Fall into Better Lung Health

Supporting Your Lung Health

When it comes to supporting overall health and wellness, it's essential to include healthy lifestyle changes that promote healthy lung function too. The health experts at ATRIO are here to outline some tips to help you breathe easier!

Quit Smoking

Whether you’re just a social smoker or you’ve been smoking for years, quitting using tobacco can provide you with a host of health benefits. Along with reducing your risk of developing chronic health conditions like lung cancer, quitting can also support your lung health in the following ways:

• Reduces coughing and shortness of breath.
• Improves circulation.
• Makes lung function more efficient.
• Reduces carbon monoxide levels in your blood.

Practice Good Personal Hygiene

Whether you’ve had a case of the common cold or even the flu, most people are familiar with upper respiratory infections (URI) that affect the nose, sinuses, and throat. Unfortunately, these common ailments come with symptoms that can labor your breathing and ultimately leave you feeling uncomfortable. Fortunately, there are plenty of everyday healthy hygiene habits that can stop the spread of germs and help keep you and the people around you from getting sick:

• Wash your hands properly and frequently.
• Clean and disinfect common surfaces and objects.
• Try not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Use a humidifier in your bedroom at night.
• Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.
• Stay home if you feel sick.

Limit Exposure to Indoor Air Pollutants

As the weather cools down, it’s normal to spend more time indoors getting cozy with your loved ones. However, your indoor air quality can negatively impact your lung health if you’re not careful. Whether you have sensitive to environmental allergens or not, the following tips can help you to breathe easier this fall:

• Vacuum carpets and rugs weekly.
• Regularly wash and change your bedding and curtains.
• Dust your shelves weekly.
• Change your home’s air filters regularly.
• Open your windows to let fresh air in.
• Try to keep pets off of furniture.
• Cut back on harsh cleaners and chemicals.

If you have concerns when it comes to your lung health, be sure to reach out to your primary care provider to discuss your unique health needs.