In the framework of World Lung Day today, 25 September, it is important to protect your lungs by adopting healthy habits, such as walking every day and avoiding smoking.
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Leslie Vargas Ramírez, an internist and pulmonologist at the Eastern Pulmonary Institute, said that within the framework of this date, governments and health care providers are called upon to ensure that the population has access to equitable to obtain services, such as specialized consultations for specific diseases. Pulmonology and appropriate treatment.
The primary function of the lungs is breathing, but they also function to protect and filter microorganisms, pollution, and environmental particles.
Along these lines, experts point out that 80% of NCD-related deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, so our countries must promote simple and cost-effective actions, such as influenza and pneumococcal vaccination, in order to Reduce these horrific numbers.
How important is respiratory health?
For Dr. Vargas Ramírez, respiratory health refers to the overall health and optimal functioning of the respiratory system, including the lungs and airways. It involves the ability to breathe efficiently, maintain adequate tissue oxygenation, and effectively remove waste products such as carbon dioxide.
It also mentioned that good respiratory health includes prevention of respiratory diseases, adequate treatment of existing diseases and the ability to carry out daily activities without difficulty breathing.
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Experts said: “Good respiratory health helps maintain adequate oxygenation in the body, helps replenish energy and vitality, prevent respiratory diseases, helps good sleep quality, improves quality of life, and helps extend life and health. Stay active.” from the Eastern Pulmonary Institute of Bucaramanga.
How to live a healthier life?
The pulmonary physician says taking care of your lungs is critical to maintaining a healthy life and preventing long-term respiratory disease.
In this sense, it offers the following advice to keep your lungs healthy and live a healthier life in general:
Quit smoking: Tobacco is a leading cause of lung diseases such as lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). If you are a smoker, seeking help to quit smoking is one of the most important decisions you can make for your lung health. E-cigarettes are a new epidemic with all the known harmful effects, not only on the lungs but also on the cardiovascular level.
Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke: That is, the smoke and third-hand smoke produced by burning cigarettes are related to toxic substances deposited on surfaces and objects such as clothes, furniture, curtains, etc. And it’s been linked to respiratory problems, allergies, skin irritation and the potential risk of developing more serious illness.
Keep the environment clean: Avoid exposure to toxins and air pollutants at home and in the workplace.
Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity strengthens respiratory muscles and improves lung function. Try to do aerobic exercise, such as walking, swimming, or biking, for at least 30 minutes a day most days of the week.
Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight puts extra pressure on your lungs, making it difficult to breathe.
Maintain good respiratory hygiene: Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing to prevent the spread of respiratory infections. Wash your hands regularly to prevent the spread of germs.
Vaccination: Make sure you are up to date on your vaccinations, especially the flu and pneumococcal vaccines. These vaccines can help prevent serious respiratory infections.
Avoid contact with allergens: If you are allergic to substances such as pollen or dust mites, try to limit your exposure to them.
Manage chronic disease: If you have a chronic lung disease, such as asthma or COPD, follow your doctor’s treatment plan and recommendations to manage your disease.
Maintain a healthy diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein provides the nutrients you need to maintain good overall health, including lung health.
Adequate moisture: Drinking enough water is important to keep the mucous membranes of your respiratory tract hydrated, which helps prevent irritation and dryness.
Get enough rest: Getting enough sleep is essential to restoring and maintaining overall health, including lung health.
Most common lung diseases
According to Dr. Vargas Ramírez, the following are the most common conditions related to the lungs:
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): It is produced by different exposures, most importantly cigarettes; however, in our environment, exposure to wood smoke and particles can have a large impact. It is understood that 10% of the world’s population suffers from this disease and it is the fourth leading cause of death in our country.
asthma: Asthma is a chronic airway disease that causes difficulty breathing, wheezing, and coughing. Globally, more than 300 million people are estimated to have this disease. In Colombia, an estimated one in eight people suffers from the disease.
Lung cancer: Smoking is one of the main reasons. According to Globocan statistics, 1,796,144 lung cancer patients died worldwide in 2020, becoming the main cause of death. According to Colombia’s High Cost Account, more than 4,000 patients suffer from the condition, and the trend is increasing across Latin America.
Acute respiratory infection: Acute respiratory infections, such as pneumonia and acute bronchitis, are common around the world. They cause millions of hospitalizations and deaths every year, especially among children and the elderly.
sleep apnea: Sleep apnea is a disorder in which breathing during sleep is interrupted due to obstruction of the airways, causing symptoms such as snoring, pauses in breathing during sleep, and a feeling of suffocation when waking up. It can have serious consequences on cardiovascular health and quality of life. By adulthood, this condition occurs in 24% of women and nearly 50% of men.