Promoting Healthy Lungs

If you currently use tobacco products, the quickest way to improve your lung health is to quit using them. The longer you remain smoke-free, the smaller your risk of chronic inflammation, which lowers your chances of developing lung cancer or COPD.

Second-hand smoke can also cause lung inflammation and increase your health risks. To protect yourself, avoid areas where smoking is allowed, such as designated smoking zones, or indoor spaces that allow smoking.  

Regular exercise helps make your lungs and heart stronger by causing them to work harder to get oxygen into your muscles. The more you exercise, the more efficient your body will become in getting oxygen into your bloodstream. This is one of the reasons why you may notice that you are less likely to get short of breath when exercising over time.

Your body uses food to stay energized. There is no single food that supplies all the nutrients your body needs. A healthy diet may include:

• Complex carbohydrates such as whole-grain bread and pasta, fresh fruits & vegetables.
• Fiber such as bread, pasta, nuts, seeds, fruits & vegetables.
• Proteins such as milk, eggs, cheese, meat, fish, poultry, nuts, dried beans or peas.
• Mono- and Poly-unsaturated fats such as canola, safflower, and corn oils.

Staying hydrated is also important. Drinking enough water can help thin the mucus lining of your airways and lungs, making it easier to breathe. Water also allows your body to function correctly. It is recommended that you drink 6-8 glasses of water over the course of each day. 

Annual check-ups with your provider can help you prevent illness. These appointments are especially important to check for lung diseases that may show up in early stages when symptoms may not be noticeable, making it easier to treat.

Vaccines are important for preventing the spread of infectious respiratory diseases. Some vaccines that are important to stay up to date on include:

• Influenza
• COVID-19
• Pneumococcal Pneumonia
• RSV

Ozone and particle pollution are the most widespread pollutants and among the most dangerous. Learn more about the outdoor air quality near you and how to keep your family safe in the State of the Air Report from the American Lung Association.

Second-hand smoke, some household chemicals, mold, and radon can cause lung problems for individuals who are regularly exposed. You can improve the indoor air quality of your home by:

• Dusting regularly
• Changing air filters
• Keeping your house smoke free
• Getting your house checked for radon

Deep breathing exercises not only promote healthy lungs, they can also come in handy during stressful events. You can find some deep breathing exercises here.

Good hygiene, such as washing your hands, can help prevent the spread of infections and other respiratory diseases. Washing your hands regularly can also decrease the risk of transferring an infection or respiratory disease if you are the one who is sick.

Lung cancer is the most treatable in its early stages. If you are an at-risk individual, regular lung cancer screenings can detect lung cancer before symptoms appear and increase the effectiveness of treatment.