The pollutant particles in the air cause lung diseases such as asthma, COPD, and lung cancer. Every year, millions of people worldwide are affected by these conditions.

Prioritizing lung health aids in reducing the risk of developing respiratory issues. Therefore, this year 2024, World Lung Day is focusing on “Clean Air and Healthy Lungs for All”, highlighting the importance of reducing air pollution and promoting respiratory health.

How Does Pollution Affect Lung Health?

Air pollution consists of harmful substances such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and carbon monoxide (CO) that can harm the lungs and lead to serious respiratory conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In addition, there are two common types of air pollutants in the air that are harmful to people even if they do not have lung disease.

• Ground-level ozone smog (Formed by a chemical reaction)

• Fine particulate matter (By-product of combustion)

Both types of pollutants can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause serious health issues. Here are some effective ways that help individuals reduce exposure to air pollutants:

Quit Smoking:

People who smoke are at risk of respiratory problems like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer. According to one study from 2019 shows that 384 million people suffer from COPD and 3 million dies from it each year. Quitting smoking can reduce the chance of COPD and other respiratory problems. In addition, quitting smoking is not only beneficial for one it is also helpful for vulnerable individuals. If you struggle to quit smoking consult a healthcare professional for guidance.

Practice Good Hygiene:

Wash your hands frequently and for a minimum of 20 seconds to prevent infections. Wearing a mask and maintaining social distance can help prevent the spread of airborne infections.

Try Breathing Exercise:

Breathing exercise is one of the unavoidable if you want to improve your respiratory health. Studies show that practicing breathing exercises regularly for 15 – 20 minutes can help you cope with breathing difficulties when they arise.

Breathing exercises such as deep breathing, pursed lip breathing, and belly breathing are simple and easy to do.

Avoid Exposure to Air Pollutants:

The quality of air significantly influences lung health. Sometimes, the air we breathe, whether inside or outside, can be harmful to our health. So, it is better to avoid spending long hours in the outside. Also, individuals can control indoor pollutants by restricting their exposure to fuel-burning appliances, such as water heaters, furnaces, and cooking stoves, second-hand smoke.

Get Vaccine:

Getting a vaccine is the best defence against contagious respiratory illnesses like the flu, COVID-19, pneumococcal pneumonia, and RSV. People with lung problems should prioritize getting a vaccine since it can help them avoid major illnesses.

In conclusion, people who are vulnerable to respiratory conditions such as children, and elderly people are encouraged to take precautions against air pollutants to improve their respiratory health and overall well-being. Identifying respiratory health issues earlier can help to prevent serious complications. On this World Lung Day, let us use this as an opportunity to raise awareness of the prevalence of illnesses including tuberculosis, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and Asthma. In addition, consult a healthcare provider regularly for a check-up helps prevent illness.

Breathing problems can be a distressing and sometimes debilitating issue that affects millions of people worldwide. From asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to anxiety-induced breathing difficulties, these conditions can significantly impact one's quality of life. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and management strategies is crucial for those experiencing such challenges.

Common Causes of Breathing Problems

Numerous variables, such as underlying medical issues, environmental triggers, and lifestyle decisions, might contribute to breathing difficulties. For example, asthma is a long-term respiratory disease that causes inflammation and airway constriction, which often results in wheezing, coughing, and dyspnea. On the other hand, chronic exposure to irritants like cigarette smoke and air pollution may cause COPD, which impairs breathing and limits airflow.

Exposure to environmental variables, including pollution, allergens, and respiratory infections, may aggravate respiratory conditions and precipitate symptoms in sensitive people. To complicate matters further, anxiety and panic disorders may also cause symptoms such as hyperventilation, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.

Recognizing Symptoms of Breathing Problems

Recognizing the signs of breathing issues is essential for prompt treatment and action. 

Typical indicators consist of:

• Breathlessness, particularly while exercising
• Breathing while wheezing or making a whistling sound
• Soreness or tightness in the chest
• Persistent cough that often produces mucus
• Shallow or rapid breathing
• In extreme instances, bluish discolouration of the fingernails or lips

It's crucial to remember that symptoms might change based on personal characteristics and the underlying reason. Getting evaluated by a doctor is necessary to ensure a proper diagnosis and course of therapy.

Management Strategies for Breathing Problems

A comprehensive strategy is needed to manage breathing issues, with the goals of treating underlying causes, lessening the intensity of symptoms, and enhancing lung function in general. Here are a few successful tactics:

Medication:

To treat symptoms and lessen airway inflammation, doctors may recommend bronchodilators, corticosteroids, or other drugs, depending on the diagnosis. Following recommended protocols is essential for the best possible results from therapy.

Lifestyle Changes:

Leading a wholesome lifestyle has a big influence on respiratory health. The incidence and severity of respiratory problems may be decreased by abstaining from tobacco use, limiting exposure to irritants and pollutants, and eating a balanced diet.

Breathing Methods:

Breathing exercises including diaphragmatic breathing and pursed lips help increase oxygen exchange, lessen dyspnea, and strengthen lung function. Those with asthma and COPD will especially benefit from these strategies.

Physical Activity:

Engaging in regular exercise helps build lung capacity, strengthen respiratory muscles, and improve cardiovascular health. Walking, swimming, and cycling are a few exercises that might aid people with their respiratory issues.

Stress management:

Practicing relaxation methods like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises help increase tranquility and reduce symptoms, since stress and worry can worsen breathing issues.

Medical Monitoring:

To track the course of an illness, modify treatment plans as necessary, and quickly address any concerns or new symptoms, it is important to schedule routine follow-up consultations with healthcare experts.

Getting Expert Assistance

Although self-care techniques have their advantages, anyone with chronic or severe breathing issues should visit a doctor right once. A doctor may carry out a comprehensive assessment, diagnostic procedures, and create a customized treatment plan based on the requirements of the patient.

Breathing problems that are disregarded or ignored may result in lung infections, respiratory failure, and a worse quality of life. The key to reducing the effects of breathing issues and optimizing respiratory health is early intervention and proactive treatment.

In conclusion, breathing problems can significantly impact daily life, but with proper understanding and management, individuals can effectively cope with these challenges. By addressing underlying causes, adopting healthy lifestyle habits, and seeking appropriate medical care, individuals can breathe easier and enjoy an improved quality of life. Remember, you're not alone in facing breathing difficulties, and help is available to support you on your journey to better respiratory health.

Reference:

https://www.lung.org/

https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/

• Breathing difficulties
• Wheezing
• Tightness in the chest
• A chronic cough
• Frequent lung infections
• Lack of energy
• Weight loss
  
• Swelling in the ankles, feet, or leg
  

Complications

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease that makes it difficult to breathe and has been linked to heart disease, lung cancer, hypertension in the pulmonary arteries, and even depression.

When should I consult a doctor?

Find immediate medical attention if you find that you are unable to take a breath, if you see that your lips or the beds of your fingernails have turned dark blue (cyanosis), if your heartbeat is fast, or if you feel hazy and have struggles concentrating.

Diagnosis
Pulmonologists are the best choice to diagnose COPD. The diagnosis process starts with:

Past medical report

By inquiring about habits such as smoking as well as their lifestyle (i.e., if you are exposed to secondhand smoke, air pollution, dust, and pollutants daily).

In addition, the pulmonologist may recommend tests like:

• Spirometry – Examine your lung performance
• Chest x-ray
  
• Arterial blood gas test – Measures the oxygen level in the blood
  
• Computed Tomography (CT) of lung

Treatment for COPD

The Pulmonologist prescribes bronchodilators based on the severity of the condition, which should be taken using inhalers. Bronchodilators, antibiotics, inhaled steroids, and oral steroids are all types of medication that can be used to treat respiratory conditions. Bronchodilators work by relaxing the muscles around the airways, while antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections. Inhaled and oral steroids can help reduce inflammation in the airways, making it easier to breathe. In case your condition is extremely severe, your doctor may recommend oxygen therapy and a pulmonary rehabilitation programme. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary, and this may involve a lung transplant.

COPD is a disease that is commonly associated with identifiable risk factors and established preventive measures. In addition, there exist techniques that can impede the advancement of the illness. The leading cause of COPD is cigarette smoking. Reducing or quitting smoking is considered the most efficient approach to prevent COPD, particularly if you are still a smoker.

Here are three methods you can take to prevent COPD-related complications:

• To reduce your risk of heart disease and lung cancer, stop smoking.

• Get vaccinated annually against influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia to reduce your risk or prevent certain infections.

• Consult a doctor if you feel helpless or think that you may be experiencing depression. 

• When you have trouble breathing while carrying out mild routine activities than before.
• Breathlessness accompanied by swelling of legs and foot, which is indicative of pulmonary Edema.
• Chronic uncontrolled asthma with unidentifiable triggers.
• Persistent coughing does not seem to get better even after consulting a general physician. Long-term persistent cough can arise due to respiratory infections or even due to cancer. 
• Long-term smokers.
• Tightness in chest.
• Wheezing. 
  
• Frequent bouts of cold. 

What can be expected during the visits to a pulmonologist clinic? 

• Usually following tests are carried out by pulmonologists to diagnose the problem: 
• Blood tests
• Bronchoscopy - A tube with a camera at the tip passed inside to have a closer look at lung and airways
• X-Rays 
• CT scan
• Spirometry - The test that measures the breath inhaled and exhaled. 

The above-mentioned symptoms are the first signs indicative of issues concerned with the respiratory tract, such as lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, etc...What can start off as a minor cold can turn into a nagging infection with persistent cough and lead to a life-threatening situation.

As the saying goes “Every breath, every minute is a gift from our lungs,” which very well explains how important it is to have a healthy lung which will determine the overall health. The most common underlying reasons for lung dysfunction include smoking, genetics, and infection. Lungs are a complex apparatus, that is continuously expanding to accommodate oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide. Therefore, a lung disease can pave the way to major health issues in the overall system.

Hence, it is advised, not to neglect any early warning signs indicative of lung disease, and to seek pulmonologists’ help at the earliest before it turns into a life-threatening situation.