Don’t let habitual behaviors unknowingly destroy your “lungs”. People live by breathing and a beating heart. Don’t realize the importance of your lungs when it’s too late. Check for lung-damaging behaviors you need to know about. What are they? Let’s find out.
1. Smoking
Every year, more than 50,000 Thais lose their lives due to smoking. Even more shocking is that new smokers continue to increase, at least 500 people per day. Although smoking does not cause lung disease immediately, it is the cause of chronic diseases that cause suffering, including respiratory diseases such as lung cancer, emphysema, heart and vascular diseases, as well as brain diseases, bone and muscle diseases, digestive system diseases, and various cancers. The longer you smoke, the higher your risk of diseases that shorten your life. Knowing this, quit smoking… your lungs will thank you.
2. Inhaling cigarette smoke
Did you know? Cigarette smoke contains nicotine and over 7,000 chemicals, at least 250 toxic substances, and more than 70 carcinogens. These substances can linger in the air for up to 5 hours without any detectable smell. People regularly exposed to cigarette smoke or its residues are at risk of lung cancer. It is found that 30% of lung cancer patients are non-smokers but have been exposed to secondhand smoke from others.
Toxins and chemicals from cigarette smoke can also leave traces on hair, clothes, carpets, air conditioners, and various items for more than 6 months, even after the smoke has dissipated. Therefore, it is best to avoid places where people smoke and ask family members not to smoke inside the house, as well as wash hands thoroughly before touching objects.
3. Inhaling incense smoke
When incense burns, it produces particulate matter and releases toxic vapors, which are no less harmful than cigarette smoke. Many times, inhaling incense smoke causes irritation in the respiratory system, sneezing, coughing, sore throat, difficulty breathing, headaches, or even eye irritation and tearing. Therefore, avoid staying in places with incense smoke and do not light incense in poorly ventilated areas for the safety of your respiratory system and lungs.
4. Exercising in areas with high air pollution
Exercise is good because when our heart beats faster and blood circulation increases, the lungs have to work harder to supply enough oxygen to meet the body’s needs, making the lungs stronger. However, exercising in poorly ventilated areas or places with heavy air pollution, such as busy roadsides, will cause your lungs to absorb toxins exponentially. If you’re going to exercise, choose parks with good air quality or try exercising at home with your favorite music for a fun alternative.
5. Not cleaning the house
A cluttered, dusty house not only looks unpleasant but also affects your health and respiratory system. The living room with sofas and large carpets is a great breeding ground for bacteria. Bedrooms filled with stuffed animals harbor dust mites. Not to mention kitchens and bathrooms full of various stains. These areas need regular cleaning. Wash bed sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and rugs regularly. Frequently wipe and clean floors, remove food scraps daily to prevent pests that carry diseases. Don’t forget to wear gloves and masks every time to protect yourself from allergens and skin diseases.
6. Not cleaning the air conditioner
Air conditioners are full of moisture, which allows bacteria, viruses, and fungi to thrive. These microbes can trigger lung inflammation. Every time you use the air conditioner, check if the air smells bad or musty. If so, remove the air filter and wash it with soapy water or disinfectant. If the smell persists, call a technician for a full cleaning. Even if there is no bad smell or abnormality, have a technician clean the air conditioner at least once a year. This not only reduces germs but also saves electricity.
7. Not drinking enough water
Generally, people can survive without food for several weeks, but without water, death can occur within 2–3 days because our body is composed of about 70% water. Not drinking enough water or dehydration causes bodily functions to malfunction. All cells in the body cannot function without water. Water is therefore extremely important. But wait! The water referred to here is clean water without any additives or mixers. The best way to drink water is to sip small amounts frequently throughout the day because drinking a large amount at once cannot be absorbed quickly and will be excreted as urine, leaving you still feeling thirsty despite drinking a lot.
8. Using chemicals without protection
Our daily lives are surrounded by various chemicals. For example, insecticides contain substances harmful to the respiratory system. Frequent or heavy inhalation can accumulate and damage the lungs, potentially causing cancer. Cleaning agents often have strong odors. Inhaling or touching these substances in high concentrations can irritate the respiratory tract, eyes, and skin. Paints used for home decoration are equally dangerous because maintaining paint quality requires mixing various chemicals. If you must use these chemicals, wear a well-fitted mask and gloves for safety.
9. Not getting lung health check-ups
The lungs are an important organ. If they malfunction, the overall body function will also be affected. If left untreated, it can severely impact the respiratory system. Don’t neglect lung health check-ups until symptoms appear because these symptoms may be a bad sign that your lungs are irreversibly damaged. It wouldn’t be good to suffer from breathlessness and incomplete lung function for life. Pay attention to assessing lung and respiratory efficiency to keep your body strong from within and disease-free.
For more information, please contact
Lung Health Center
Phyathai 3 Hospital
Tel. 02-467-1111 ext. 3185 – 3186
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Dr. Molnet KhuntiranonDermatology Clinic, Phyathai 2 Hospital, 2nd Floor, Building A
Tel. 0-2617-2444 ext. 4202, 4228
Make an Appointment
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