5 preventive measures to take against chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a condition that afflicts many people around the world. It is an inflammatory lung disease that can affect anybody and is characterized by an obstruction of the air flow through the lungs. The term COPD is used to describe a plethora of lung issues that include chronic bronchitis, refractory asthma and emphysema. The disease is progressive and there is no treatment that can cure the same. However, it can be managed well to ensure that the symptoms affects one’s lifestyle to the least.
The disease can be prevented successfully by undertaking certain measures to protect one’s lung health. They majorly include lifestyle changes that enable avoiding the factors which contribute to the development of the condition. Here are some habits that must be used to keep the lungs healthy:
- Avoid/Quit smoking
Smoking is reported to be the leading cause of chronic obtrusive pulmonary disease. For smokers, the first thing to do is to quit smoking as the activity can immediately begin damaging the organ. The addiction may make it extremely difficult for one to quit, however, it is necessary. One may seek the help of a doctor as there are various kinds of medications and smoking programs which can work well. - Keep away from passive smoking
People are often exposed to secondhand smoke within their homes or public places. Passively inhaling smoking can add to the risk of developing COPD. Many deaths due to smoking are actually a result of passive smoking. Thus, one must avoid the inhalation of smoke in closed rooms and public places. - Avoid breathing polluted air
Polluted air contributes majorly as a cause of lung diseases. In third world countries, people who inhale the smoke from wood fires in the home are at a huge risk of developing the condition. In the more developed nations, smoke from unventilated wood stoves and even biomass can lead to COPD. One must avoid breathing such polluted air by checking on the daily air quality or using a face mask. - Keep away from occupational exposure
People who work at mines and factories must take enough precautions to keep away from exposure to harmful elements. Miners who are constantly exposed to gold and cadmium are at a higher risk. Even individuals who work in the presence of concrete dust, chemical fumes, cotton and grain dusts are found to contribute to a big percentage of lung infection cases. - Understand family history
Certain genetic components are found to increase one’s risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The family history may lead to one being diagnosed with the condition earlier and at a more severe level.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a serious condition and it is imperative to take measures to prevent the same. In the case one thinks that they are at the risk of suffering from the lung disease, it is best to consult the doctor who will aid in taking serious, appropriate measures for lung care.
