The health of your respiratory system is extremely important, and you need to take steps to protect it and keep it functioning well. Making small changes to your home and lifestyle can have a big impact on your respiratory health. Keep reading for tips that you can start implementing today. And if the article interests you, be sure to consider pursuing a Respiratory Therapist Master’s Degree.
Use a Humidifier, Vaporizer, or New Air System
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think about your respiratory health until you start to feel a cold or flu coming on. And even then, you might only consider taking a few over-the-counter medications to try to get relief. What you may not know is that there are a number of devices on the market today that can help improve your respiratory health, including humidifiers, vaporizers, and new air systems (what’s best depends on the size of your home).
Humidifiers are devices that add moisture to the air. This can be helpful for people with respiratory problems such as asthma, allergies, and bronchitis, as it can help to loosen mucus and make it easier to breathe. Vaporizers work in a similar way, but they use heat to create steam that can help to clear congestion and mucus from the airways. Finally, when it comes to what to expect from a new air system, such as ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) systems, it can help to improve the air quality in your home, which can be helpful for people with respiratory problems. Pro tip: Be sure to have someone check your AC system for mold annually to prevent further lung damage.
Drink Plenty of Fluids
Water is essential for human life. Every cell in the body needs water to function properly, and the human brain is composed of 73% water. We can go without food for weeks but can only survive without water for a few days. Water is necessary for the body to cool itself and help rid the body of toxins. It also helps to lubricate joints, cushion tissues, and regulate body temperature. In fact, drinking fluids is one of the most important things you can do to improve your respiratory health.
When you don’t drink enough fluids, your body becomes dehydrated. This can cause the membranes that line your respiratory tract to become dry and irritated. This can lead to a number of respiratory problems, such as a cough, a sore throat, and even bronchitis. Drinking plenty of fluids not only helps to keep your respiratory tract healthy but also helps to keep your body hydrated. This is especially important during the winter months when the dry air can cause your body to become dehydrated quickly.
Get Exercising
When you think of the benefits of exercise, respiratory health is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. But regular physical activity can actually improve your respiratory health in a number of ways.
For one, exercise helps keep your lungs healthy by strengthening the respiratory muscles. Strong respiratory muscles are better able to clear mucus and debris from the lungs, which can help reduce the incidence of respiratory infections. Exercise also helps keep your airways open and functioning properly. Regular aerobic exercise can actually help improve your lung function, making it easier to breathe. In addition, exercise can help reduce the risk of developing asthma or other respiratory conditions. So get moving!
Make a Move
There’s no doubt that air pollution is a major health hazard. It can cause a variety of respiratory problems, including asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema. And unfortunately, air pollution is only getting worse. But what can you do to protect yourself? One option is to move to a state with cleaner air. According to the American Lung Association, the states with the best air quality are as follows:
- Vermont
- Hawaii
- Maine
- Idaho
- New Hampshire
Altogether, making home and lifestyle changes can improve your respiratory health. This includes investing in a new air system, reducing your exposure to pollutants, and exercising regularly.
