Your lungs are a vital part of your body system. They play critical roles like helping to pass oxygen into the bloodstream and then to the rest of the body. This is why you must take steps to ensure your lungs are healthy.

When the lungs are damaged, it becomes harder for you to breathe and live a healthy life. And while the body has a natural defense mechanism to protect the lungs against germs and diseases, you can also deepen your protection by keying into some of these invaluable tips shared below.

1. Avoid Smoking

The surest way to keep your lungs safe is by avoiding harmful habits. For example, Smoking is the primary cause of lung diseases, including lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Constant Smoking causes lung inflammation or swelling, destroys the lung tissue, and narrows the air passage, causing shortness of breath. If you smoke, it is never late to quit. Quitting might appear difficult but it is possible with the right mentality and support system.

2. Avoid Exposure To Harmful Indoor Pollutants

You don’t necessarily need to be a chronic smoker to have COPD or other lung diseases. However, inhaling secondhand smoke from tobacco products comes with similarly harmful effects like Smoking.

Apart from secondhand smoke, constant exposure to hazardous chemicals at work can also harm your lungs. Ensure your home has adequate ventilation, and don’t forget to make your car smoke-free.

3. Protect Yourself From Infections

Seemingly innocuous illnesses like a cold, flu or other respiratory infections can adversely affect your lungs. Simple hygiene is a great way to protect yourself from common diseases.

Here are some tips that may prove helpful:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water. Alcohol-based cleaners are an excellent alternative.
• Maintain good oral hygiene
• Endeavor to get vaccinated against influenza.
• Keep a distance from others if you get sick until you feel better.

4. Drink Plenty of Water

Your lungs’ walls are coated with mucus. If the cilia which serve to move mucus is damaged, mucus can gather and cause discomfort or breathing problems. However, when you drink enough water, it makes it easier to cough up the mucus in your lungs. This is why you must make it a habit always to stay hydrated.

5. Engage In Regular Exercise

Whether you are healthy or living with a chronic illness, exercises are a great way to remain active. Exercises keep your lungs and heart stronger, making your mind and body sound.

If you have a breathing problem, you should be careful about increasing your physical activities.

6. Go For Routine Health Check-ups

Many people don’t understand the great help regular checkups play in identifying and treating health issues on time. This is even truer for lung disease, which can go unnoticed for years until it reaches a critical stage.

With regular checkups, a lung doctor specialist can assess your breathing and detect when something is wrong. At the Pulmonary Clinic of the Carolinas, we are available round the clock to listen to your concerns and answer any questions you may have.