How to Keep Your Lungs Disease Free

Emphysema and chronic bronchitis — illnesses that limit how much air you can breathe — are known together as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Asthma and sleep disorders are also contributors. Though largely preventable, COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S.

What Causes COPD?
Long-term smoking is largely to blame for the disease. Other factors that increase risk include:
  • Breathing in secondhand smoke
  • Family history of the disease
  • Frequent, prolonged exposure to certain types of dust and chemicals
  • History of childhood respiratory infections
Lifestyle May Keep Lungs Healthy
The most important step toward preventing COPD is to avoid smoking. Experts say certain foods may also help you avoid this disease. For example, a diet high in fruits — particularly apples and pears — may lower the risk of COPD. Other foods that may offer protection include whole grains and fish. The following strategies may also ward off COPD:
  • Check with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for daily ozone levels across the U.S.
  • Exercise regularly to strengthen your lungs; aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity on most, if not all, days of the week
  • Limit exposure to polluted air: On high pollution days, stay indoors as much as you can, and confine outside activity to early morning or after sunset, when pollution levels are typically lower
  • Steer clear of secondhand smoke
  • Wear a protective mask over your nose and mouth when working around large amounts of dust or when using paint, paint remover, varnish or any other chemical with strong fumes

Simple Testing Can Provide Early Detection
Early discovery of a breathing problem can prevent COPD from progressing to the point where it seriously interferes with your life. A simple, painless test called spirometry can tell whether your breathing is normal. The test uses a device called a spirometer to measure how much air the lungs can hold and how well the respiratory system is able to move air into and out of the lungs.

Through routine spirometry, lung diseases can often be diagnosed in the early stages when treatment is most effective. Once a lung disease is diagnosed and treated, routine spirometry tests can monitor changes in lung functions with specific treatment. This will help your doctor find the best treatment plan for you.

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For More Information
For more information about heart and vascular care at Sharp or to find a Sharp-affiliated doctor, search for a San Diego cardiologist or call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277), Monday through Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. To find general information about heart and vascular care, visit Cardiovascular Diseases in Adult Health or read the Heart and Cardiovascular News archive.