Take Care of Your Lungs as the Weather Changes in Delhi & NCR

As Delhi & NCR moves towards the summers, there are bound to be instances of increase in chronic diseases. One of the most important categories of diseases, which are bound to strike the limelight in these changing conditions, is COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). COPD and also other Lung Diseases like Asthma are often seen to flare up as the weather changes from hot to cold or in this case, cold to hot. Taking care of your lungs is an important task during this time of the year, especially so for those suffering from COPD.

Reasons for the Flare-up

When the air is hot, more effort has to be made to breathe it in. This extra effort triggers the symptoms of coughing, wheezing, and even breathlessness, thereby worsening COPD conditions. High winds are also prevalent during this time of the year and are responsible for bringing pollutants like dust, pollens, etc. to higher levels from where they can enter the body. These are often potential agents for triggering symptoms of Lung Diseases, especially in those who are allergic.

How to Safeguard Your Lungs?

The best thing to do, for COPD patients during this time, is to prevent the hot and humid outdoors during the daytime. However, we all know that this is easier said than done. In cases, when outdoor visits are absolutely must, it is advisable to limit the hours spent under the straight sun. Keep your body refreshed by drinking lots of fluids. Spend as much as time as possible in places with regulated temperatures and clean air. Also, keep a close watch on the amount of work you are doing so as not to fatigue yourself.

Apart from the above tips, it is also very important to keep the contact number of your Lung Specialist close by. Do not hesitate to fix an appointment if you feel the need to do so. Considering the fast rate, at which the weather in the capital region is turning fickle, and the high levels of pollution, regular visits to the Lung Specialist may quite well prove to be a lifesaving decision.

Symptoms of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a kind of obstructive lung disease. It is caused when the airways become narrow and the lung tissue breaks down. The primary cause for COPD is long exposure to external irritants like tobacco smoke and air pollutants. A small percentage of COPD cases also occur due to hereditary reasons. The following are some of the symptoms of COPD:

Productive Cough

A productive cough is the most common symptom of COPD. Productive cough is categorized as cough which produces mucus and is also called wet cough. Since such a cough also results from the common cold, patients often wait beyond the recommended time, often resulting in disastrous consequences. Any productive cough which is more than a week old may be a symptom of COPD and should be immediately seen by a Lung Specialist.

Chronic Cough

The medical jargon diagnoses any cough, which stays for more than 3 months every year for 2 consecutive years, as chronic bronchitis. Most cases of COPD are preceded by cases of chronic bronchitis. Such cases of COPD are often mistaken as “smokers cough”.

Breathlessness

Feeling short on breath is another symptom noticed in those suffering from COPD. This condition is usually the most irritating for the COPD patients as they are short on breath and energy for carrying out the daily activities. 

Wheezing

Wheezing is defined as a low whistling sound which accompanies breathing. Typically seen in asthmatic patients, wheezing should not be taken lightly as it is another major symptom of COPD. The sound is produced due to the obstruction of the airways.

COPD is the third leading cause of death worldwide and claims more than 3 million people annually. Any of the above symptoms should promptly lead to an appointment with a Lung Specialist. One of the top COPD Treatment Centers which you can visit is Respiratory & Sleep Cure Solutions in Gurgaon.

How to Prevent Lung Diseases?

Lung Diseases are very often fatal diseases. The lungs are important parts of our vital organ systems. They are responsible for the most primary need to sustain life – breathing. Lungs provide the surface area which is required for the exchange between oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood stream. Thus, it goes without saying that taking care of your lungs is important for a long and healthy life.

Unfortunately, modern lifestyle is not exactly sympathetic to the lungs. With vices like smoking, and an environment full of toxic fumes, most of what goes inside the lungs is not what’s meant for it. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is of utmost importance. Stay away from tobacco in any form and those, who are already habituated smokers, need to start their steps towards quitting. Though it is not a very easy task to free your lungs from tobacco smoke once you have tagged yourself a chain smoker, it is a necessary pain to go through when you consider the number of fatal diseases associated with tobacco. According to WebMD, the use of tobacco is responsible for 90% of the total cases of Lung Cancer. It is further estimated, that among every 7 smokers who consume 2 or more packets daily, 1 will die of Lung Cancer.

Carbon monoxide and other toxic gases released into the air by the vehicles and industries are the other major causes of Lung Diseases. Such areas should be avoided when possible and adequate protection should be taken otherwise. We can also contribute to a pollution free environment by using non-polluting vehicles, pooling cars and taking other environment friendly steps.

Regular checkups of the lungs and the respiratory system should feature in your tasks to do. Some of the Lung Diseases like COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) can go undetected before they take a severe form. Top clinics like Respiratory & Sleep Specialists, with a Top Lung Specialist like Dr. Himanshu Garg, provide easy access to such Lung Tests and the necessary treatment if diagnosed with a Lung Disease. Take care of your lungs – Yes you get 2, but you mostly get them only once!