1. Put Out That Cigarette
Don't smoke. If you do smoke, stop now. Although there's no way to reverse the damage you have already done to your lungs, you will go a long way toward slowing down deterioration lung. Smoking is the number one cause of emphysema. Smoke from cigarettes interferes with the movement of the cilia in your bronchial tubes. When the cilia can't move, they are unable to sweep out the irritants you breath. If you don't smoke, your chances of getting emphysema go down dramatically. Although a few people develop emphysema because of a genetic protein deficiency, this is extremely rare.
2. Stay Away From Second-hand Smoke
Take good care of your lungs. Avoid second-hand smoke. Convince your partner to stop smoking. Even if you never smoke, you can still develop emphysema or even lung cancer from years of exposure to second hand smoke. Protect the health of your lungs by limiting your exposure to chemical fumes in the workplace. The risk of developing emphysema increases if you already smoke and are around toxic fumes. The same is true for being outside when pollution is particularly bad, If you have asthma and spend a lot in places with heavy second hand smoke or chemical irritants, you also have a greater chance of developing emphysema.
3. Pump It Up
Get plenty of regular exercise for overall good health and to increase lung capacity. Doctors say walking and swimming are the two best exercises for patients already diagnosed with emphysema, buy you should check with your health care provider before beginning an exercise program. You can also look into respiratory rehabilitation programs available through many hospitals and clinics. Respiratory therapists who run these programs can also instruct you in correct breathing exercises.
4. Nutrition Plays a Role
Improve your diet, and take nutritional supplements if you develop emphysema. Many doctors say emphysema depletes the body of vitamins A and C. They also say smoking or exposure to second hand smoke can cause a deficiency of antioxidants, which can be found in fruits and vegetables.
5. Take Care of Yourself
If you continue to smoke or if you develop emphysema, you will need to double your other efforts at staying healthy. Stay away from people with colds, flu and other respiratory illnesses. If you get a cold or the flu, see your doctor for treatment. Ask him about getting an annual flu shot. There is also an injection available to help prevent pneumonia, although it can only be given twice in your lifetime. You will need to think carefully about elective surgery if you have emphysema. Anesthesia can sometimes cause respiratory failure in these patients.
