Every part of your body needs oxygen to function properly. The main job of your respiratory system is to make sure that happens—it’s responsible for circulating fresh air throughout your body and removing waste gases. Taking steps to keep your lungs healthy is the best way to keep this system working well.
Lung health often doesn’t get as much attention as the heart, gut and other areas of health, especially as it relates to nonsmokers, says Dr. Joseph Khabbaza, MD, a pulmonologist at Cleveland Clinic.
“The reality is we’re exposed to the air and pollution and allergens in the environment,” he says. “These are things that gradually, over time, can affect our health.”
Breathing well is vital for life, says Dr. Michael Polsky, MD, a pulmonologist at Pulmonary Associates of Richmond in Virginia, “But also for your well-being, just feeling well and being able to do your daily activities.”
Generally, taking care of your lungs and breaking some bad habits that could be damaging the organs is crucial for preventing lung problems down the road, not to mention managing asthma if you have it. Here’s what pulmonologists say you need to know.
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