Taking Care of Your Lung Health

How often do you honestly think of your lung health? The truth is, most of us rarely worry about it until an infection or issue occurs. Sure they have a natural defense system, but your lungs are responsible for some pretty important things -- meaning they should be a priority.

Here are a few steps you can take, to work your way to healthier lungs:

Ditch The Cigarettes

Cigarette smoking is the primary cause of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and lung cancer. Over time, the longer you smoke, the more damage you do. Cigarette smoke destroys lung tissue by causing it to swell and become chronically inflamed. Once this happens, your air passages will narrow and inhibit your ability to breathe. Just remember, it’s never too late to quit.

Keep Your Indoor Air Clean

Believe it or not, your indoor air is often worse than your outdoor air. Adding secondhand smoke and certain chemicals to that can make it worse. If you already suffer from lung issues, you’ll want to check the labels on your cleaning products and refrain from letting others smoke in your home.

Be Extra Careful During Cold and Flu Season

Though it’s not always avoidable, you can take extra measures to prevent yourself from catching a cold. Wash your hands often, avoid crowded indoor spaces, get vaccinated, and visit your primary care physician if you feel under the weather.

Schedule Your Well Visits

Preventive care is vital to your overall health. Beyond finding and spotting issues early, regular well visits allow you to build a relationship with your doctor. A good relationship can make it easier to discuss common problems and concerns, and will allow your doctor to better assess your history — leading to a better diagnosis.

At Henry County Hospital, respiratory therapists are available 24/7 and ready to answer any questions you may have about respiratory therapy services. Contact us today to find the treatment that is right for you.