Watch What You Breathe: Easy Steps To Protect Your Respiratory Health
Over 25 million people in the US alone have an asthma diagnosis, and a further 14.8 million have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Respiratory conditions like these can have a significant impact on the lives of patients and their families, but while they are influenced by genetic factors, there are things we can do to keep our respiratory systems healthy and reduce the likelihood of them developing. A balanced healthy diet and regular exercise will go a long way to protecting your respiratory health, but it’s also important to be mindful of what you’re breathing in.
Beware Of Smoke
Most people are now aware of the risks associated with smoking. Indeed, it is one of the main causes of COPD, as it narrows the passages in the lungs, making it more difficult for you to breathe. Giving up smoking is perhaps the most important thing you can do to take charge of your respiratory health. However, second-hand smoke is harmful, too — if you’re regularly inhaling the smoke from others, you could be putting your health at risk. If you live with a smoker, ask them to smoke outside, or arrange for them to smoke in a covered area where your health will not be affected.
Protect Against Air Pollution
Air pollution often goes unnoticed when we live in busy cities and have become accustomed to it. However, it can cause significant problems for the respiratory system, particularly in those who already have a lung disease. Airborne particles can cause damage to the lungs and can lead to inflammation and irritation. Indeed, studies have shown that air pollution is related to asthma control and can exacerbate symptoms of COPD. Wearing a face mask in high-traffic areas and avoiding the roads at rush hour can help you reduce your exposure.
Indoor air pollution should also not be overlooked. Moisture in the air, chemical cleaners, and dust can all affect indoor air quality, making us more vulnerable to respiratory disease. Adequate ventilation can help control moisture levels, while homes should be dusted regularly to minimize the amount of dust that’s inhaled. Air filters in the home, meanwhile, purify the air and reduce the number of harmful particles you may be breathing in. Filter King’s offering a delivery service for a variety of filters to keep the air in homes of all shapes and sizes clean.
Air pollution at work should also be considered. If you work in construction, for example, you may be more at risk of respiratory disease. Any occupation that involves working with chemicals or large quantities of dust can be harmful to your lungs, and protective clothing, face masks, and good ventilation should be prioritized.
Practice Good Hygiene
A final step you can take to monitor what you’re breathing in is to practice good hygiene. Often overlooked in terms of respiratory health, simply washing your hands more often can prevent you from breathing in bacteria. Both the flu and the common cold are respiratory infections, and these can be spread when the face is touched after coming into contact with an infected surface. If you already have respiratory difficulties, a cold can make your symptoms much worse, so good hygiene practices are essential. In response to COVID-19, the CDC has released a handwashing guide to illustrate the importance of handwashing and impart the proper technique.
While our respiratory health is dictated by genetic factors to an extent, there are environmental factors that we can manage to protect it. Healthy living is part of the equation, but it’s also important to be aware of what you’re breathing in and take the necessary steps to minimize pollutants.
