13 tips for healthy lungs during COVID-19 and beyond, according to MDS

There are things you can do in the short and long term to keep your lungs operating optimally.


You are not alone if, before the novelcoronavirus Pandemic, you thought that chain smokers had to worry about their pulmonary health. But now,It makes sense to wonder if there is something you can do to protect your lungs Some of the symptoms associated with this coronavirus strain ever observed, such as coughing, shortness of breath and pneumonia.

How does coronaviruses affect pulmonary health?

What does coronavirus have to do with your lungs, exactly? Certified Consulting in the Family Medicine Practitioner Michael Richardson, MD withDoctor said: "When the virus enters your lungs, it can cause an irritation of the pulmonary liner, which will cause you."

The virus can cause so many thingsIrritation of the pulmonary lining it causes pneumonia, which is when the air bags in your lungs become inflamed and can end up filling liquid, he says.

More inflammation and fluid in your lungs, the more difficult it becomes to breathe, which can be threatening to life for those with lower immune systems, such as seniors and people with important pre-existing medical conditions, He explains.

The best MDS tips for short and long-term pulmonary health

No matter who you are and what is your state of health, take care of your lungs is an important part of the management of your overall health and well-being. With that in mind, here's what doctors say you can do that your lungs work optimally, during Covid-19 and beyond hatching.

1

Social distancing

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"At the moment, the best thing to do for your lungs is to do your best and avoid contracting Covid-19," says Dr. Richardson. The best way to do that? "Practice social distance:Avoid large groups and keep 6 feet from others, speakThe recommendation of CDC," he says.

2

See a doctor when you need

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While the majority (80%) of those who contract coronavirus exercised only light flu-shaped symptoms, 20% of those who contract the virus will also contract pneumonia - an inflammatory pulmonary condition caused by a viral infection, which will force them to have trouble breathing.

"Basically, what happens is that there is so much inflammation in the pulmonary tissues that you stop being able to obtain a sufficient amount of oxygen by all inhalations," says Dr. Osita Ongha, MD, head of Thoracic surgery and assistant professor of thoracic oncology surgical atJohn Wayne Cancer Institute At the Santa Monica Health Center, CA.

The only way to treat it? "By increasing the oxygen concentration, you can pass through something like a face mask or fan," he says. While the news on limited fans can lead you to believe that "solve it" at home is the best way to treat, according to Dr. Ongha, totally false. "If you have coronavirus and you have a shortness of breath, it is important that you are a treatment in a hospital. If you do not do it, you risk risking serious deadly consequences. »

3

Take Tylenol instead of ibuprofen

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That you have a headache, a coronavirus fever, or cramps of a just periodAlthough there is a coronavirus pandemic happens, take Tylenol, no ibuprofen or aspirin for your symptoms, says the CDC vaccine supplier,Dr. Michael Hall.

Why? Because, while non-steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or non-steroid, can help reduce fevers, they can do it at a cost ofAmortize your immune response. Although the evidence of this is purely anecdotal and rely on some assumptions, it can be safer to take Tylenol (also called acetaminophen) during the pandemic, as a precaution.

That said, while Tylenol can help with any pulmonary inflammation that you meet as a result of a coronavirus (or another disease), do not self-prescribe Tylenol. "If you have trouble breathing, think you have coronaviruses or you have a shortness of breath, make sure you are evaluated by a doctor," says Dr. Hall. "Take Tylenol is not a substitute for that."

4

Stop smoking, for good

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Hey, you knew that advice came then could as well come out of the way now. As a refresher: "Smoking cigarettes are incredibly bad for our lungs because they literally cause damage to our pulmonary tissues and damage their ability to operate," says Dr. Richardson.

If you are a smoker or you smoked and read this, take the comfort, according to Dr. Ongha, "with smoking of cigarette, some things come back to the base in minutes, some things take days and weeks, some things take months and years. "He says," What's important to know is thatOnce you have stopped smoking, your lungs will not be less healthy. They will not be better healthy."Pretty promising, right?

5

And that means vaping, too

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Spend cigarettes with electronic cigarettes, or picking up vapors because you think it's cool and plugged (spoiler alert: it's not!) Do your lungs a huge bad service. According toAmerican Cancer SocietyThe safest option is to avoid both steam and smoking. Why vapper so badly, exactly? To begin, "Most Vape Pens have an additive of vitamin E. While vitamin E sounds healthy, it can be detrimental to your lungs," says Dr. Ongha. This is because vitamin E is a soluble fat vitamin (aka * no * soluble in water), which means rather than absorbing in the body, it is essentially sitting there, hung and harm the lungs.

Beyond that, Dr.richardson says, "We know a lot about the short and long-term effects of steam since it has been only for a few years and that Vape technology continues to evolve." But, he says,"We know that last year, many people have been hospitalized for vapor injuries."

If you vaple to protect yourself from the cigarette, you can use another nicotine replacement therapy such as nicotine gum, instead. If you vaple because you like the taste of fruity pebbles, have a large bowl of cereals. And if you just want to increase your cooling factor, buy Chunky sneakers and "softly washed" Lévis instead.

6

Move to a tropical island

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Let's explain the reasoning: "It does not just smoke that introduces toxins into your lungs," says Dr. Richardson. "Pollution can also." And guess where are the highest air toxins? Ding, Ding, Ding, you guessed it: cities. "The cities filled with smog are not the optimal environment for your lungs Because every day, small toxic particles in the air can be trapped in your lungs, "says Dr. Ongha.

Richardson says, "Living near the highways and bus terminals can significantly increase your risk of pulmonary illness because of the pollution caused by the traffic and the exhaust of the car."

So what does it mean for you? Depends. For people with asthma, lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPT), this may be a sufficient reason for moving. For the general population, it's probably not. However, if you were looking for a way to convince your other else to get out of the grid or tropical island, go ahead and send them this article. You're welcome.

7

Stay hydrated

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You know that the water takes everything from your skin to your sex life (hellooo natural lubrication) a solid. But how does H2O affect your lungs? Dr. Hall says, "There is a thin layer of mucus in your lungs, which, just like your saliva, is thicker when you are dehydrated and thinner when you are well hydrated."Staying well hydrated help keep this layer of slim mucus, which helps your lungs work better, he says.

Factors such as age, weight, level of activity, weather and sex all affect exactly the amount of water you need. But a good general rule is to get 0.5 to 1.0 ounces of water by each book you weigh. Daily.

8

Try Oregano Oil

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It's absolutely not an M-U-S-T, but if you are looking for a natural booster to your pulmonary health, Dr. Hill says that an Oregano oil supplement is the way forward. "Due to having high levels of a compound called Carvacrol,Oregano oil has antimicrobial properties. "Meaning, we thought about helping to fight certain types of bacteria. It has also been thought to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which for an infection with an infection that affects the lungs or could infect the lungs, can be useful, said -he .

Different supplements will have different assay recommendations. So be sure to follow the instructions on the label. And discuss with your health care provider in advance, because Oregano oil can interfere with the effectiveness of certain prescription drugs.

9

Or take thyme

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"Thyme supplements have aLong story to be used to treat bronchitis, crested cough and throat, "Dr. Hall said, so if you have little pulmonary diseases, he recommends giving the time tested to remedy a whirlwind." You can either get a thyme supplement ingest, make thyme tea, or implement the grass in your kitchen, "he says.

10

Prioritize the good posture

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Unless you are a professional dancer, it is likely that your posture is about as bad as Daddio to dance (very). Unfortunately, it's not good for your lungs. "The lungs are composed of soft tissues, and they only sponsor to the extent of the square," says Dr. Hall. Sit tired on your "tar" chair your lungs, which limits the amount of air you can take. While "sitting right gives your lungs more room to develop, which allows your lungs to capture more air and oxygen by breath. "

If you have a hard time reminding you to sit upright, set a "posture" alarm on your phone, so every 30, 60 or 90 minutes, a small buzzer reminds you of stopping.

11

Eat more oranges

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It's quite simple: "All that helps your global immune system, helps your lungs," says Dr. Ongha. "And we knowvitamin C Is good for your immune system, "he says.

The most predictable way to get vitamin C? A glass of OJ or juicy orange. But if you are not a citrus fan, kales, strawberries, pineapple, red peppers and Brussels shoots will also hit you with a solid also used.

12

Nosh on mushrooms

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"Mushrooms, like fatty fish, eggs, oysters and caviar are highVitamin D, "says Cardiologist and Nutrition Expert certified by the Board of Directors,Dr. Luiza Petre MD. And vitamin D, she says, can help the body fight against viral infections. And viral infections, as we have seen with the new coronavirus, can affect the lungs. "Mushrooms also help stimulate the immune system by providing other vitamins and minerals such as copper and niacin," she says.

13

Snack on sardines

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Or, if you graze salted fish is not your jam, hit them and put them in your Caesar salad vinaigrette. "Sardines are very high inOMEGA-3 fatty acids, which reinforce the function of your immune system and maintain it optimally, "says Dr. Petre.

If you do not like sansions, you can also eat salmon, lawyer and nuts, or try an omega-3 fatty acid supplement, she says.

RELATED:The easy way to make comfortable foods healthier.

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Categories: Healthy Eating
Tags: Coronavirus / diet / tips
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