Many people take their clear breathing for granted, because most of the time, we breathe easily, and our lungs keep us healthy. However, things can go wrong, from common lung diseases to allergies, to serious conditions such as blood clots. Our lung doctor in Foothill Ranch, CA, outlines some steps you can take to prioritize your lung health and reduce some of your risk for common lung diseases. 

Steps You Can Take

While your body can generally keep your lungs clean on its own, it’s advisable to take extra steps to keep your lungs as clean as possible. Here are some tips:

• Don’t smoke. Cigarettes cause lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Smoking causes inflammation, narrows the airways, and makes breathing more difficult. The smoke destroys healthy lung tissue and may trigger cancer growth. If you smoke, quitting can greatly improve your lung health.
• Avoid getting colds or other respiratory infections. Wash your hands frequently or use hand sanitizer and avoid crowds. If you are a candidate, talk to your doctor about getting an influenza vaccine. Always stay away from others if you are sick.
• Avoid exposure to pollutants. This includes chemicals used for cleaning, secondhand smoke, wood dust, or allergens. Keep your home and car free of smoke and avoid being outside if you live in a highly polluted area.
• Maintain good oral hygiene. This protects you from bacteria in your mouth that can lead to infections. 

Get Regular Physicals

It’s important to get regular check-ups with your doctor to help prevent diseases. Even if you are feeling well, you may still have an undetected lung disease that hasn’t begun to cause symptoms yet. Your doctor can detect this during your physical when they listen to your breathing. 

Get Regular Exercise

No matter if you are young or old, being physically active keeps your lungs healthy! Cardio works your heart and improves lung capacity. If you aren’t able to go for a run or hop on a treadmill, try low-impact exercises such as cycling, walking, or swimming.

Contact Our Lung Doctor in Foothill Ranch, CA, Today To Learn More!

The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about this and other topics related to lung disease, feel free to contact West Coast Lung by clicking here or by calling 949-274-8030.