In order to prevent chronic lower respiratory disease and maintain overall good lung health, it is critical to avoid risk factors, such as smoking and air pollution, and take consistent preventative health measures, such as vaccinations and screenings. It is important to receive frequent vaccinations that protect against respiratory disease, such as influenza and SARS-CoV-2, to prevent infection when exposed to respiratory pathogens.
Cigarette smoking is associated with many lung diseases. In fact, smoking is the primary risk factor for lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It can also severely exacerbate symptoms associated with lung diseases. While nicotine is an addictive substance that can hamper brain productivity, the tar found in cigarettes directly contributes to lung damage. Each puff of a cigarette can lead to the entry of about 7,000 chemicals, in which 70 are carcinogens, or cancerous chemicals. Smoking damages the lining of the air sacs, known as alveoli, in the lungs, making them more fibrous and susceptible to infection and disease. With up to 500 million alveoli, it can take years to lose enough for symptoms to become noticeable, which is why patients may not feel as sick in early-stages of the disease or infection. Moreover, lung tissue is not regenerative, so it is important to take great care of this delicate organ. Similarly, air pollution can inflame the lungs and cause epithelial damage. To protect lung health, it is essential to avoid both smoking and air pollutants, and to engage in daily exercise and deep breathing activities.
A pulmonary function test that measures the amount of air inhaled and exhaled from the lungs, as well as the efficiency and speed of exhalation. It is an important tool for diagnosing lung conditions, such as asthma and COPD.
A test that measures the amount of nitric oxide during exhalation, indicating the degree of inflammation in the airway. Increased levels of nitric oxide correlate to more inflammation, so a lower FeNO value is optimal. It is a crucial tool for determining levels of inflammation and irritation in an asthmatic patient.
Screening through LDCT is important for individuals who are at high risk for lung cancer: individuals who are between the ages of 50 and 80, have a 20 pack-year smoking history, and currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years. This test is non-invasive and takes less than one minute to complete.
Asthma is a lung condition where the muscles of the airways tighten and narrow, become swollen, and produce extra mucus, making breathing difficult. Asthma is characterized by an immune response in which the body overreacts to environmental triggers, such as allergens, by releasing cells that inflame the airways. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Asthma can be exacerbated by environmental allergens, exercise, and upper respiratory infections or disease.
There are two types of COPD: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. In COPD, airflow is blocked to the lungs, rendering it difficult for air to flow in and out. The lungs can become red and swollen. In chronic bronchitis, the lining of the bronchial tubes, which are responsible for carrying air to and from the alveoli, are inflamed. Emphysema is characterized by damage to the alveoli at the end of the smallest air passage, often due to exposure of cigarette smoke and/or other irritants, such as gasses. COPD is most often associated with a long history of smoking.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. There are two main types of lung cancer: small cell and non-small cell lung cancer. Symptoms become more noticeable in late-stages of lung cancer, however, are less prominent in early-stages. That is why early detection through LDCT is crucial for individuals who are at high risk. Although 80-90% of lung cancer cases are associated with smoking, a portion of cases occur in never-smokers. Risk factors for lung cancer include, but are not limited to, tobacco smoke, second-hand smoke, radon gas exposure, air pollution, asbestos, and family history of lung cancer. Most lung cancer screening programs require a referral from a provider in order to undergo an LDCT.
Other lung diseases include, pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, and pneumonia
Community Health Awareness Program and Screenings
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