How to Prevent Lung Disease?

Lung diseases can affect every factor of daily life and significantly affect your quality of life. So remember to take care to protect your lungs and avoid habits and dangerous exposures which are known increase your risk of developing lung diseases.

• Don’t Smoke: Quit smoking. It is a major risk factor for several types of lung diseases such as bronchitis, lung cancer, and emphysema. The risk of developing lung diseases is increased with the duration of smoking (the more you smoke, the more likely you are to get lung diseases especially lung cancer). And remember it is never too late to quit. Studies have shown that quitting smoking even after years can reduce your risk of lung diseases.
• Avoid lung hazards: Avoid exposure to harmful air pollutants if possible both indoors and outdoors. Smoking is a major pollutant at home. Don’t allow anyone to smoke in your home, especially if you have children. Second-hand smoking also increases your risk for the same lung diseases that affect people who smoke.
• Maintain hygiene: Fight germs by washing your hands regularly. Hand washing is one of the best ways to prevent many common infections. You should use soap and water and if it is not available use an alcohol-based hand gel to clean hands. Use tissues to cover your mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing. This can help to prevent several infectious lung diseases such as cold and flu.
• Recognise your symptoms: If you have symptoms suggestive of lung disease such as chronic cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing blood, and chronic mucus production; consult your doctor. Do not avoid these symptoms.
• Get vaccinated: Consult your doctor about flu or pneumonia shots. They are helpful for everyone and many experts recommend that everyone above 60 or who has chronic diseases should take flu shots. Pneumonia vaccination is also important for people older than 65.
• Protect your family: Be active, eat healthy food, and avoid smoking. Be physically active. Exercise on most days of the week as exercising for about 30 minutes can significantly improve your fitness and decrease risk of several lung diseases. You can do any exercise such as yoga, aerobics, walking and running. Every day can make a difference; so live healthy daily.
• Work place environment: Pay attention to your environment at work place. Avoid breathing toxic fumes from chemicals, solvents, and paints. Wear a protective mask if you are exposed to them at your place of work. If your work environment is not safe report it.

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