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Most of us have occasional issues with our lungs. When we’re sick, we might have a persistent cough. When we exercise hard, we might have trouble catching our breath. We might even have temporary chest pain on occasion. These types of experiences are mostly normal and nothing to be majorly concerned about.
But lung disease is a serious risk for millions of Americans. So when exactly should you start to worry about potential lung issues?
The Many Forms of Lung Disease
There are many different types of lung disease that could affect you.
- Cancer. Malignant cells in your lungs can form cancerous growths, which interfere with your ability to breathe, compromise your overall health, and could spread to other parts of your body. Pleural mesothelioma is one type of cancer that affects the lungs that occurs if you’ve been exposed to asbestos, but it’s more common for people to develop lung cancer after prolonged exposure to smoke or other hazards.
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD can refer to two different conditions: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. These conditions typically occur together, ultimately making your breathing more difficult and growing worse over time.
- Asthma. Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the bronchial tubes of your lungs. These tubes can become sensitive and inflamed, overreacting to certain types of particles or materials in the air and rendering you unable to breathe normally under these circumstances.
Warning Signs of Lung Disease
Temporary, isolated issues with your lungs can typically be ignored. But if you notice chronic or debilitating lung issues, it’s important for you to see a healthcare professional immediately.
These are some of the most important warning signs of lung disease:
- Persistent shortness of breath. When you exercise vigorously, it’s natural to be short of breath. You may find it hard to get back to a regular breathing pattern. But if you find yourself short of breath persistently, or in absence of vigorous activity, it could be a warning sign.
- Labored breathing. Labored breathing may also be a sign that something is wrong with your lungs, assuming it occurs frequently and without a reasonable explanation.
- A cough that won’t go away. Most of us cough on a daily basis, but our coughs are so mild and so infrequent they’re barely noticeable. It’s perfectly normal to cough more frequently if you’ve caught a contagious illness, but if you’re coughing heavily every day, you’ll need to take action.
- Coughing blood. Coughing blood is always a cause for concern. If you cough up blood, it’s important to see a doctor.
- Elevated mucous production. Our bodies typically produce mucus in response to infection or disease. If you notice an increased rate of mucous production in or related to your lungs, consider seeing a physician.
- Recurring chest pain. Recurring chest pain may also be a sign that something is wrong with your lungs.
How to Boost Your Lung Health
Fortunately, many lung diseases and issues can be prevented with the following strategies:
- Avoid smoking and vaping. Most of us are aware that smoking is hazardous to the health of your lungs, since you’re literally breathing in smoke and toxic materials. While we don’t have quite as much data on vaping, experts reasonably suspect that vaping is also hazardous. To preserve the health of your lungs, consider quitting smoking and vaping entirely.
- Improve your air quality. Poor quality air can negatively affect your lungs. You can monitor outdoor air quality via AirNow, the official source of air quality information in the United States. Avoid going outside on days with particularly poor air quality, and if you live in an area with notoriously poor air quality, consider moving. You can boost indoor air quality by using air filters, improving air circulation, and opening windows.
- Exercise regularly. Exercise is very good for your lungs, especially if it’s cardiovascular exercise. Strive to exercise vigorously every day, raising your heart rate and forcing yourself to breathe harder. Always consult with a doctor before starting a new exercise regimen.
- Improve your diet. You can also boost your lung health, and your overall health, by improving your diet. Eating a wide variety of different foods, reducing your portion sizes, and maintaining a healthy weight can all support greater health. You’ll feel better, and you’ll be at significantly reduced risk for various diseases.
- Practice deep breathing. Studies suggest that deep breathing practices can also improve your lung health. Try to go through a round of deep breathing at least once a day.
It’s important to take the health of your lungs seriously. Following these strategies can reduce your risk of developing long-term lung illnesses, but it’s still important to be on the lookout for symptoms that should prompt you to get medical attention.
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