Every breath of fresh air, while taking a short walk in a park or taking an exhilarating hike in the mountains, is a simple pleasure that is often taken for granted. Your lungs work tirelessly to ensure that every breath you take is full of “life force”, allowing the body to feel energized. However, in our fast-paced lives, we often overlook the importance of clean air until this very act of breathing becomes a daily struggle. Colonel (Dr) MP Cariappa, Public Health Specialist and Advisor to Tata Trusts shares his contributions to understanding chronic lung diseases. He is also affiliated with Vijayavahini Charitable Foundation (VCF) and Collectives for Integrated Livelihood Initiatives (CINI).
The first signs of distress
Taking care of your lung health goes beyond simply avoiding infections; it is more about improving overall quality of life and working towards health and well-being. Shortness of breath or unexplained fatigue may be indicators of underlying problems. A persistent cough that lasts more than two weeks, especially if accompanied by mucus or blood, requires immediate medical attention. Don’t dismiss them lightly. Recognizing the subtle signs that indicate that the lungs may be under attack is essential to making an early diagnosis and initiating timely treatment.
Lung diseases are diverse.ranging from chronic disorders to acute infections. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive, irreversible condition that impairs airflow and is often the result of prolonged exposure to harmful substances from tobacco smoke and air pollution. Asthma and bronchitis involve inflammation and narrowing of the airways, causing wheezing and difficulty breathing. Pneumonia causes fluid to build up in the lungs. Cystic fibrosis and pulmonary fibrosis are genetic conditions that cause mucus buildup and lung scarring, respectively. Infections such as COVID-19 and influenza can cause serious breathing problems, while tuberculosis (TB) can form cavities in lung tissue. Lung cancer is also a common public health problem in India, where it has an annual incidence of 5.8%.
Comorbidities complicate existing conditions.
lung diseases They often occur along with other health problems or comorbidities. Chronic health problems, particularly cardiovascular disease, become more common as people age. Lung diseases intersect with conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, depression and sleep disorders, affecting patients’ health and complicating treatment.
Patients with COPD often has a significantly higher rate. prevalence of cardiovascular comorbidities, with heart disease occurring in 14-33% of cases. COPD frequently coexists with diabetes, osteoporosis, depression and sleep disorders, which further complicates its treatment. In older adults, asthma is exacerbated by chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity, leading to worsening lung function and an elevated risk of hypertension. Tuberculosis, with its pulmonary and extrapulmonary manifestations, and disorders such as bronchitis are also commonly associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease, hypertension, and diabetes.
COVID-19 exacerbated the problems, leaving many survivors with long-lasting respiratory problems, and a study by Christian Medical College Vellore highlights that Indians reported greater decline in lung function and comorbidities (which commonly included diabetes, hypertension and chronic kidney disease) than those in regions such as Europe and China. .
Understanding the intricate relationship between lung diseases and comorbidities is key to improving health outcomes. While health systems largely focus on individual diseases, it is essential to move towards a more integrated approach to health management.
Simple Steps to Protect Long-Term Lung Health
Taking proactive steps to care for your lungs is not just about addressing problems when they arise, through proper medical care, but also about preventing them in the first place.
Quit smoking: It is one of the simplest but most effective changes you can make in your life. Avoiding passive smoking (that is, exposure to second- or third-hand tobacco) is equally important. Vaporizers and e-cigarettes are just as bad as tobacco when it comes to causing lung damage and should be strictly avoided to promote lung health.
Minimize exposure to air pollutants (air pollution, industrial emissions, and household pollutants): Using air purifiers whenever necessary, avoiding heavy traffic, urban reforestation, and advocating for cleaner air policies can help minimize exposure to lung-damaging pollutants. Maintaining indoor air quality by ensuring good ventilation in homes and workplaces is essential.
Make healthy lifestyle choices: You can safeguard your health by choosing to exercise regularly and consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and lean proteins.
Practice respiratory hygiene: Regular handwashing, wearing masks whenever necessary indoors, and practicing cough etiquette can minimize the spread of infectious respiratory diseases like influenza and pneumonia. Regular vaccinations can also provide protection against these diseases.
Periodic health checkups and exams: They can help in the early detection of lung diseases, thus facilitating timely intervention and treatment. High-risk people, such as smokers and those with a family history of lung diseases, should undergo regular screening.
Timely initiation and completion of full treatment for infections such as tuberculosis and pneumonia are essential to prevent long-term damage to the lungs. Compliance with medication regimens and completion of antibiotic courses are crucial in the treatment of infectious respiratory diseases. Avoid self-medication. Vaccines against diseases such as influenza and pneumonia provide much-needed protection against respiratory infections.
Simple lifestyle changes, vigilance for early signs of poor health, and a proactive approach to personal health and well-being can make all the difference for you. Keep your lungs healthy and strong – help them stay healthy.
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