Respiratory Care Week: How to Keep Your Lungs Healthy at Any Age

Learn more about the benefits of the SoClean Air Purifier.

Respiratory Care Week[1] is held at the end of each October, celebrating those who work in the respiratory care profession and increasing public awareness about lung issues. The lungs are essential for gas exchange[2], moving oxygen from the air into the blood and removing carbon dioxide waste. Many factors[3] can impact the lungs' efficiency and damage the organs. While some effects are unavoidable, there are several steps you can take to protect your lungs and breathe easier. Although people of every age should look after their respiratory health, many tips are particularly pertinent for older adults, who naturally lose some lung function[4] during their lives. In honor of Respiratory Care Week, we've put together these suggestions for better lung health.

Drink More Water

Staying hydrated is vital for good health[5]. Regarding respiratory health, water cushions the organs, including the lungs, moistens oxygen for better breathing, thins lung mucus[6] and may lessen the impacts[7] of respiratory infections.

While good hydration is essential for people of all ages, older adults may be more susceptible to dehydration[8], partly because of bodily changes, loss of thirst sensations[9] and reduced kidney function.

Eat Healthy Foods

As with hydration, good nutrition[10] is crucial for everyone. When it comes to diet and lung health[11], research suggests that reducing carbohydrates[12] can help people breathe more easily. The metabolism of carbs creates more carbon dioxide in relation to the amount of oxygen used; conversely, dietary fats create less waste gases.

A balanced diet, including all essential nutrients, can boost lung health. Recommended foods[13] include oysters, blueberries, tomatoes, apples, beets and lentils and preparing meals with olive oil and turmeric can also help protect the airways.

Exercise Regularly

As well as being beneficial[14] for overall well-being, exercise can help make the lungs stronger[15] and more efficient[16]. Regular exercise can also lower the risk[17] of many common diseases, including lung cancer[18].

Although establishing good exercise routines is beneficial from a younger age, it's never too late to start reaping the benefits of a more active lifestyle. However, it's important to consider suitable exercises depending on a person's age; for example, appropriate exercises for a teenager[19] vary considerably from those recommended for a senior[20]. Additionally, chair exercises[21] are helpful for those with reduced mobility to increase overall and respiratory wellness, while breathing exercises[22] specifically target the lungs.

Kick the Habit

Quitting smoking has immense benefits[23] for lung function and overall health, including lowered risk of lung and heart disease, improved circulation, cleaner lungs and reduced blood pressure. There are various ways people can stop smoking[24] for good, with kicking the habit an excellent way to celebrate Respiratory Care Week.

Breathe Fresher Air

Pollutants and allergens[25] in the air can impact the respiratory system, causing irritation, sneezing, coughing and a sore or dry throat[26]. People of all ages can suffer from the impacts of poor air. Still, the risk is heightened for older individuals because lowered nerve sensitivity[27] can allow more harmful particles to circulate through the respiratory system and damage the lungs. Additionally, lung muscles[28] may be weaker, meaning people can't cough effectively to clear the airways.

Fortunately, people can take steps to lower their exposure to harmful air. When going outdoors, check the local air quality[29] and wear a particle-filtering mask[30] when the air quality is low. Keep doors and windows closed to prevent outside pollutants from entering the home.

Inside, increasing ventilation, getting rid of mold[31], using safe cleaning products[32] and maintaining high standards of cleanliness can improve the air quality[33]. Some studies suggest that household plants[34] can further boost air quality.

One of the best ways to improve the air inside your home and protect your respiratory health is by regularly using a particle-filtering air purifier[35], such as the SoClean Air Purifier[36]. Up to 3,000 times more efficient than HEPA standards, the SoClean Air Purifier's three-stage process removes even ultra-fine particles from the air. It also removes harmful pathogens and offensive odors and is portable and convenient with its small footprint and cordless operations.

See Your Doctor

Regular health checkups are essential, particularly for older adults. It's also important to always seek medical advice if you experience difficulty or pain breathing or other changes to your normal state. Examples include shortness of breath[37], unusual mucus and a persistent cough[38].

Taking Care of Your Respiratory System

As well as the above six recommendations, maintaining a healthy weight[39], reducing the risk of infections, practicing good hygiene and getting enough sleep[40] also promote general and respiratory well-being.

References

1. American Association for Respiratory Care - Respiratory Care Week
2. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute - How the Lungs Work
3. WebMD - Lung Diseases Overview
4. American Lung Association - Lung Capacity and Aging
5. MaineDOT Healthy Workforce - The Importance of Hydration
6. American Lung Association - Understanding Mucus in Your Lungs
7. National Library of Medicine - Advising patients to increase fluid intake for treating acute respiratory infections
8. National Library of Medicine - Hydration Status in Older Adults: Current Knowledge and Future Challenges
9. Cleveland Clinic - Drink Up: The Connection Between Age and Dehydration
10. The Washington Post - Healthy Eating and Aging (paywall)
11. National Library of Medicine - Healthy Diets and Lung Health. Connecting the Dots
12. American Lung Association - Nutrition and COPD
13. Healthline - The 20 Best Foods for Lung Health
14. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Benefits of Physical Activity
15. American Lung Association - Exercise and Lung Health
16. Scientific American - Ask the Experts
17. Medline Plus - Benefits of Exercise
18. National Library of Medicine - Physical activity and lung cancer prevention
19. Healthline - Exercise for Teenagers: A Complete Guide
20. Forbes Health - A Guide To The Best Exercises For Seniors
21. WebMD - Best Chair Exercises for Seniors
22. American Lung Association - Breathing Exercises
23. American Cancer Society - Health Benefits of Quitting Smoking Over Time
24. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - How to Quit Smoking
25. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences - Allergens
26. National Library of Medicine - Environmental and non-infectious factors in the aetiology of pharyngitis (sore throat)
27. Medline Plus - Aging changes in the lungs
28. National Library of Medicine - Effect of aging on respiratory system physiology and immunology
29. AirNow - Your Current Air Quality Meter
30. US Food and Drug Administration - N95 Respirators, Surgical Masks, Face Masks, and Barrier Face Coverings
31. Medical News Today - Is mold in your house a problem? What you need to know
32. American Lung Association - Cleaning Supplies and Household Chemicals
33. Scientific American - We Need to Improve Indoor Air Quality: Here’s How and Why
34. Inter­national Association of Certified Home Inspectors - Plants and Indoor Air Quality
35. SoClean SleepTalk Blog - 5 Reasons you need an air purifier
36. SoClean Air Purifier+
37. Mayo Clinic - Shortness of Breath
38. Wexner Medical Center - When should you see a doctor for that cough?
39. National Library of Medicine - The effect of obesity on lung function
40. National Library of Medicine - Sleep effects on breathing and respiratory diseases