Your lungs literally provide you with life as they take in and spread oxygen to the rest of your body. Unfortunately, many of us don’t give our lungs much thought — until there’s something wrong. While your immune system does its best to keep your lungs in good shape, there are a few extra things you can do to help your lungs stay healthy.
How to Improve Your Lung Health
Quit Smoking
Smoking is the leading cause of several chronic lung diseases, including lung cancer, COPD, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. The smoke from cigarettes can cause the narrowing of airway passages, inflammation, destroyed tissue, swelling, and more. While quitting this habit can be very difficult, it’s never too late to quit and reap the health benefits of doing so.
Even if you don’t smoke but someone who is often around you does, encourage them to quit so you aren’t affected by secondhand smoke.
Exercise
Not only does exercise offer benefits for the rest of your body, but it also helps improve your lung health. As you exercise, your heart and lungs work to get more oxygen to your muscles, so the more your exercise, the better your lungs become at pumping oxygen into your bloodstream.
Improve Your Indoor Air Quality
Your environment makes a big difference in how well you breathe and how well your lungs function. You can improve the indoor air quality of your home by:
Avoiding using cleaning products that contain a lot of chemicals
Consistently checking your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Steer clear of building materials (paint and carpeting, for example) that contain pollutants
Protect Against Infection
Respiratory infections are common, especially during the colder months. You can protect yourself from infection by:
Washing your hands often
Practicing good oral hygiene
Avoiding crowds during flu season
Emergency Medical Services in Dallas
If you find yourself short of breath or struggling to breathe, it’s essential that you seek emergency help right away. The emergency care professionals at Advance ER provide specialized treatment for patients with breathing difficulties in Dallas. Contact us if you would like to learn more.