Breathing. It’s easy to take for granted that 25,000 times each day our lungs perform the vital task of supplying our bloodstream with life-giving oxygen and nitrogen. If we’re not careful though, we can easily inhale other materials which cause both respiratory and other health problems such as COPD, asthma, and emphysema. Talk with your healthcare provider as soon as possible if you suffer from any of the warning signs of poor lung health such as:
- Chronic cough (lasting a month or more)
- Shortness of breath
- Heavy mucous production
- Wheezing
- Coughing up blood
- Chronic Chest Pain
Allergy sufferers know this is the time of year when pollen, mold and ragweed counts are high. These allergens are not only outside, but are combined indoors with irritants like dust mites and pet dander which our bodies’ natural defenses have a hard time combating. To prevent these particles from causing you any more discomfort, there are a few things you can do:
- Buy a vacuum with a HEPA filter, and make sure to change the filter in your furnace often
- Add indoor plants which naturally purify the air (spider plants and aloe vera are recommended)
- Eliminate fragrances found in cleaning products, detergents, and air fresheners
- Test your home for radon, which is the leading cause of lung cancer next to tobacco smoke
Maximizing your lung health with these simple tips, along with regular visits to your physician, should keep you breathing easier, longer!