5 Ways to Keep Your Lungs Healthy and Whole

1. Don’t smoke or stop smoking

You probably already know that smoking increases your risk of lung cancer. But that’s not the only disease it can cause. In fact, smoking is linked to most lung diseases, including COPD, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and asthma. It also makes those diseases more severe. Smokers are 12 to 13 timesTrusted Source more likely to die from COPD than nonsmokers, for example.
Every time you smoke a cigarette, you inhale thousands of chemicals into your lungs, including nicotine, carbon monoxide, and tar. These toxins damage your lungs. They increase mucus, make it more difficult for your lungs to clean themselves, and irritate and inflame tissues. Gradually, your airways narrow, making it more difficult to breathe.
Smoking also causes lungs to age more rapidly. Eventually, the chemicals can change lung cells from normal to cancerous.
According to the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC)Trusted Source, more than 10 times as many U.S. citizens have died prematurely from cigarette smoking than have died in all the wars fought by the U.S. during its history. In addition, smoking causes about 90 percent of all lung cancer deaths in men and women. More women die from lung cancer each year than from breast cancer.

2.Minimize Exposure to Outdoor Air Pollution

The air quality outside can vary from day to day and sometimes is unhealthy to breathe. Knowing how outdoor air pollution affects your health and useful strategies to minimize prolonged exposure can help keep you and your family well. Climate change and natural disasters can also directly impact lung health.

3. Staying hydrated

Getting enough water is as important for the lungs as it is for the rest of the body.
"Staying well hydrated by taking in fluids throughout the day helps keep the mucosal linings in the lungs thin," Ryan says. "This thinner lining helps the lungs function better."

4. Joining a breathing club

"If you can't be active because of lung problems, you can join a breathing club," says Roberts.
These are support groups for people with lung and breathing problems. You can work on breathing techniques and get encouragement and information to help keep you healthy and improve your quality of life.
The American Lung Association offers Better Breathers Clubs throughout Illinois and around the country. Visit the American Lung Association website or call (800) LUNG-USA (586-4872) to find one near you.

5.Prevent Infection

A cold or other respiratory infection can sometimes become very serious. There are several things you can do to protect yourself:
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water. Alcohol-based cleaners are a good substitute if you cannot wash.
  • Avoids crowds during the cold and flu season.
  • Good oral hygiene can protect you from the germs in your mouth leading to infections. Brush your teeth at least twice daily and see your dentist at least every six months.
  • Get vaccinated every year against influenza. Talk to your healthcare provider to find out if the pneumonia vaccine is right for you.
  • If you get sick, keep it to yourself! Protect the people around you, including your loved ones, by keeping your distance. Stay home from work or school until you're feeling better.