Save Your Breath
By admin | July 21, 2007
Five afflictions of the lungs, and how to avoid them.
Your lungs might not be front and centre on your list of health concerns. But they should be. If your lungs aren’t working properly, neither will the rest of your body. Here’s a look at the problems that can lurk inside your lungs, and how to avoid them.
ASTHMA
What it is: Overly sensitive chemical receptors in the bronchi are activated by allergies, exercise or stress, causing inflammation, muscle contractions and excess mucus.
Key Signs: Breathing trouble, heavy coughing at night, and waking up with shortness of breath.
Strike Back: A recent study showed that taking 1grm of fish oil 20 times a day boosted lung function by 64 percent in people with exercise-induced asthma. Try starting with a 1grn daily dose.
BRONCHITIS
What it is: Bacterial or viral infection of the bron¬chial tubes leading to inflammation, mucus and a painful cough. Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, smoking and occupational hazards can increase your risk of bronchitis.
Key Signs: Greenish mucus and wheezing.
Strike Back: Steam helps clear mucus. Turn on your shower as hot as it can go, close the bathroom door, sit in the steam for 20 minutes.
PNEUMONIA
What it is: An infection caused by an inhaled bacterium, fungus or virus that causes the alveoli to fill with pus and fluid.
Key Signs: Flu-like symptoms along with’ wheezing, rapid breathing and chest pains.
Strike Back: Having your kids vaccinated against pneumonia can lower your risk too.
LUNG CANCER
What it is: Non-small-cell lung cancer spreads at a slower rate than small-cell lung cancer, which is almost always caused by smoking.
Key Signs: A persistent cough, shortness of breath and clubbed fingernails with rounded nail beds.
Strike Back: Sip wine. A study found that one-glass-a-day red-wine drinkers were 13 per cent less likely to develop lung cancer.
PULMONARY HYPERTENSION
What it is: Hypertension narrows the pipelines between your heart and lungs, causing blood-oxygen levels to drop.
Key Signs: Fatigue and shortness of breath are symptoms. It’s dangerous, because doctors often fail to diagnose it.
Strike Back: High levels of the hormone brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) have been linked to greater risk of pulmonary hypertension. If the condition runs in your family, ask your doctor for the BNP test.
Tags:asthma breath breath problems bronchitis lung cancer pneumonia pulmonary hypertension
Topics: Health |