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Healthy lungs are an important part of your respiratory system - Healthy lungs provide sufficient oxygen for the body to maintain its normal functions. Having sufficient breath for exercise and other activities, the absence of coughing and ease of breathing are all signs of healthy lungs.
- The purpose of the lungs is to provide oxygen to the body. Air entering through the nose and mouth reaches the lungs via the trachea and the bronchial tubes. Upon entry into the left and right lungs, the bronchial tubes divide into smaller and smaller tubes that end in small air sacs called alveoli. Capillaries on the surface of the alveoli exchange carbon dioxide for oxygen and then carry the oxygenated blood back to the heart for further circulation.
- In healthy lungs, all parts work together to protect the lungs and to provide sufficient oxygen to the body. The bronchial tubes leading into the lungs are lined with cilia, tiny hairs that spread mucus throughout the system. This mucus catches dust and other irritants before they can enter the lungs and obstruct oxygen absorption. The diaphragm, a muscle connected to the lungs, pulls downward to suck air into the alveoli of the lungs. Once in the lungs, air travels to any of the 300 million alveoli for the transfer of oxygen to the bloodstream.
- Many factors can compromise the health of the lungs. Inherited and chronic diseases such as cystic fibrosis and asthma directly affect the lungs and may be life-threatening without proper treatment. Irritation from viruses and infections are also common detriments to lung health. Chest colds, bronchitis and pneumonia all temporarily impair the function of healthy lungs. Diseases such as lung cancer and emphysema are treatable if caught early, but many cases result in major lung impairment and death.
- You can improve the level of health in your lungs with some simple measures. One of the most effective means of improving lung health is to avoid cigarette smoking. Direct smoking and second-hand smoke both adversely affect lung health. In addition to lung cancer and emphysema, smoke inhalation produces irritation of the lungs, increases mucus levels and worsens conditions like asthma. You can also promote lung health by practicing hygiene that keeps respiratory infections at bay. Hand-washing is the single most effective means to avoid illness and infection. Other methods of keeping the lungs healthy include home cleanliness, mold removal and living in a clean air environment.
