Dr. Aravind Badiger, Technical Director, BDR Pharmaceuticals International Pvt. Ltd.
While thinking about the diseases related to lungs, it is common practice to think about cigarettes or pollution created by industries, but the reality is quite different. On a daily basis, millions of individuals expose themselves to the risks of harmful elements without even knowing about it. These can be the air that we breath outside, the products that we use inside our homes; all these harmless habits tend to make way for serious diseases of the lungs.
As per World Health Organization (WHO), around 7 million people die each year from air pollution, whereas the numbers of chronic respiratory diseases are rising across the globe. In India, where urbanization and polluted air, water along with indoor pollution and lifestyle changes pose a major threat to lung health. The good thing about the whole matter is that most of these risks are preventable.
The Air in Your Environment Is More Important Than You Think
One of the major sources of risk that cannot be avoided is that of air pollution. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and many other such pollutants are able to get deep inside the lungs and cause inflammation and damage lung function gradually. They have been associated with conditions like COPD, asthma, respiratory infection, heart disease, and even lung cancer.
On the other hand, there is another aspect of air pollution that people might not be aware of. This is that of indoor air pollution. Poor ventilation, burning of cooking fuel, incense sticks, mosquito coils, candles, mould formation, and many VOCs from paints, furniture, air fresheners, and cleaning products can affect lung function adversely.
Cigarettes Are Not The Only Risk
While cigarettes have been found to be the number one preventable cause of lung disease, it is not the only tobacco product that has negative effects on the lungs. Second-hand smoking, vaping, hookah smoking, and smokeless tobacco products can also pose a health risk to the body. E-cigarettes are often perceived as healthier options, yet users may come into contact with toxic substances capable of harming the lung tissue.
Occupational exposure is an important but often ignored aspect. People working in construction, mining, manufacturing industries, medical facilities, and agriculture can suffer from inhaling dust, silica, asbestos, chemical fumes, or any other harmful particles for prolonged periods of time. Wearing proper protective gear is an important preventive measure.
Effects of Physical Inactivity and Bad Habits
A healthy set of lungs cannot exist without a healthy body. Regular physical exercise ensures the development of strong respiratory muscles, oxygen absorption, and improved lung function in general. A sedentary life is one of the causes of low cardiorespiratory fitness, making a person more susceptible to chronic illnesses that affect lung function indirectly.
Proper nutrition is also important in maintaining the health of lungs. The diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and antioxidants prevents oxidative stress and supports the functioning of the immune system. Being in good physical shape and proper hydration ensure that the airway secretions are thin and easy to remove.
Proper rest should not be ignored as well. Diseases such as obstructive sleep apnea negatively affect breathing at night and cause cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. Snoring and daytime fatigue are symptoms that require professional medical attention.
Don’t Underestimate Prolonged Symptoms of the Lungs
Lung problems usually develop silently at an early stage of disease development. A prolonged cough lasting longer than three weeks, shortness of breath while performing usual tasks, repeated chest infections, wheezing, chest discomfort, bloody cough, or unexpected weight loss shouldn’t be considered insignificant problems.
It is necessary to strictly stick to your doctor’s instructions regarding treatment in case of asthma or COPD and not to stop taking medications even when the symptoms disappear. Regular control will allow you to better manage your condition and prevent complications.
Another useful but neglected method of prevention is vaccination. Flu and pneumococcal vaccines are recommended for older patients and people with respiratory diseases.
Prevention Starts with Daily Decisions
Respiratory health should be considered in the same way as we consider our heart or blood glucose control. Although we cannot avoid all external risks, we can definitely decrease the exposure through our conscious decisions every day. Checking the air quality in your area before going out for sports, wearing properly fitted protection masks during pollution peaks, having good ventilation at home, not smoking in any form, engaging in physical activity, eating properly, and seeking medical help in case of ongoing respiratory problems are some actions that can help us have healthier lungs.
