In addition to helping you breathe in and out, your lungs are responsible for filtering pollutants out of the air you breathe as well as regulating air to its proper body temperature. A person's lungs help him to breathe 30 pounds of air per day, according to the American Thoracic Society. For this reason, it's important to take good care of your lungs so they will keep you breathing well for years to come.
Step 1
Dust your home and office regularly. Inhaling excessive amounts of dust and having too much dust in your environment can cause your lungs to work overtime to rid the dust from the air you breathe. By taking steps to clean your environments, you can keep your lungs healthy and free of dust.
Step 2
Utilize a humidifier if the air in your home seems too dry. This is especially true for those who live in more arid climates, such as the southwestern United States. A humidifier helps introduce moisture into the hair, which can open up the lungs and improve lung function.
Step 3
Cover your mouth and/or nose with a protective mask whenever you may be exposed to harmful items that could be inhaled, such as chemicals, medications or other toxins.
Step 4
Get tested for tuberculosis, a harmful respiratory infection that can be highly contagious. This test can be performed at most health clinics or doctor's offices. The sooner a person has been diagnosed, the sooner treatment can begin.
Step 5
Practice infection control measures, such as covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze and frequently washing your hands. These efforts can keep harmful materials, such as bacteria and viruses, from entering your lungs and causing disease.
Step 6
Get regular checkups with your physician so he can test your lung function. If you observe any lung difficulties, such as a cough that won't go away, wheezing, congestion, coughing up blood or trouble breathing, notify your physician.
