Every minute, each of us breathes about 12-15 times, bringing in fresh oxygen and removing the waste product carbon dioxide. Your lungs automatically perform this process. Air moves through a system of tubes leading to very small air sacs called alveoli, where gas exchange takes place.
Your lungs and respiratory system help to keep you alive and well and protect you from harmful substances, such as dirt and germs, by coughing, sneezing, filtering, and sweeping upwards with tiny hairs called cilia.
It’s important that you, in turn, protect your lungs and respiratory system. Here are some ways to keep your lungs as healthy as possible from the American Lung Association:
- Don’t smoke or vape. Smoking and vaping can narrow the air passages, destroy alveoli, damage the heart, and trigger changes that can grow into cancer over time. If you need help quitting, try:
- Florida Quit-For-Life at 1-877-u-can-now (1-877-822-6669) toll free
- Big Bend Area Health Education Center (Big Bend AHEC) at (850) 224-1177 for free classes
- Take steps to improve the quality of the indoor air that you breathe. Secondhand smoke, chemicals, mold, and radon can all impact your lung health.
- Outdoors, pay attention to the quality of the air. Avoid exercising on bad-air days or near heavy traffic.
- Avoid burning wood or trash.
- Exercise according to your doctor’s advice. Both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities, as well as breathing exercises, can tone and train your breathing muscles.
- Get regular check-ups. During a check-up, your doctor will listen to your breathing and listen to your concerns.
Common signs and symptoms may tell you that there is something wrong with your respiratory system. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you have:
- A cough that lasts longer than a few weeks
- Shortness of breath
- Mucus or phlegm that lasts longer than a few weeks
- Wheezing
- Chest pain, especially when you breathe or cough
Don’t take your lungs for granted. Take steps today to protect or improve this vital organ! For more information, go to https://www.lung.org/