How to Strengthen Weak Lungs Naturally

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How to Cure Weak Lungs: Causes, Symptoms & Prevention

 

Lung health is often overlooked until it advances to a much later stage. HWhile the damage from many chronic lung diseases is often irreversible, their symptoms can be effectively managed, and progression can be slowed. Adopting healthy lifestyle habits and following a prescribed treatment plan are crucial for improving breathing, maintaining function, and enhancing quality of life.

 

Common Signs and Symptoms of Lung Disease

 

Lung damage develops gradually, and many people do not notice the warning signs until it is too late. Here are a few signs and symptoms of lung damage to positively look out for:

 

  • Persistent Cough: This type of cough remains for weeks or months and indicates an underlying disease, typically one that affects the lungs.
  • Shortness of Breath: It is characterised by feeling breathless despite doing minimal physical activity. For example, walking short distances or climbing stairs.
  • Wheezing: A wheezing or whistling sound when breathing is also a sign of narrowed or inflamed airways. It is often found in conditions like COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) or asthma.
  • Frequent Respiratory Infections: When an individual frequently suffers from pneumonia, bronchitis, colds or other lung infections, it can be a sign of weakened lungs.
     

What is the Worst Lung Disease?

 

There is no one worst type of lung disease, as the severity and impact of different lung diseases affect each distinct individual uniquely. Here is a list of some of the rarer lung diseases that affect individuals:

 

  • Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a very uncommon lung disease. The thickening and scarring of lung tissues characterises it. In this condition, an individual finds it very difficult to breathe. It is believed that IPF occurs due to genetic predisposition, ageing, and other environmental pollutants.
  • Pulmonary Hypertension: Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) is a rare form of lung disease that is characterised by high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs. This condition can occur due to genetic factors or exposure to any kind of toxins.
  • Tuberculosis (TB): Tuberculosis refers to a bacterial infection that is spread through the air when an infected person sneezes or coughs. A few symptoms of TB are weight loss, persistent cough and night sweats. Unlike many chronic lung diseases, tuberculosis is preventable and curable with a full course of appropriate antibiotics
  • Bronchiectasis: Bronchiectasis is a lung disease that causes permanent damage and widening of the airways. It leads to a buildup of mucus and prevalent respiratory infections. A few symptoms of bronchiectasis are breathlessness, chronic cough, chest pain and recurrent respiratory infections.
  • Sarcoidosis: It is a rare lung disease that causes inflammation and leads to a clump of cells in various organs, including the lungs. A few symptoms of this condition include fatigue, persistent cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, etc.
     

Lifestyle Measures to Maintain Healthy Lungs

 

Our lungs get damaged over time due to poor lifestyle habits and choices. However, by taking proactive steps, it is possible to prevent long-term damage to the lungs and cure them. Here is a list of some of the lifestyle measures to follow for getting healthy lungs:

 

  • Avoid Exposure to Pollution: In the present time, there is a lot of pollution that makes both outdoor and indoor air unhealthy for the lungs. It is better to keep track of AQI (Air Quality Index) before venturing out. Measuring AQI can help take appropriate measures, like wearing masks to prevent inhalation of pollutants present in the air.

Similarly, ensure proper ventilation in homes and use air purifiers to reduce dust and allergens.

  • Maintain Good Hygiene: Contaminated hands can also spread the infection to the lungs when touching the nose and mouth with them. Hence, it is necessary to use proper sanitation measures to keep them clean.

Furthermore, if infection rates are high, then it is better to practise social distancing from others to avoid the spreading of infection.

  • Exercise Regularly: Exercising regularly works out the heart and lungs faster to carry oxygen to the muscles. This way, both the heart and lungs remain active and healthy, making them stronger and immune to diseases.
  • Get Annual Check-ups: Visiting a healthcare provider regularly is beneficial and helps to prevent diseases from advancing. It is especially true in the case of lung diseases, as they go undetected till they have progressed to a later stage. Make sure to report to your healthcare provider about any breathing problems that you have.
  • Follow a Healthy Diet: Our body uses food as a form of fuel to convert food into energy with the aid of oxygen. This process takes place with the help of the lungs. Hence, it is better to follow a balanced diet which has all the essential nutrients that a body needs.
  • Get Necessary Vaccinations: The respiratory diseases that are infectious spread from person to person, and the best way to prevent getting them is by taking vaccinations. It can preserve the health of the lungs and make the body’s immunity stronger to fight against foreign diseases.

 

If you experience frequent breathing problems or a persistent cough, it is important to seek medical advice from a doctor. Early detection can go a long way in preventing lung diseases and infections.

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