"Maintain Lung Health with These Expert Tips"

 Breathe Easier: Expert Tips to Maintain Lung Health 

Lungs are the engine of life, but they often go unnoticed until something goes wrong. Smoking and  secondhand smoke remain the leading causes of preventable deaths in the United States, claiming more than 480,000 lives each year. Meanwhile, the use of e-cigarettes, which appear safer, is skyrocketing, especially among younger generations. More than 2.5 million high school students are reported to be using e-cigarettes, according to the 2022 National Youth Tobacco Survey,  a trend that has serious implications for future lung health. As we celebrate Lung Cancer Awareness Month this November, this is a timely reminder to pause, reflect, and consider how we can better protect and maintain our lung health with every breath we take. 

Vaping vs. Smoking: Understanding the Risks 

We've known for years that smoking increases mortality and causes serious diseases, including cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and coronary heart disease. But e-cigarettes, which are considered a safer alternative, pose new health risks. Dr. Mejia explained that e-cigarettes are often marketed to young people and can quickly lead to  nicotine addiction. "One e-cigarette can contain the same amount of nicotine as one pack of cigarettes," she noted, explaining that addiction can develop faster than expected. This addiction may not only increase the likelihood of smoking traditional cigarettes, but  also increase the risk of developing an addiction to other substances in the future. 

A recent study from Schmidt School of Medicine  tracked the use of e-cigarettes among teenagers and found that daily use tripled from 2015 to 2019. Although there has been a slight decrease due to pandemic restrictions, the numbers remain high, especially among teenagers, with young women leading the way in daily consumption rates.   "As we center around counteraction, it is vital to remember these patterns, particularly as we are just barely starting to see the drawn out impacts of e-cigarettes," underscored Dr. Mejia.

• Make the decision to quit smoking: 

you smoke traditional cigarettes or e-cigarettes, quitting smoking is the best choice for your lungs. It's not easy, but it's worth it. Combining behavioral therapy with nicotine replacement products like patches or chewing gum  can increase your chances of success. "Even if you've tried before, keep going," encourages Dr. Mejia.

•  Exercise regularly:

 Activities like walking, swimming, running, and cycling strengthen your respiratory system by increasing lung capacity and improving blood flow. Even simple breathing exercises can increase lung strength and reduce stress. 

•  Eat for your lungs: 

What you eat has a direct impact on your respiratory health. A diet rich in antioxidants, such as those found in berries, spinach and nuts, may help reduce pneumonia. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish such as salmon, support lung function and reduce inflammation .Drinking enough alcohol is equally important.   

•  Optimize indoor air quality: 

Indoor air quality  is often ignored, but it is crucial for respiratory health. Dust, mold, and even household chemicals can build up over time and irritate the lungs . Dr. Mejia suggests utilizing an air purifier with a HEPA channel, ventilating the home habitually, and testing for radon, an unscented gas that is the main source of cellular breakdown in the lungs in nonsmokers.

Latest Research on Lung Health  at Schmidt School of Medicine

 "By contacting individuals early, particularly those at high gamble, we have a genuine chance to change their way of behaving and energize better decisions," made sense of Dr. Mejia. The university's efforts go beyond research and include partnering with local health organizations to provide accessible counseling, support groups and customized lung health education programs. 

Illustration of a human body with lungs 

 Why early detection is important

 Lung diseases, including cancer, are difficult to treat because they often progress slowly and do not show symptoms until they are in an advanced stage. "Early detection is key," said Dr. Mejia, who strongly advocated for regular testing for people at high risk. For lung cancer, low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans are particularly effective and are recommended for people between the ages of 50 and 80 with a significant smoking history (e.g., one pack per day for 20 years). “Screening doesn’t just make a diagnosis; it’s also a critical opportunity to identify potential problems at an earlier, more treatable stage,” explained Dr. Mejia. For those at high risk, these tests  make a big difference and often save lives by spotting the disease before symptoms appear. 

It’s not enough to mention lung health once a year. On this occasion of celebrating Lung Cancer Awareness Month, pause to  reflect on your habits and think about what you can do  to protect and strengthen your lungs. Quit smoking.  Keep away from e-cigarettes as they are not a protected other option. Work-out consistently.

   Get tried in the event that you are in a gamble bunch. Dr. Mejia trusts that this month every one of us will be motivated and understand that even little advances can lastingly affect our wellbeing. "The step we take today can change the eventual fate of our lung wellbeing," she said, advising us that positive decisions have the ability to have an effect.  

With every deep breath, we are reminded of how much control we have over our  health. One breath at a time, we can create a healthier future for ourselves and  those we care about. So let every breath be a promise to ourselves, a promise to cherish this important gift that keeps us alive every day. MORE