Making Lung Health a Priority

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Breathe in. Breathe out. 

What could be easier, right? You do this approximately 22,000 times a day and probably don’t even think about it. But your lungs, the centerpiece of your respiratory system, are constantly hard at work. 

When you breathe in, your lungs bring fresh, life-giving oxygen into your bloodstream reaching every cell in your body. When you breathe out, your lungs remove carbon dioxide and other waste gases your body doesn’t need. This is actually a complex task, but our lungs perform it so well we tend to take it for granted—except when the function of our lungs is impaired.

Blake Bolin, MD, FAAFP, Preventive Medicine Physician at Cooper Clinic, says one of the most important things you can do to improve your lung health is avoidance. “Your lungs are made of delicate, spongy tissue, and though your body has a natural defense system that protects them, it’s important to minimize exposure to risk factors such as cigarette smoke, occupational inhalant hazards, allergens and ozone during alerts.” 

Risk factors 

Health risks for lung disease vary depending on occupation, air pollution/environmental irritants, underlying health conditions, age and other factors. 

When we think of occupational lung disease, we tend to think of mining. But a number of occupations can introduce hazardous agents into the lungs. Among them are agriculture, cleaning, automotive repair, textiles, truck driving and even high-tech electronic manufacturing. Most occupational lung diseases are caused by long-term exposure, but even a single exposure can cause damage. 

A decrease in lung function is a normal part of the aging process and as you might expect, older people have been exposed to pollutants for the longest periods of time. 

The good news is awareness of the dangers of many irritants has reduced lung disease in recent years. Asbestos, a natural carcinogen, was used extensively prior to 1989 when the EPA enacted a partial ban of the manufacture, import, processing and distribution of asbestos-containing products, and banned new uses from entering the marketplace. Cigarette smoking has also decreased in the general population due to increased awareness and to regulations restricting advertising to younger people and where smoking is allowed in public facilities. 

First line of defense

Getting a complete physical exam with your primary care physician on an annual basis is key, advises Bolin. “Physical examination of the lungs is the first line of defense.” For those with abnormal exams or increased risk factors, your doctor may further evaluate the lungs with a chest X-ray, a low radiation CT scan and/or a spirometry pulmonary function test (PFT). 

Spirometry and PFTs are non-invasive tests which show how well the lungs are working. They may be used to check lung function before surgery or in patients who have lung or heart problems. The tests may also be used to assess treatment for asthma, emphysema and other chronic lung problems. 

Specific to lung cancer, a low-dose CT scan is recommended for those who are at higher risk of getting the disease. According to American Cancer Society, lung cancer is the second most common cancer in the United States, and it’s the leading cause of death from cancer. If lung cancer is found at an early stage before it has spread, it is more likely to be treated successfully. 

Six tips to help you breathe easier

• Stop smoking
  Smoking is the number one cause of lung problems such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer. Vaping isn’t safe either. Vaping pollutes your lungs with chemicals and heavy metals. 
   
• Don’t ignore acid reflux
  Also called “gastroesophageal reflux disease,” acid reflux occurs when the stomach contents back up into the esophagus and/or mouth and can inflame delicate bronchial tissue.
   
• Avoid pollution both inside and out
  Indoor pollution includes such things as second-hand cigarette smoke, cleaning products, mold and radon. Outdoors, be mindful of noxious stimuli in the air such as talc, wood dust, asbestos and smoke from burning wood or trash. Also, exercise indoors on “bad air” days. 
   
• Eat healthy
  You know the drill—load up on fruits and vegetables and stay hydrated. Recent studies also show omega-3 fatty acids in fish and fish oil supplements appear promising for maintaining lung health.
   
• Stay current with vaccinations
  Vaccines help prevent infectious respiratory diseases and are among the best ways to protect your health and the health of those around you. Talk to your doctor to learn which vaccines are recommended for you. 
   
• Exercise regularly
  Whether your lungs are healthy or problematic, aerobic exercise makes your heart and lungs stronger. This includes activities such as brisk walking, running, swimming, biking, elliptical training and rowing which can all improve lung capacity. When the air outside is bad, walk in a shopping mall or gym or use an exercise machine. 

Spirometry and low-dose CT scan are services available to Cooper Clinic patients based on age, medical history, specific needs and physician recommendations. To learn more about Cooper Clinic’s preventive exam and services, visit cooper-clinic.com or call 972.560.2667.