Your lungs assist oxygen transport into your blood and help your body get rid of carbon dioxide, a potentially toxic chemical compound. Gas exchange occurs in your alveoli, which are small, elastic, bud-like sacs at the terminal end of your pulmonary system. Although lungs are adaptable, it's important to minimize your exposure to potentially harmful pollutants, including particulate matter, which could lead to allergies, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer, according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.
Avoid Tobacco Smoke
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, smoking causes cancer, heart disease and lung disease. Tobacco consumption results in about 5 million deaths worldwide each year, and for every person that succumbs from a smoking-related illness, 20 more people struggle with at least one serious smoking-related health concern. The lifespan of smokers is about 13 to 14 years less than nonsmokers. The American Lung Association states that smoking is harmful to your organs, especially your lungs. Chronic lung disease constitutes roughly 73 percent of smoking-related health problems in current smokers. Even in former smokers, 50 percent of smoking-related illnesses involve chronic lung conditions.
Avoid Air Pollutants
One of the most effective ways to have healthy lungs is to minimize, as much as possible, your exposure to indoor and outdoor air pollutants and toxins. The Canadian Lung Association states that exposure to such pollutants can cause the asthma symptoms, headaches and even cardiac events or heart attacks, if you have pre-existing heart and lung conditions. Some of the most lung-damaging outdoor air pollutants include smog, volatile organic compounds, oil-based paint and solvents and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which enter the atmosphere due to the incomplete burning of oil, wood and coal. Common lung-damaging indoor air pollutants include mold spores, paint fumes, radon gas and household cleaners. If you're moving into a new house or apartment, or if you're thinking about renovating your living space, carefully consider the products and items with which you decorate and clean. If you're going to be spending time outside, monitor local smog levels--especially if you're exercising--to help keep your lungs healthy.
Stay Active
The American Lung Association states that cultivating a healthy lifestyle can help you prevent lung diseases, especially chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, or COPD, which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. According to the ALA, in 2010 approximately 12.1 million Americans had COPD. The ALA also notes that health behavior modification, especially where it concerns lifestyle factors such as exercise and diet, is a constructive way to combat the health effects of COPD. A healthful diet, along with the appropriate quantity and type of exercise recommended by your physician, will keep your body functioning at a higher level and will keep your lungs and heart well-oxygenated. This is important for anyone interested in keeping their lungs healthy, not just those suffering from chronic bronchitis or emphysema.
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