5 Tips To Prevent Lung Disease- You Must Know

What Is Lung Disease?

Lungs, the spongy air-filled organs pair are the primary organs of the human respiratory system, lying on either side of the chest. Lung diseases, the most common health condition in humans, are any kind of disease that disrupts the actual systematic functioning of the lungs, breathing. Any disorders in lung functioning prevent the proper oxygen supply to the body. Few lung diseases include but not limited to chronic bronchitis, Asthma, emphysema; Influenza and pneumonia infections; Lung cancer; pulmonary fibrosis, and Sarcoidosis. The rate of women suffering and as well dying are on the rise. Worry not on how to prevent lung diseases as long as you follow good practices and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

[Also Read: Questions to ask a lung cancer doctor]

Lungs being part of a complex respiratory system, expanding and relaxing countless times supply oxygen and Co2. Any concerns in this respiratory system can cause lung diseases.

Types Of Lung Diseases

There are different types of simple lung diseases to some deadly lung diseases. Based on the part they impact, here is the list of them, Lung diseases that affect the;

1. Airways

The diseases that affect the airways also called bronchi are Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Chronic bronchitis, Emphysema, Acute bronchitis, Cystic fibrosis and so on.

2. Alveoli

The air sacs that make up most of the lung tissue are alveoli and the lung diseases that affect these are Pneumonia, Tuberculosis, Emphysema, Pulmonary edema, Lung cancer, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and Pneumoconiosis.

3. Blood Vessels

The pulmonary arteries receive blood from the veins and these blood vessels have diseases as well like pulmonary embolism and pulmonary hypertension.

4. Pleura

Pleura is the thin lining surrounding the lungs and the diseases that impact the pleura are Pleural effusion, Mesothelioma and Pneumothorax.

5. Chest Wall

The chest wall is a very important organ that helps in breathing and the diseases that affect your chest are Obesity hypoventilation syndrome and neuromuscular disorders.

Symptoms Of Lung Diseases

There are different symptoms of lung diseases. However, early signs are many times easily overlooked. Low energy is the early sign of any lung disease. Be sure to pay attention to any kind of symptoms listed below. It’s best to have a health check asap as early detection may stand a chance and save your life.

• Chronic cough
• Shortness of breath which is not common
• Chronic mucus production
• Wheezing or noisy breathing
• Blood cough
• Chronic chest pain that is lasting longer than a month

Causes Of Lung Diseases

There are no exact known causes of lung diseases, not even experts know. But the causes of some are;

1. Smoking

Smoking is the most dangerous and root cause of lung disease. Never think of starting to smoke or if you already do, time to quit. Also, avoid close stands with smokers. Smoking itself causes many lung diseases like emphysema, chronic bronchitis, etc. Asthma is further triggered by smoking and makes things further worse. Lung diseases caused by smoking are the most common and are also the ones that can be easily avoided. Studies show that smokers are around 13 times more easily attacked by cancer than the nonsmokers.

2. Radon

It is there in almost every home and is found to be a cause for lung cancer.

3. Asbestos

A natural mineral fiber used in the making of insulation, car brakes, fireproofing materials, etc. The invisible small fibers are inhaled leading to cancer.

4. Air Pollution

The pollutants that are in the air contribute to different types of cancers.

How To Prevent Lung Diseases?

Lungs are the organs that keep us healthy and alive. It is for that reason very important to prioritize your lung health. Following some points for healthy and happy lungs as;

• Avoid smoking by all means
• Stay away from indoor pollutants to keep your lungs safe
• Avoid or reduce exposure to outdoor pollution
• Avoid or at least reduce infection to protect yourself by washing hands, maintain hygiene surroundings, if sick stay at home and avoid crowds, etc.
• Exercise regularly.

Adopt healthy habits thereby healthy lungs and thus enter and live healthy and happy senior years.

When To See A Doctor?

Immediately after you notice any of the symptoms, it is suggested to best consult your doctor for a quick diagnosis. Continuous or long-lasting symptoms like cough, breathing difficulty are mostly due to damage to the lungs or its surrounding tissues. Sometimes, they may also be due to some concerns with any other parts of the respiratory system.

So, irrespective of how persistent the symptoms are it’s better to be a step ahead and consult your doctor. Further doctor visits, you may be tested and examined for your lungs health and efficiency. Exercises also fall a part of the tests.

Now that you know how to prevent lung diseases, following a healthy lifestyle and maintaining a hygienic atmosphere is the best way to avoid any unnecessary circumstances either it may be lung disease or any other as such. Care for your lungs as it cares for you.

Sudheendra Reddy

Sudheendra is a passionate blogger for 8 years and holds a Degree in Journalism & Mass Communications. His writings particularly focus on health, medicine, diet & lifestyle. For him, everything that interlinks and relates to health & medical world entices him. His write-ups aim at educating people not by just giving facts but by infusing human touch.