Pulmonology | by CMRI | Published on 10/03/2021
With air pollution on the rise and the increased incidence of various pulmonary diseases and infections, taking care of your lungs has become the need of the hour. Just like any other part of your body, your lungs also undergo regular wear and tear which can affect their functionality in the long run. As we age, our lungs lose their flexibility and strength, making it difficult for us to breathe. However, the leading pulmonologist in Kolkata suggests that incorporating some healthy changes in your life and giving up some bad habits can significantly help to healthify your lungs. In this blog, we have discussed 2 such changes that you should definitely consider if you wish to keep your lungs healthy.
Smoking is injurious to your health. This is something that all smokers get to read on a daily basis. Yet they choose to ignore the signs. Smoking is one of the leading causes of lung cancer and various other malignancies, but it is pertinent to note that cancer is not the only problem that you need to worry about. Smoking has been associated with a wide range of lung diseases and ailments which include COPD, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and asthma. Smoking not only causes these diseases but can also add to their severity and decrease the effectiveness of the treatment.
Cigarette smoke contains thousands of chemicals including nicotine, carbon monoxide, and tar, which are extremely harmful to your lungs and can damage them beyond repair. These chemicals can trigger excessive production of mucus, thereby making it difficult for your lungs to clean themselves. This is often accompanied by severe irritation and inflammation of the pulmonary tissues, as a result of which your Airways become narrow. Smoking speeds up the ageing process of the lungs and leads to unnecessary wear and tear. Your habit of smoking is dangerous not only for you but also for those around you, as second-hand smoking, too, can prove to be equally harmful.
It doesn't matter how long you have been addicted to that habit, giving it up once and for all can help to do wonders for your lungs. The best lung specialist in Kolkata suggests that giving up the habit can also help to improve lung function and reverse the damage to some extent.
The benefits of exercise are known to all. It helps to keep your body in shape and your system working well. When you exercise, your body needs more oxygen, for which your lungs have to work harder when you are at rest. Studies suggest that during exercise, a person’s breathing rate accelerates from 15 times per minute to 40 to 60 times per minute. This is the reason why doctors usually lay emphasis on cardio and aerobics.
Exercising not only helps to improve lung function but also decreases your vulnerability to various lung diseases. You do not necessarily need to go to the gym for this. You can try simple activities like walking, jogging, cycling, and swimming.
While you are exercising, make sure that you do not overexert yourself. There are certain limitations and guidelines that you simply cannot overlook. Choose your activity level in accordance with your age. Avoid indulging in rigorous activities as these can harm your body. As important as it is to exercise, it is equally important to take care of your diet, so as to make sure that you are getting all the nutrients and energy that your system needs.
If you wish to know more about lung diseases or want to get yourself evaluated, you can consult doctors from the best hospital in Kolkata.