8 Tips to Help Prevent Lung Disease

By Stacy Lloyd HERWriter

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Take good care of your lungs, and they can last you a lifetime. Treat them poorly and you run the risk of developing lung disease.

According to Daily Mail, “there are more than thirty different types of lung disease ranging from tuberculosis, asthma, cystic fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to lung cancer and pneumonia.”

Here are eight tips to treat your lungs right and help prevent lung disease:

1) Don't smoke.

If you've never smoked, don't start. If you're presently a smoker, find a way to stop.

This doesn’t just mean just cigarettes. Stop smoking cigars, pipes and marijuana. All of these increase your chances of lung disease. Even if you’ve smoked for a long time, quitting reduces your risk of lung cancer.

2) Avoid secondhand smoke.

Avoid places with smoke and smokers. Today’s there is evidence that even thirdhand smoke is dangerous.

3) Test for radon.

It is possible to make your home safer even with radon. You can get radon kits at most hardware stores. WomensHealth.gov advises that you check with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on how to deal with any radon.

4) Beware of indoor pollution.

Air pollution isn’t just outside. Beware that fireplaces, woodburning stoves, and some candles, can pollute your home’s air. So can air fresheners, mold, pet dander, and construction materials. Take the necessary precautions to address any hazards.

5) Protect yourself from carcinogens and dust.

Jobs that have you in dusty conditions, and around chemicals, can increase the risk of lung disease. Wear a face mask.

6) Protect yourself at home.

Make informed decisions about paint and cleaning products. “Avoid oil-based paints, which release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and choose water-based paint instead. Cleaning products can contain harmful chemicals too, like VOCs, ammonia, and bleach,” wrote Health.com.

7) Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Studies have shown that having a diet loaded with fruits and vegetables may help lower the risk of lung cancer. Fruits and vegetables are chock-full of minerals and vitamins.

Our bodies convert these minerals and vitamins into antioxidants, which deter inflammation. Inflammation in our airways can cause infection, which can lead to lung disease.

8) Exercise often.

If you don't exercise regularly, start. Build up to exercising nearly every day of the week.

Exercise is important because it expands our lungs. Inactivity means that the lower sections of our lungs are not being used.

When the entire lung isn’t used, those lower sections are more susceptible to infection, as bacteria and germs breed in moist and warm places.

Pneumonia can result from such infection. So when we exercise, we’re expanding and ventilating our entire lung sacks and keeping them healthy.

Sources:

Coleman, Naomi. "How to Prevent Lung Disease - Britain's Biggest Killer." Mail Online. Associated Newspapers. Web. 12 Oct. 2015.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-85400/How-prevent-lung-disease--Britains-biggest-killer.html

Harding, Anne. "12 Ways to Keep Your Lungs Strong and Healthy." Health.com. Web. 12 Oct. 2015.
http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20488696,00.html

"Lung Cancer." Prevention. Web. 12 Oct. 2015.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lung-cancer/basics/prevention/con-20025531

"EPublications." Lung Disease Fact Sheet. Web. 12 Oct. 2015.
http://womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/lung-disease.html

Third Hand Smoke. MayoClinic.org. Web. 12 Oct. 2015.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/third-hand-smoke/faq-20057791

Reviewed October 19, 2015
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith

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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.