Strengthen lungs at home with these tips

People often overlook keeping their lungs whole and well. Since the start of the pandemic, more individuals have been trying to take better care of themselves. Boosting the immune system and improving lung capacity have become a priority. Dr. Lisa M. Cannon shares on this post the best ways to keep lungs strong and healthy.

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Avoid smoking. It has long been established that smoking increases a person’s risk of having respiratory problems such as asthma, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, COPD, and lung cancer. Exercise is integral in keeping the lungs in tip-top shape. Regular workout ensures that the heart is strong and the lungs are healthy. Having strong lungs helps a person’s body hold out against aging and sickness.

Check your posture in order to give the lungs enough space. Sitting tall and trying to reach above the head ensure the lungs are given room. The lungs have a mucosal lining that should be kept thin for the lungs to perform effectively. Stay hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day. Laugh more to engage the abdominal muscles and improve lung capacity. According to pulmonologist Dr. Lisa M. Cannon, laughing removes stale air from the body, which permits fresh air to fill the parts of the lungs.

During these times, it is best to stay home to avoid air pollutants and viruses. With more industries reopening, it can be tempting to go out and enjoy a little bit of freedom. However, only go to public areas when it is necessary, and avoid staying out of the house too long to reduce the risk of catching the virus.

Dr. Lisa M. Cannon earned her medical degree from New York College of Medicine and her fellowship in pulmonary disease, critical care, and sleep medicine from Mount Sinai Hospital. Get quick updates from Dr. Lisa M. Cannon by following her on Twitter.

Increase lung capacity in five ways

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Individuals who suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), interstitial lung disease, and pulmonary fibrosis often have difficulty in breathing. The fear of experiencing a flare-up may hinder them from living their best lives. In this blog, Dr. Lisa M. Cannon shares a few tips to increase lung capacity.

Proper exercise helps in increasing lung capacity. While it may seem counterintuitive to work out with COPD, getting the muscles in shape can improve breathing. Toned and strong muscles use energy efficiently. Breathing exercises such as pursed-lip breathing and diaphragmatic breathing help improve the use of proper muscles when breathing.

Keep the house clean. The air quality at home must be a priority, as it can be more polluted than the air outside. Houses and offices should be cleaned regularly to reduce allergens inside.

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Eat smaller meals throughout the day. Doing this can lessen the chances of experiencing COPD symptoms, as eating large meals at a time can cause one’s stomach to bloat, thus pressing the lungs, keeping them from expanding to the fullest, and resulting in shortness of breath. When medical professionals say that smoking kills, we better believe it. Also, quit smoking and avoid second-hand smoke. Such environmental irritants make the lungs weak.

Dr. Lisa M. Cannon encourages individuals to get vaccinations for flu and pneumonia to help avoid contracting lung infections. In keeping the lungs healthy, one must be proactive; prevention is always better than cure. Improved breathing can help one experience better overall health.

Dr. Lisa M. Cannon is a board-certified specialist in pulmonary disease, critical care, and internal medicine. To continue giving her patients the best service, she completed her Master’s in Public Health from the NYU Wagner School of Public Service. Subscribe to this blog for similar reads.