Lungs are our vital organs of breathing and hence their proper care is essential for good heart as well as overall health, because it is proper clean breathing and a healthy pair of lungs that ensure ample and proper blood circulation in the body that keeps our metabolism and vital organs in good shape.
However, as per the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2021 revised Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) thresholds, an estimated 7.3 billion people are exposed to unsafe average concentrations of 5 μg/, while a monstrous 80% of them are in low-and middle-income countries. Thus, the current situation contradicts the vision set by the WHO’s Global Alliance against Chronic Respiratory Diseases (GARD) of ‘a world in which all people breathe freely’.
Approximately 7.4% of the Indian population is affected by COPD. An estimated 30 million Indians are living with asthma, with approximately 3 million being classified as ‘inadequately controlled,’ and facing a higher risk of exacerbations that may lead to hospitalisation. In India, lung cancer accounts for 5.9% of all cancers and 8.1% of all cancer-related deaths. Our urban setup is fraught with dust and pollution which directly hit our lungs.
World Lung Day is observed every year on September 25 to raise awareness about the lungs and diseases related to it.
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World Lung Day was first established in 2017 by the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) to highlight lung health issues. FIRS is a coalition of organisations focused on respiratory health. They launched the day to emphasise the growing impact of lung diseases like asthma, COPD, lung cancer and tuberculosis.
The initiative was driven by the need for global efforts to raise awareness, improve research and advocate for policies that help to address the environmental and lifestyle factors that contribute to respiratory illness.
The high morbidity and mortality rates associated with acute respiratory infections continue to pose a major challenge to the healthcare system. Covid-19, that killed millions of people worldwide, was such a lethal respiratory affliction that directly affected the lungs. Earlier SARS wrecked a same kind of havoc on a smaller scale in South East Asia in the early 2000s.
While vaccination remains one of the best weapons to combat a plethora of lung infections, the current rate of adult vaccination in India is minuscule due to which millions of individuals remain vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases, causing needless morbidity and mortality.
Voluntary vaccination among adults can significantly reduce the incidence of lung infections, leading to fewer hospital admissions and less strain on the overburdened hospitals.
When a large portion of the population is vaccinated, it would also reduce the overall transmission of diseases by herd immunity, protecting even those who cannot be vaccinated such as infants or individuals with suppressed immune systems, say experts.
People with immuno-compromised states like diabetes, kidney disease or lung disease such as asthma or COPD as well as elderly people are at higher risk of serious illness from many lung ailments that can actually prevented by vaccines.
However, apart from vaccination and even as a complimentary measure to make the vaccines more effective, it is essential to keep track of our lung health and take the due precautions so that it is exposed to minimum risk factors.
Chest physician and asthma allergy specialist Dr Ankit Singh Tomar of Advanced Chest Centre, Bhopal has advised social distancing, regular exercise, deep breathing, morning and evening walks in fresh air, avoid smoking and eat well for proper functioning of lungs. He also suggested that all patients with chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, heart problems should avoid going to over crowded places.
Tips for better lung health
Quitting Smoking: If you are a smoker, quit this habit immediately. Smoking is the leading cause of lung diseases like COPD and lung cancer. Quitting smoking can help to improve lung function and reduce the risk of respiratory illnesses.
Keep away from pollution
Prolonged exposure to air pollution that we are often prone to in our cities can lead to inflammation of the lungs and long-term lung damage. It is advisable to wear masks and avoid outdoor activities during high pollution levels unless absolutely necessary.
Indoor air quality
Apart from environmental pollution, there is smoke and harmful gases in our homes too. Make sure there’s good ventilation through doors and windows that allow free passage of fresh air. Try to reduce the use of aerosols, chemical-based cleaners and keep the kitchen area ventilated. Use air purifiers to reduce indoor pollutants that can harm the lungs. Also plant green in and around your home.
Importance of exercise
Physical activities like walking, jogging, swimming and aerobics or dance can help improve lung capacity and overall respiratory function by strengthening the respiratory muscles. Make it a routine to exercise the lungs to keep them active and vibrant.
Breathing exercises
Breathing exercises may not be given too much importance in our daily life but they help a lot in improving lung health. Techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing and pursed-lip breathing can help to increase lung capacity which improves oxygen flow and reduces shortness of breath.
Dehydration can harm
Take care not to remain dehydrated for long. It is drinking enough water and fluids that helps to thin the mucous in the lungs, thereby, making it easier to breathe and clearing out pollutants and allergens.
No secondhand smoking
Quitting smoking is great but it is important to avoid secondhand smoking as well, because it is equally harmful, thereby, increasing the risk of lung diseases. Staying away from smoky environments can help protect your lungs.
