How to Prevent COPD?

COPD is characterized by chronic obstruction of airflow in the lungs, causing irreversible problems with breathing. Unfortunately, many people don't know they have COPD until it's too late because symptoms don't appear until later after the lungs are damaged.

Early treatment of COPD prolongs life and reduces respiratory complications. Because it is not fully reversible, many patients have to endure mild symptoms such as coughing, dyspnea, and excessive phlegm for the rest of their lives.

It's reassuring to know that COPD is preventable. In this article, we will discuss different ways to prevent COPD.

Quit smoking

Smoking is the leading cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease worldwide and is also known to trigger exacerbations in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Smokers are 6 times more at risk than non-smokers.

Smoking for extended periods can damage your air sacs, making it difficult for air to flow smoothly. If you've never smoked, keep it that way to avoid this damage. If you are already smoking, seek professional help on how to control this habit from any of the best medical centers in the United States.

Avoid passive smoking

About 20% of smoking-related complications come from secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke is a combination of smoke from the tip of a burning cigarette and smoke exhaled by a smoker.

Although it may seem harmless, being around people who smoke can put you at risk for COPD. Sidestream smoke (smoke directly from a burning tobacco product) is too toxic because it doesn't pass through the filter.

If you want to keep your lungs safe from the dangers of COPD and other lung-related complications, avoid constant close contact with smokers.

Go for check

COPD symptoms resemble other lung complications and can be difficult to differentiate. While this won't bother most people at risk, it's important to recognize COPD early.

Early detection allows appropriate treatment before your lungs are fully affected. Blood tests during these exams can determine your Alpha-1-Antitrypsin levels. Alpha-1-Antitrypsin is a protein that protects the lungs from inflammation. With this test, your doctor can also tell you about risk factors so you can eliminate them in your environment. Keep your distance from people with respiratory complications.

Continued exposure to respiratory disease is bad for your lungs because it can leave scar tissue. Over time, scarred lungs can become stiff, making it difficult for normal air to pass through, eventually leading to shortness of breath. Infectious respiratory diseases such as acute bronchitis and pneumonia have this effect and may contribute to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease development in young children and the elderly.

Avoid occupational exposure

Workers who deal with toxic fumes and fine fibers are at higher risk for COPD. The dusty environment also poses a risk to anyone working nearby. Prolonged inhalation of substances like silica and asbestos in fibrous form can cause your airways to swell to the point of becoming blocked in acute situations. Dusty workplaces can also trigger a lot of mucus production, which is bad for breathing.

Work in this least risky area to be safe and keep your lungs elastic. When handling concrete, dust, cotton fibers, mineral dust, coal, cleaning aerosols, and even grain dust, wear a mask. Take regular breaks during shifts for fresh air.

Proper ventilation

Poor ventilation can allow dust or mold to collect in any space. Over time, the collection became so much that occupants started inhaling it.

Although the process is gradual, inhaling indoor dust, fumes, or mold can adversely affect your lung function. These particles can cause air pockets to enlarge and lack elasticity. Over time, you will not be able to breathe properly.

To avoid COPD, keep your space well ventilated and clean regularly to remove tiny particles like pet fur and dust mites.

In conclusion, smoking cessation, attention to the surrounding environment, a ventilated environment and regular check-ups are the keys to preventing COPD. Your goal is to make sure you do everything correctly. You can also seek more helpful information from a respiratory specialist who can help you identify and eliminate risk factors. Our specialist physicians at each Providence Medical Centre in Australia are ready to solve your breathing problems. book now.