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The lungs are one of the most important organs in the body, and keeping them healthy is essential for overall well-being. Healthy lungs prevent issues like shortness of breath and allow you to perform daily activities without fatigue. In today's world, where pollution, smoking, and respiratory diseases are prevalent, it is crucial to take extra care of your lungs. Some simple lifestyle habits can go a long way, such as avoiding smoking, steering clear of secondhand smoke, and limiting exposure to harmful pollutants.

Regular physical exercise is another key to maintaining healthy lungs, as it improves lung capacity, strengthens respiratory muscles, and allows your lungs to function more efficiently. Adding breathing exercises to your routine can also help clear mucus and toxins from your airways, promoting better lung function.

In addition, a healthy and balanced diet rich in antioxidants supports lung health by fighting inflammation and protecting against damage. Understanding how to keep your lungs healthy is important in reducing the risk of serious conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer. In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr. Mayank Saxena, Additional Director of Pulmonology at Fortis Hospital in Noida, discussed essential habits for maintaining optimal lung function.

According to Dr. Mayank, lungs are vital organs that facilitate the transfer of oxygen and the removal of carbon dioxide from the body. The lungs consist of breathing tubes called the windpipe (trachea) and bronchioles, along with filtering sacs (alveoli). These sensitive structures are prone to damage from infections, pollution, chemical exposures, and diseases.

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Since lung function is primarily related to breathing, symptoms of lung diseases can include coughing, difficulty breathing, sputum production, blood in the sputum, and wheezing. Dr. Mayank advises that anyone experiencing these symptoms should not delay seeking medical attention for diagnosis and proper treatment.

Dr. Mayank Recommends The Following To keep lungs healthy

Quit Smoking: Smoking is one of the most harmful habits, as it increases the risk of diseases like asthma, COPD, emphysema, and lung cancer. Even passive smoking or third-hand smoke can be equally harmful. Quitting all forms of smoking (cigarettes, hookah, e-cigarettes) is essential for lung health.

Breathing Exercises: Staying active and practicing deep breathing exercises like yoga, pranayama, and anulom vilom helps keep the lungs inflated and improves oxygenation. Spirometer exercises are only necessary for specific conditions, like lung collapse, and are not generally recommended for healthy individuals.

Avoid Pollution: Air pollution is a growing issue. People exposed to pollution are more prone to lung diseases like asthma, COPD, and lung cancer. Using N95 masks and HEPA filter-based air purifiers is highly recommended when the air quality index (AQI) exceeds 200.

Avoid Unproven Home Remedies: Regular steam inhalation can be harmful if overdone. Inhaling steam for prolonged periods or adding substances like turmeric can irritate the lungs and worsen bronchitis. Overuse of steam inhalation should be avoided.

Avoid Self-Medication: Using nebulizers or antibiotics without a prescription can make infections more resistant. Always consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment, and avoid self-medicating.

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Maintain Healthy Habits: Staying hydrated, eating antioxidant-rich fruits, maintaining a balanced diet, and engaging in regular exercise are all crucial for overall health, including lung health.