25th September is World Lung Day.
Every breathe we take, is what helps us breathe in life giving oxygen.I am a big fan of the calming effect of deep slow respiration .
Your lungs will help you do a lot.You may not feel them daily,but as soon as a cough racks your body ,you can feel the lungs wheezing .
When I was in 11 th Standard I suffered from pleural effusion and before I was diagnosed and treated, I had pain during deep inspiration (breathing in) .That was a classic pleuritic pain,a term I found out when I became a doctor.
What you can do to maintain good Lung Health
Avoiding addictions like smoking.
Exercising and walking
Playing outdoors
Breathing in clean air.
Wearing a mask in polluted location.
Having plants in your home garden/balcony helps to clean up indoor air and prevent indoor air pollution.
Avoiding objects,furniture emitting VOC.
Choosing a lead free paint for your home are all great for keeping your lungs healthy.
Taking precautions while visiting anyone with a lung infections .Wearing a mask is advised.
Maintain cough hygiene.
If coughing for more than two weeks ,please visit a doctor.
Tuberculosis is a disease which has its impact not only on the individual but also on the family and community health.In case of blood in sputum,night time fever with cough for more than two weeks a doctors visit is mandatory.
Anyone with HIV ,needs to take even more precautions as Tuberculosis is often coexistence with HIV infection and can be life threatening.
Other than Tuberculosis there are many viral and bacterial causes of lung infection all of which can be accompanied by fever,chest pain, painful breathing,noisy breathing with or without blood in sputum.
Primary Lung cancer and lung metastasis of cancer from other sites need timely intervention.
Asthma needs lifestyle intervention, timely medication and stopping the Allergic march.Taking care of Allergic Rhinitis in childhood on time can prevent developing Asthma later in life.
Tobacco is not your friend in any form .But it’s especially bad for your lungs.Wishing you good health,good luck and good sense.