World COPD Day 2024 reminds us how to protect our lungs from air pollution. Keeping in mind this awareness and the level of air quality, special guidelines have been given to ensure safety of the lungs. Air pollution is not a single country’s problem, but it is becoming a global problem. But during this time, we especially need to take care of our lungs. This becomes even more important for people suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD. It is a lung disease characterized by difficulty breathing.
Know the risks of air pollution
Air pollution poses a major risk to our health. Especially for people suffering from respiratory diseases like COPD. Pollutants irritate the respiratory tract. This causes irritation and swelling, leading to shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing.
Track air quality levels
The first step to protecting your lungs from air pollution is to be aware of the air quality in your area. With the development of technology, many apps and websites have emerged that provide real-time air quality data.
Avoid exposure to indoor pollutants
Outdoor air pollution gets the most attention, but indoor pollutants can also have a big impact on our health. Common indoor pollutants include second-hand smoke, household chemicals and mold. They can be very harmful, especially to COPD patients, as they live and spend most of their time indoors. Improve indoor air quality by ensuring adequate ventilation and avoiding exposure to toxic chemicals in your home. People are also advised to avoid smoking and ensure your home is a smoke-free zone.
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wear a mask
When you go out, especially when environmental conditions are poor and air pollution is high, wearing a mask can protect your lungs even more. It is important to choose a mask that fits well and is comfortable, as an ill-fitting mask can do more harm than good. Additionally, avoiding outdoor activities during peak hours can also help avoid exposure to air pollution.
take care of your overall health
However, you should always be careful about air pollution. But good health in all its aspects is a good and necessary balance. A good diet, exercise and proper hydration are a good way to strengthen the immune system to largely reduce the damage caused to the lungs by polluted air.
Disclaimer: Some information in news stories is based on media reports. Before implementing any suggestion, you should consult the relevant expert.
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