The body of knowledge informs that smoking is one of the significant risks of respiratory diseases.

According to American Lung Association (ALA), “Cigarette smoking is the major cause of lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.”

ALA states, “Cigarette smoke can narrow the air passages and make breathing more difficult. It causes chronic inflammation or swelling in the lung, which can lead to chronic bronchitis. Over time cigarette smoke destroys lung tissue and may trigger changes that grow into cancer.”

Millions of people still smoke despite the risks. However, millions also give up. So it is possible to stop smoking permanently.

I documented my findings and perspectives in an article titled Three Tips to Quit Smoking Permanently.

Impact of Covid on Lungs

Unfortunately, the covid virus created additional risks for our lungs.

As documented by John Hopkins Medicine:

“COVID-19 can cause lung complications such as pneumonia and, in the most severe cases, acute respiratory distress syndrome, or ARDS. Sepsis, another possible complication of COVID-19, can also cause lasting harm to the lungs and other organs. Newer coronavirus variants may also cause more airway disease, such as bronchitis, that may be severe enough to warrant hospitalization.”

Millions of articles have been written about the covid over the last two years. I won’t go into details but highlight two key measures.

The key points are protecting ourselves from catching the virus and vaccinating timely.

Takeaways

Based on a literature review, I provide practical tips anyone can customize in their daily lives to prevent respiratory diseases. These are all commonsense items. However, despite knowing these points, some of us neglect them sadly.

1 — Pay attention to personal hygiene, especially washing hands after touching others, people, animals, foods, etc.

2 — Stop smoking and stay away from secondary smoking.

3 — Get timely support from medical professionals when experiencing symptoms of respiratory diseases.

4 — Use medications as advised by professionals.

5 — Avoid close contact with people having flu or cold.

6 — Consider available vaccinations.

7 — Refrain from polluted air.

8 — Consider an air cleaning machine for indoor use.

9 — Improve the defense system that can fight against infection by eating nutritious food, regular exercise, restorative sleep, and rest.

Final Words

Like all other organs, our lungs are vital for survival and prosperity. We need to keep them healthy by taking personal responsibility.

Awareness of respiratory diseases and taking caution are essential to staying healthy and happy. Air quality also affects our mental health, as the brain needs oxygen to function.

Let’s be grateful for every breath we take and consider adding mindfulness practices to our lives to improve our physical and mental health.

I also posted an article on other major diseases titled Reduce the Risks of Major Diseases with Healthy Lifestyle Habits.

Thank you for reading my perspectives. I wish you a healthy and happy life.

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