Your lungs are in constant use whether you are awake or sleeping. They are a vital organ in your body and are necessary to maintaining life. Unfortunately, there are many ways your lungs can be damaged over time. Smokers do this on a regular basis by inhaling burned particles and chemicals, and air pollution can also be a significant risk factor. Other items in the air or your home, such as asbestos, can be damaging to your lungs. This can lead to serious health problems that may shorten your life.
Anatomy
The lungs are two inflating sacks that are attached to the trachea. When you inhale, the air you take in fills these sacks by being filtered into the bronchi--two branches off the trachea. These then disperse the air down into bronchioles, which are even smaller vessels that extend out into the lungs in thousands of different directions, ultimately providing air for the bloodstream to pick up.
Function
The most fundamental action lungs play in the body is the intake of oxygen and its introduction into the bloodstream. The bronchioles of the lungs are the pick-up point for blood traveling through the lungs, which then becomes re-oxygenated before being sent off through the arteries and into your body. The cells throughout your body then use the oxygen to produce energy, creating a by-product called carbon dioxide. This is then brought back to the lungs, where it is exhaled out of the body.
Problems
Several problems can develop in the lungs that can damage them and make it harder to breathe. Asthma is a common problem that can develop at any point during a person's life. It causes the airways in the lungs to constrict, making it tougher to get air. This can be treated with an inhaler and sometimes goes away on its own, but there is no known cure. Some sicknesses like pneumonia can cause fluid to build up in the lungs, making it hard to breathe.
Smoking Effects
Smoking cigarettes, tobacco or any other inhaled substance can put your lungs at serious risk. It can cause the buildup of tar and other sediments in the lungs, making it tougher to breathe. Smoking can also cause lung disease and makes you very likely to develop lung cancer. Some individuals end up losing a lung due to cancer or other smoking-related causes. Any doctor will tell you that smoking is the most endangering activity for your lungs and should be avoided to maintain lung health.
Maintain Health
There are many things you can do to keep your lungs healthy and prevent the onset of lung problems and diseases. Exercise provides high workloads and can help keep your lungs strong while also cleaning them out. Avoiding secondhand smoke as well as not smoking yourself can also lead to big improvements in lung health. The AARC also recommends getting annual checkups from your doctor to evaluate your lung health and keep track of any problems.
