Are you finding everyday activities more difficult than before? Struggling with simple tasks could mean your lungs need attention. Lungs are essential organs in your body that are responsible for breathing. They also help provide oxygen to your bloodstream and other parts of the body. Lungs play a crucial role in performing various bodily functions such as removing carbon dioxide in the body. When your lungs are healthy, you can enjoy a range of activities like exercising, playing, jogging, or climbing stairs without any worry. However, even minor issues with your lungs can significantly impact your physical health while increasing the risk of various health complications.
This can include health problems like chronic pulmonary obstructive diseases (COPD), bronchitis, pneumonia, respiratory infections, asthma, and even lung cancer. This is why it becomes crucial to take utmost care of your lungs to prevent the risk of various health issues in later life.
We spoke to Dr Samir Garde, Director of Dept of Pulmonology and Lung Transplant, Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, about why lung health is important and several tips.
Why Is Lung Health Important?
- Oxygen supply: Your lungs are responsible for supplying oxygen to your body. Oxygen is important for converting food into energy. Without a sufficient supply of oxygen, your body may not be able to function properly. Over time, this can lead to extreme tiredness, nausea, and decreased range of motion.
- Removal of carbon dioxide: The lungs help remove carbon dioxide from the body. Carbon dioxide is a type of waste product that is produced by your metabolism. When your lungs are not functioning properly this leads to a buildup of carbon dioxide in the bloodstream. Further, this may lead to respiratory acidosis. One can experience a range of symptoms like confusion, extreme headache, and increased heartbeat. Healthy lungs can help ensure that this toxic gas does not accumulate in your body for the betterment of your health.
- Help prevent diseases: People with poor lung health are more likely to contract various infections or diseases. One needs to take proactive steps to maintain healthy lungs to prevent the risk of various health issues. This is why individuals are recommended to avoid habits like excessive smoking to lower their risk of developing long-term conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer.
- Better quality of life: Your lung health is directly responsible for influencing your ability to perform various activities in your life. If you have some issues with your lungs then even performing everyday tasks like climbing stairs, going for a walk, or playing with kids may feel like a mountainous challenge to achieve. Taking care of your lungs is vital to help you stay active while improving the quality of your life.
To ensure healthy lungs, quit smoking and avoid second-hand smoking, adhere to masking, hand sanitizing, and maintaining a safe distance from people, avoid crowded places and being around sick people, also avoid burning incense sticks at home which can cause indoor air pollution and take a toll on the lungs, avoid exposure to chemicals, get pneumococcal and influenza vaccines as recommended by the expert.