Lung health doesn’t always concern us until it comes a time that we experience trouble breathing. We should actually know how to care for the respiratory system and give it the attention it deserves in order to lead a truly healthy life.
Early signs of lung diseases and other respiratory conditions can be usually shrugged off as just being tired, or a part of aging. It is better to be aware of whether your respiratory system is functioning well, or if there is a cause for concern. The following are things that you should check to know if your lungs are healthy:
1. Avoid Smoking
The first thing that you can do to know that your lungs are healthy is by avoiding things that can harm such as smoking. By keeping away from smoking, you are helping your lungs be healthy and remain that way.
2. Exercise
Aside from avoiding smoking, you can also keep healthy lungs by exercising. Doing aerobic exercises helps keep your lungs strong, boosting not only your respiratory health but also your overall fitness.
3. Learn the signs symptoms of lung conditions
Aside from doing some tests at home, you should also be aware of the signs and symptoms of respiratory conditions. Some of these symptoms are the following:
- Breathlessness
- Fatigue
- Persistent cough
If you have these symptoms, especially if they don’t go away after three weeks, then it is best to see a doctor.
4. Home Test for Lung Health
Home test kits for lung health are available for you to test your lung capacity. The most common is called a Peak Flow Meter, a handheld device that helps measure how strong your breath is. By breathing into the end of the device, a meter will show a reading of your peak expiratory flow or PEF. Your Peak Flow Meter may have specific instructions on how to use it, but it is best to actually work with a doctor so that you will be guided on what you need to do.
There’s also another test kit called home spirometer which measures your forced expiratory volume at 1 second or FEV1. If you have asthma or lung diseases, checking for both PFM and FEV1 is best to be done twice a day – before and after taking your medicine. Remember to record the results of your home test kits so that you can show them to your doctor when needed.
5. Taking Pulmonary Function Test in the Hospital or Clinic
Having a healthcare expert conduct a lung function test or a pulmonary function test can help you receive a more thorough testing that can help you be more aware of your lung health. Similar to home testing, you may also be asked to undergo a spirometry, other tests involving your lung strength.
Your lung volume can also be tested, as well as other factors involving lung health such as diffusing capacity test, and exercise testing.
By working with lung health experts, you are able to receive a more comprehensive examination of your lung health, which can then be used to come up with a program or a treatment that can help in improving your lung health even if you do have respiratory disorders.
Maintain your lung health for a holistic life
Those who have respiratory problems know the struggles of not being able to breathe as everybody else does, and it can be debilitating. So if you are fortunate enough to have healthy lungs, it is advisable to keep it that way by avoiding activities that can harm them. Meanwhile, your lungs would definitely appreciate it if you exercise, as well as if you regularly test for lung health to ensure that they are doing well. For a full life, treat your lungs with importance and see a doctor regularly.
