Q. When it comes to lung health, what falls under the umbrella of "chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)" and what doesn't? How serious of an issue is lung health, and how can I best keep my lungs working well throughout my life?
A. We all know that our ability to breathe is essential to live. We also all know that lungs are a vital part of our respiratory system. Still, when it comes to health awareness, lung health is often overlooked.
COPD, Asthma and Other Lung Threats
You may have heard the term "chronic obstructive pulmonary disease" or COPD. The term is used to describe a disease of lungs caused by airway damage or blockage. COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S.
The most common forms of COPD include chronic bronchitis, emphysema or combination of these conditions. Generally speaking, asthma is not considered a COPD. One reason is people with asthma often have normal or near-normal lung function with treatment or between flare-ups. Even with treatment, the airway obstruction in COPD sufferers is only partially reversible.
While lung cancer and COPD typically describe two different things, they are often related. Most people with lung cancer have COPD, and people with COPD are at a higher risk for developing lung cancer.
In addition to chronic illnesses, there are also acute illnesses that can affect our lungs, such as the flu or pneumonia. Any one of these conditions can take a toll on our health, our quality of life and our longevity. However, there are two tools that we have our side when it comes to maintaining strong lungs: prevention and treatment.
The Path to Lung Health
When it comes to having healthy lungs, a lifestyle that incorporates preventive measures is our best defense. Most respiratory conditions that are unavoidable can at least be managed. When it comes to prevention and treatment of the lung disease, the earlier the better. Of course, the simple steps outlined below can help people of all ages give their lungs a boost.
1) Don't smoke or breathe other people's smoke.
You've heard it time and time again for a reason. Avoiding smoking and smoke-filled environments is the No. 1 thing you can do to protect your lungs. Smoking is a top risk factor for both lung cancer and COPD. In addition to its long-term effects, smoking can also have an immediate and serious impact on our lungs by causing inflammation and irritation, weakening our defense against infection and decreasing our airway flow.
2) Drink those fluids.
Staying hydrated helps thin the mucus in our lungs and other areas of our respiratory system, which ultimately makes it easier for us to breathe. Getting plenty of fluids is especially important when you're battling a cold, sinus problems or the flu.
3) Get vaccinated.
We're lucky to live in an era where vaccines exist to help us avoid getting illnesses like the flu. In addition to the flu vaccine, high risk groups might want to discuss getting a pneumococcal vaccine with their healthcare provider.
4) Manage respiratory illnesses.
Whether it's taking control of your asthma symptoms with preventive medicines or taking care of yourself when you're sick with the flu, you should be your No. 1 advocate. Don't ignore or put off getting help for symptoms of lung disorders. Chronic cough, wheezing and shortness of breath are not a normal part of life.
5) Avoid environmental triggers.
Cigarette smoke isn't the only pollutant that can cause lung troubles. Sometimes, people live or work in places where they're breathing harmful substances that can range from dusts (coal, silica, asbestos or raw cotton) to vapors (metal or chemical fumes). If you cannot avoid these environments, take every precaution possible to limit your exposure to these hazardous substances.
6) Keep moving.
When we exercise, we're training our bodies to perform better, and the improvement extends to increased lung capacity. Even a brisk walk can help. Consult your physician about what exercise plans are best for you, especially if you're dealing with chronic illness or physical limitations of any kind.
7) Talk to your healthcare provider.
Whether you're quitting smoking, unsure about the safety of your work environment, concerned about lung symptoms, unable to get a grip on your asthma or want to work on a new exercise routine, you'll find your healthcare provider is a great resource when it comes to lung health. They can also offer diagnostic tools and treatment plans to help you along the path the lung health.
- As an allergist and pulmonologist, Michael Netzel, MD, treats allergies and lung disorders in people of all ages. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine, Pulmonology, and Allergy/Immunology. His specialties include allergies, asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema, as well as sleep medicine.
A. We all know that our ability to breathe is essential to live. We also all know that lungs are a vital part of our respiratory system. Still, when it comes to health awareness, lung health is often overlooked.
COPD, Asthma and Other Lung Threats
You may have heard the term "chronic obstructive pulmonary disease" or COPD. The term is used to describe a disease of lungs caused by airway damage or blockage. COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S.
The most common forms of COPD include chronic bronchitis, emphysema or combination of these conditions. Generally speaking, asthma is not considered a COPD. One reason is people with asthma often have normal or near-normal lung function with treatment or between flare-ups. Even with treatment, the airway obstruction in COPD sufferers is only partially reversible.
While lung cancer and COPD typically describe two different things, they are often related. Most people with lung cancer have COPD, and people with COPD are at a higher risk for developing lung cancer.
In addition to chronic illnesses, there are also acute illnesses that can affect our lungs, such as the flu or pneumonia. Any one of these conditions can take a toll on our health, our quality of life and our longevity. However, there are two tools that we have our side when it comes to maintaining strong lungs: prevention and treatment.
The Path to Lung Health
When it comes to having healthy lungs, a lifestyle that incorporates preventive measures is our best defense. Most respiratory conditions that are unavoidable can at least be managed. When it comes to prevention and treatment of the lung disease, the earlier the better. Of course, the simple steps outlined below can help people of all ages give their lungs a boost.
1) Don't smoke or breathe other people's smoke.
You've heard it time and time again for a reason. Avoiding smoking and smoke-filled environments is the No. 1 thing you can do to protect your lungs. Smoking is a top risk factor for both lung cancer and COPD. In addition to its long-term effects, smoking can also have an immediate and serious impact on our lungs by causing inflammation and irritation, weakening our defense against infection and decreasing our airway flow.
2) Drink those fluids.
Staying hydrated helps thin the mucus in our lungs and other areas of our respiratory system, which ultimately makes it easier for us to breathe. Getting plenty of fluids is especially important when you're battling a cold, sinus problems or the flu.
3) Get vaccinated.
We're lucky to live in an era where vaccines exist to help us avoid getting illnesses like the flu. In addition to the flu vaccine, high risk groups might want to discuss getting a pneumococcal vaccine with their healthcare provider.
4) Manage respiratory illnesses.
Whether it's taking control of your asthma symptoms with preventive medicines or taking care of yourself when you're sick with the flu, you should be your No. 1 advocate. Don't ignore or put off getting help for symptoms of lung disorders. Chronic cough, wheezing and shortness of breath are not a normal part of life.
5) Avoid environmental triggers.
Cigarette smoke isn't the only pollutant that can cause lung troubles. Sometimes, people live or work in places where they're breathing harmful substances that can range from dusts (coal, silica, asbestos or raw cotton) to vapors (metal or chemical fumes). If you cannot avoid these environments, take every precaution possible to limit your exposure to these hazardous substances.
6) Keep moving.
When we exercise, we're training our bodies to perform better, and the improvement extends to increased lung capacity. Even a brisk walk can help. Consult your physician about what exercise plans are best for you, especially if you're dealing with chronic illness or physical limitations of any kind.
7) Talk to your healthcare provider.
Whether you're quitting smoking, unsure about the safety of your work environment, concerned about lung symptoms, unable to get a grip on your asthma or want to work on a new exercise routine, you'll find your healthcare provider is a great resource when it comes to lung health. They can also offer diagnostic tools and treatment plans to help you along the path the lung health.
- As an allergist and pulmonologist, Michael Netzel, MD, treats allergies and lung disorders in people of all ages. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine, Pulmonology, and Allergy/Immunology. His specialties include allergies, asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema, as well as sleep medicine.
