According to recent American Lung Association statistics, as many as 1.6 million adult Ohioans and as many as 30 million Americans have some form of chronic lung disease. That’s more than 7 percent of the population, which makes lung disease an incredibly prevalent problem.
But because there are so many forms of the disease, it’s hard to get our arms around just what lung disease means, why and how it affects so many of us, and when it’s wise to see a doctor about it. So we decided to try to answer some of those questions.
Why is lung disease so common and what are some of the main types of lung disease?
Lung diseases are so common because our lungs can be affected by almost anything—from pet dander and everyday dust to air pollution and smoking. There are also many different types of lung disease, including:
- Asthma: A condition in which a person’s airways become inflamed, narrow and swell, and produce extra mucus, which makes it difficult to breathe.
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): A group of lung diseases that block airflow and make it difficult to breathe. These most commonly include:
- Emphysema: A condition in which the air sacs of the lungs are damaged and enlarged, causing breathlessness.
- Chronic Bronchitis: Long-term inflammation of the breathing tubes called bronchi.
In addition to these diseases, an estimated 230,000 Americans are living with lung cancer.
What factors increase your risk for lung disease?
As we noted above, lots of things can harm our lungs. Understanding those factors is critical so we can take appropriate action or change our behavior as needed:
- Smoking: Smoking is by far the leading risk factor for lung disease and lung cancer. The longer you smoke and the more packs a day you smoke, the greater your risk. Small cell lung cancer is a type of lung cancer that occurs almost exclusively in heavy smokers and is less common than non-small cell lung cancer. Having this type of lung cancer will affect treatment decisions.
- Exposure to mold, Asbestos, Radon, and other cancer-causing agents in the workplace
Factors we can’t change include:
- Air pollution: Long-term exposure to air pollutants can affect lung development and increase the chance of developing respiratory diseases.
- Family history: This pertains to Lung Cancer specifically. If you have a family member who had lung cancer, you are as twice as likely to develop cancer as someone without a family history of lung cancer.
What steps should you take to keep your lungs healthy?
- Don’t Smoke: As we know, cigarette smoking is the major cause of lung cancer and COPD. If you smoke, it’s never too late to benefit from quitting.
- Prevent Infection: A cold or other respiratory infection can sometimes become very serious. Wash your hands, practice good oral hygiene,
- Minimize Exposure to Indoor and Outdoor Air Pollutants: Be sure to keep your home clean dusting, vacuuming, and washing bedding frequently.
As for outdoor air pollutants, avoid prolonged exposure and minimize outdoor activity when you know the air quality is low. - Exercise: Physical activity, regardless of your background, can help keep your lungs healthy.
- Get Regular Check-ups: It’s important to get regular check-ups since lung disease sometimes goes undetected until it’s serious.
Foods that are good for your lungs:
Eating a well-balanced, nutritious diet is an excellent way to care for your lungs in general. Here are some food groups for lung health that you can start eating right away:
- Peppers: Red bell peppers and chili peppers are high in vitamin C, an important antioxidant that promotes lung health and reduces inflammation.
- Leafy Greens: Leafy green vegetables, such as kale and spinach, contain a variety of antioxidants like vitamin C and carotenoids that aid in the fight against inflammation.
- Legumes: Fiber is abundant in legumes such as beans, peas, and lentils. Consuming dietary fiber has been shown in studies to improve lung function.
- Berries: Anthocyanins are abundant in dark-colored berries such as blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries. Anthocyanins have numerous advantages, including the ability to reduce mucus and inflammation in the lungs and the potential to slow age-related declines in lung function.
When should we go to see a health care provider?
The best way to know if your lungs are functioning properly is to check in with your doctor. Discuss and be honest about any symptoms you may have, including:
- Trouble breathing/shortness of breath
- Feeling like you’re not getting enough air
- Decreased ability to exercise
- A cough that won’t go away
- Coughing up blood or mucus
- Pain or discomfort when breathing in or out
With greater awareness and a better understanding of lung disease, we’re better prepared to see and respond to it. And responsiveness is key. Over the past five years, the lung cancer survival rate has increased by 14% according to the American Lung Association. So if you have symptoms or notice a change in your breathing, don’t ignore them. See your doctor right away. With a good bill of health and an action plan for better lung maintenance, you can breathe easier today, tomorrow, and beyond.
Mount Carmel has a quick-and-easy online assessment to help determine your lung cancer risk. Click here and take action today!