Taking a nice deep inhale feels amazing if your lungs are in good shape. Most people take breathing for granted, but thanks to COVID-19, more people are thinking about their breathing because of how it has impacted respiration. Indeed, your lungs and respiratory system have always been important for a healthy life.
Your respiratory system’s job is to feed oxygen to all the cells in your body so you can function properly. In fact, you could say that your respiratory health is just as vital as your heart health. The problem is, lung disease can lead to chronic bronchitis, asthma, and lung cancer.
Taking Care of Your Lungs
If you still smoke, quit: In fact, tobacco in all its forms should be avoided, including vaping as it can compromise your lung function. Take pleasure in being able to take deep, long breaths that will energize you!
Get Your Yearly Checkup: Our internist, Dr. John Abroon in New York, NY, can assess and determine your lung health. If you are experiencing shortness of breath, please let him know. Healthy lungs contribute to your general health.
Take the time to get your vaccinations: getting flu shots can help prevent respiratory infections that could knock you off your feet otherwise. Chronic respiratory infections can damage your airways and lungs. This is especially prudent in 2020 with the novel coronavirus pandemic in play. You might also want to get your DTaP vaccine for pertussis, or “whooping cough.”
Clean your home: people are frequently allergic to dust and dander from their pets. By keeping your house clean, dusting, washing blankets and throws, and brushing your animals’ hair can help keep you from constant sneezing. Switch to using non-toxic cleaners in your home to protect your lungs.
Pulmonary Function Testing
Dr. Abroon offers pulmonary function testing, or PFT, to evaluate your lung health. This shows the volume of air your lungs move in and out, whether the chest wall is working properly, how fast the air moves in and out of your lungs while breathing, looks at the lung membrane.
Dr. Abroon uses spirometry, a breathing test that measures your breath. You just take a deep breath and breathe out into the spirometer. Using this device, Dr. Abroon can spot lung problems like cystic fibrosis, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Lung Inflammation Assessment
If your lungs are inflamed by pneumonitis, Dr. Abroon can measure the inflammation in the lung tissue from irritants like bacteria, mold, and birds in the air and even certain types of cancer treatments and drugs.
You might have inflammation in your lungs if you:
- Have trouble breathing
- Frequently cough
- Constantly tired
- Are losing weight
- Have no appetite
If your lungs are chronically inflamed and you don’t have them treated, you can end up with scarring in the lungs. If you have trouble breathing, Dr. Abroon is happy to assess your condition and might recommend a chest X-ray, CT scan, blood test, spirometry, bronchoscopy, or surgical lung biopsy if needed. That can then be followed with appropriate treatment like oxygen therapy, corticosteroids, pollen masks and even lifestyle changes. Being able to breathe is everything if you want to feel your best. Call today to schedule a visit with Dr. John Abroon for lung inflammation in New York, New York.