Aside from smoking, air pollution, which is common in urban areas, is also damaging to the lungs. — Pixabay
BREATHING difficulty may be a sign that the lungs or the respiratory system is under attack. But how much do we actually know about the lungs, and how can we take care of this vital organ?
The lungs are the main organ of the respiratory system. When we breathe in, air fills up our lungs and oxygen in the air is absorbed into the bloodstream. At the same time, carbon dioxide produced by the body is expelled from the bloodstream into the lungs and then exhaled.
This gas exchange happens in the alveoli, which are clusters of microscopic air sacs at the end of bronchioles in the lungs. This is called the respiration process, which is vital for any living organism.
In addition, the lungs and the respiratory system also regulate the temperature and humidity of the inhaled air to a proper level for the body.
They prevent harmful substances from entering the body by coughing, sneezing or filtering them out and facilitate the sense of smell.
Care for your lungs
Here are ways to look after your lungs:
• Don’t smoke or quit smoking: Cigarette smoke contains various harmful substances, like nicotine, tar and carbon monoxide, which can irritate the lungs and damage lung tissues over time.
In fact, smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). If you smoke, it’s never too late to quit. Warn your children about the harm of smoking and vaping so they don’t start. But the best way of parenting is to model good behaviour, so quit if your haven’t.
• Avoid exposure to pollutants: Exposure to indoor or outdoor pollutants such as second-hand cigarette smoke, vehicle smoke or chemicals at home or work can be bad for the lungs. Make your home and car smoke-free zones and ensure proper air ventilation indoors. Avoid exercising or spending time outdoors where there is heavy traffic or when air pollution is bad.
• Stay active: Regular exercise keeps our body healthy and optimises lung function. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate physical activity five days a week. Include aerobic activities like jogging or skipping, as well as muscle-strengthening exercises like weightlifting or push-ups. Don’t forget to perform deep breathing exercises. They help to improve lung function too.
• Do regular check-up: Some lung problems may not show obvious symptoms. Regular check-ups are vital for early detection and treatment of any respiratory problems to prevent it from worsening. During a check-up, your doctor will listen to your breathing, address any concerns and carry out additional tests if necessary.
• Get vaccinated: Lung infections can be dangerous, especially for high-risk populations, like children under five years old, the elderly and people with chronic diseases.
The best way to prevent a lung infection is via vaccination. Consult a healthcare practitioner to get you and your family vaccinated against pneumococcal disease, influenza and Covid-19.
• Take other preventive steps: Practising good hygiene, frequent handwashing, proper sneeze/cough etiquette, wearing face masks, avoiding crowded areas – all these measures have been proven to help mitigate the transmission of respiratory diseases.
We tend to take our lungs for granted. It’s only after problems start arising that we regret not taking care of them.
The fact is, the lungs are a vital organ that keeps us alive, hence it is crucial to prioritise the health of our lungs and respiratory system.
Datuk Dr Zulkifli Ismail is a consultant paediatrician and paediatric cardiologist. This story also appears on Positive Parenting, an education initiative by the Malaysian Paediatric Association. For more articles and expert advice, check out mypositiveparenting.org
