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| Lungs |
Protecting Your Lungs
The lungs are different from most of the other organs in your body because their delicate tissues are directly connected to the outside environment. Anything you breathe in can affect your lungs. Germs, tobacco smoke and other harmful substances can cause damage to your airways and threaten the lungs ability to work properly.
Your body has a natural defense system designed to protect the lungs. This works very well most of the time to keep out dirt and fight off germs. But there are some important things you can do to reduce your risk of lung disease.
Don’t Smoke
Cigarette smoking is the major cause of COPD and lung cancer. Cigarette smoke can narrow the air passages and make breathing more difficult. It causes chronic inflammation or swelling in the lung. This can lead to chronic bronchitis. Over time cigarette smoke destroys lung tissue, and may trigger changes that grow into cancer. If you smoke and are ready to quit, the American Lung Association can help.
Avoid Exposure to Pollutants That Can Damage Your Lungs
Secondhand smoke, outdoor air pollution, chemicals in the home and workplace, and radon can all cause or worsen lung disease. Make you home and car smoke-free. Test your home for radon. Avoid exercising outdoors on bad air days. And talk to your healthcare provider if you are worried that something in your home, school or work may be making you sick. For more information about indoor and outdoor air pollution, click here.
Prevent Infection
A cold or other respiratory infection can sometimes become very serious. There are several things you can do to protect yourself:
Wash your hands often with soap and water. Alcohol-based cleaners are a good substitute if you cannot wash.
Avoids crowds during the cold and flu season.
Good oral hygiene can protect you from the germs in your mouth leading to infections. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and see your dentist at least every 6 months.
Get vaccinated every year against influenza. Talk to your healthcare provider to find out if the pneumonia vaccine is right for you.
If you get sick, keep it to yourself! Protect the people around you, including your loved ones, by keeping your distance. Stay home from work or school until you are feeling better.
Get Regular Healthcare
Regular check-ups are an important part of disease prevention, even when you are feeling well. This is especially true for lung disease, which sometimes goes undetected until it is serious. During a check-up, your healthcare provider will listen to your breathing and talk to you about any concerns you may have.
Warning Signs of Lung Disease
WARNING SIGNS
If you have any of these warning signs or symptoms, tell your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Chronic Cough - A cough that you have had for a month is chronic. This is an important early symptom. It tells you something is wrong with your respiratory system.
Shortness of Breath - Shortness of breath that doesn’t go away after exercising, or that you have after little or no exertion, is not normal. Labored or difficult breathing – the feeling that it is hard to breathe in or breathe out - is also a warning sign.
Chronic Mucus Production - Mucus, also called sputum or phlegm, is produced by the airways. It is a defense response to infections or irritants. If your mucus production has lasted a month, this could indicate lung disease.
Wheezing - Noisy breathing or wheezing is a sign that something unusual is blocking your lungs’ airways or making them too narrow.
Coughing up Blood - If you are coughing up blood, the blood may be coming from your lungs or upper respiratory tract. Whatever the source of the blood, it is a sign of a health problem.
Chronic Chest Pain – Unexplained chest pain that lasts for a month or more – especially if it gets worse when you breathe in or cough – can also be a warning sign.
TALKING TO YOUR DOCTOR
Prepare for a Visit
- Take a copy of your medical records with you. Or, see if your previous healthcare provider can send a copy. If you are unable to obtain your medical records, you can also write a short note about your health problems, when they occurred, and the healthcare provider(s) that took care of you.
- Make a list of all the medicines that you are using now. This means prescribed and over-the-counter medicines, as well as, herbs and supplements and any non-traditional methods you use to treat your condition.
- Make a list of all the healthcare providers you see and why you see them.
- Make a list of the symptoms you are having and tell which ones bother you the most. Also, write down when they started and what you have done (if anything) to make them better.
- Download the “Getting Ready for Your Next Office Visit Worksheet” to help you prepare for you next office visit.
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Title: Keeping Lungs Healthy
Rating: 100% based on 99998 ratings. 5 user reviews.
Report By 10:22 AM
Rating: 100% based on 99998 ratings. 5 user reviews.
Report By 10:22 AM
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