Smoking cigarettes, polluted air contact, shallow breathing adversely affect the lungs, which can cause this organ damage over time.
Lung disease can occur when the lungs are damaged by environmental factors or unhealthy living habits. The risk of lung disease increases with age and lifestyle. Master, Doctor Dao Phuong Thuy, Respiratory Department, Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi, said the 6 habits that many people often suffer from below are not good for the lungs.
Smoking
Smoking is the main cause of lung damage, increasing the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer and many other respiratory diseases. The toxic chemicals in cigarettes damage the lung mucosa, causing inflammation and reducing the ability to exchange oxygen. Smoke also negatively affects the lungs, especially children, the elderly and pregnant women. Leaving smoking can improve lung function, reducing the risk of significant respiratory disease.
Exposure to polluted air
Indoor and outdoor air pollution seriously affects the lungs. Fine dust (PM2.5), chemicals from cleaning products, charcoal smoke or industrial emissions can cause inflammation, increasing the risk of lung damage over time. To reduce the risk, Dr. Thuy recommends ensuring a clear living space, using air purifiers, selecting cleaning products in the family. When going out, people need to use a mask to limit exposure to fine dust.
Shallow breathing
Shallow breathing often occurs when the body only uses the upper part of the lungs to respiratory, instead of taking a deep breath with the diaphragm. This causes the amount of air to enter the lungs to be limited, reducing the air exchange efficiency, causing lack of oxygen for the body in the body. Shallow breathing is often seen in people with stress, anxiety or sitting for a long time. This habit can also increase the feeling of stress and fatigue. Practicing deep breathing exercises such as diaphragm or slow breathing helps improve lung capacity and enhance the amount of oxygen supplied to the body.
Eating unhealthy
Nutrition plays an important role in protecting the lungs. The diet that lacks green vegetables, fruits and foods rich in antioxidants can increase the risk of inflammation and lung damage. Fruits, vegetables, fish and nuts … are a good source of nutrition for the respiratory system. In addition, drinking enough water helps dilute mucus in the lungs, supports the process of elimination of toxins.
Greasy food, lack of green vegetables is not good for the lungs. Image: Khue Lam
Lazy to exercise
Physical activity enhances lung capacity, improves gas exchange, enhances the immune system. People are sedentary at risk of lung function, susceptible to respiratory diseases. Adults should spend at least 150 minutes per week to exercise moderate intensity to maintain respiratory health.
No periodic health check
Many lung diseases grow silently, only detected when in severe stage. Periodic health checks help early detection of abnormal signs, especially respiratory function, check blood oxygen concentration, lung x-ray. People with symptoms such as prolonged cough, difficulty breathing or chest pain should see a doctor immediately for diagnosis and timely treatment.