The health of the lungs is usually neglected until a diagnosis of an associated condition occurs. As a necessary organ for respiration, the lungs help to perform even easy on a regular basis tasks.

World Lung Day is observed on Sept. 25 to spread awareness about lung health. On this World Lung Day, listed here are some suggestions that may help to maintain your lungs healthy.

1. Quit smoking

Smoking cigarettes damages all organs of the body, and it is especially damaging to the lungs because it reduces its capability and causes cancer. In accordance with reports, almost 90% of people that die from lung cancer are smokers. Secondhand smoke causes around 3,000 adult deaths every yr.

Nevertheless, studies show that when an individual quits smoking, the lungs begin to heal immediately and the lung function improves inside a month.

2. Avoid exposure to pollution

Exposure to air pollutants, each contained in the house and outdoors, affects the functioning of the lungs. The pollutants irritate the airways and will trigger asthma, wheezing and coughing. Long-term exposure to pollutants may end up in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and elevate the chance of lung cancer.

Checking indoor air quality and avoiding secondhand smoke and chemicals in the house and workplace may help reduce exposure to indoor air pollutants. When air quality is poor outside, it is healthier to avoid exercising outdoors and reduce the probabilities of prolonged exposure, in line with the American Lung Association.

3. Get regular exercise

In accordance with the national guidelines, all adults should get a minimum of half-hour of moderate physical activity reminiscent of walking or cycling for five days every week. Aerobic activities reminiscent of walking and running help to enhance the efficiency of the lungs, while muscle-strengthening activities reminiscent of weight-lifting can tone lung muscles.

4. Do regular checkups

Doing regular checkups may help diagnose lung disorders on the earliest, as they might not have obvious symptoms until they develop into severe. It is strongly recommended to seek the advice of a physician for those who experience symptoms reminiscent of chronic cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain or for those who notice chronic phlegm or cough up blood.

Identifying early warning signs may help to get the best treatment before the disease becomes serious and even life-threatening.

Published by Medicaldaily.com