The lungs are organs in the respiratory system that are related to the circulatory blood system. Humans have two lungs, namely: the right lung and the left lung.
Healthy lungs are able to provide large amounts of oxygen to be distributed throughout the body so that it has a good impact on the body so that it can work and carry out activities optimally. The lungs are organs that play a very important role in the respiratory system of humans. Disturbances in these organs can result in decreased oxygen flow throughout the body and increase the risk of developing other lung diseases.
The best way to maintain lung health is to not smoke. But besides that there are several other ways that can be applied to maintain lung health, namely:
- Do not smoke and avoid secondhand smoke.
Smoking is the main cause of lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Cigarette smoke contains more than 400 harmful chemical compounds and 50 of them are known to cause cancer.
Cigarette smoke can narrow the airways and make breathing more difficult. This causes chronic inflammation which over time cigarette smoke destroys lung tissue and can trigger changes that grow into cancer.
Someone who is not a smoker but inhales cigarette smoke is at risk of developing the same disease as a smoker. Some things that can be done to avoid passive smoking are to prohibit smokers from smoking in the house, car, or work environment.
- Avoid exposure to pollution.
In daily activities, you should avoid exposure to pollution such as dust, smoke, and ash. Indoor and outdoor air pollution can cause health problems, especially for someone who has lung disease. Some things you can do to keep the air clean, such as not turning on the car engine when not in use, not using pesticides and other chemicals in the yard and parks, using a mask when riding a motorcycle, keeping sofas, mattresses, and pillows clean from dust, and keeping air circulation by opening windows while cleaning furniture or doing other cleaning activities.
- physical activity.
Doing regular physical activity for at least 30 minutes every day such as walking or jogging, aerobics and swimming can maintain lung health, maintain emotional stability and help manage stress.
- Prevent Infection.
Colds or other respiratory infections can sometimes be serious. There are several things we can do to prevent infection:
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water. It is estimated that hands can transmit 80 percent of infectious respiratory diseases such as colds. The risk of being infected with viruses and bacteria can be avoided by washing hands before eating, after eating, and after defecating or urinating. Alcohol-based sanitizers are a good substitute if you can't wash your hands with soap and water.
- Avoid crowds during the cold flu season.
- Use masks with discipline.
- Get vaccinated if needed.
- Consume antioxidants.
Consumption of nutritious foods and fruits, especially those containing vitamin C, is highly recommended to maintain lung health. Fruits are believed to have high antioxidant content which has the ability to protect the lungs from damage caused by free radicals.
Those are some steps to maintain lung health. Simple things that we usually forget in everyday life. Avoid cigarette smoke and pollution and always use a mask to keep our lungs healthy.
The article was written by dr. Andriani Sheila Anastasia, Sp.P (Pulmonary and Respiratory Specialist at EMC Sentul Hospital).