What Role Is Played by the Lungs in Respiration?

The Lungs are the platform for the exchange between oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body. They are the most important organs in the process of respiration. The organs which form a part of the respiration system are the nose, throat, voice box, windpipe, and lungs. The Lungs play a part in the last and the most vital part of the respiration process. 

Once air reaches the Lungs through the throat, voice box, and the windpipe, the first activity, which takes place there, is the separation of oxygen from the other components of air. This separation and all further activities occur at the Alveoli, which are very small air sacs. The Alveoli is at the end of the smallest subdivisions of the bronchial tubes which connect the Lungs to the windpipe. These subdivisions are called Bronchioles. Thus, the Alveoli are the last destinations of the air we breathe in and they are lined by tiny blood vessels called capillaries. The separated oxygen then moves from the Alveoli to the capillaries, in a process called diffusion, after which they enter the blood stream. In the blood stream, the oxygen is then picked up by hemoglobin and carried to all the cells in the body. This process results in the formation of carbon dioxide, which is then dissolved in the plasma of the blood and carried back to the Alveoli. The Lungs come into play again and the carbon dioxide is pumped out during exhalation. This entire process happens involuntarily and about 12 to 15 times every minute.

For the process of respiration to take place properly, the Lungs have to continue expanding and contracting. The amount of oxygen which can be supplied to the body is directly dependent on the Lung capacity which is measured in terms of the amount of air which it can inhale and exhale. Keeping your Lungs healthy is thus the most important task for living a healthy life. Lung Specialists have time and again reiterated the importance of the steps necessary to keep your Lungs healthy. Make it a point to visit a Lung Specialist regularly in order to detect any abnormalities at the earliest. You owe that visit to the most vital organ which keeps you alive!         

Which are the Best Foods for Your Lungs?

Taking proper care of your Lungs is an important requirement for leading a healthy life. Aside from the medications prescribed by your Pulmonologist, a few foods have shown to have helpful effects for the Lungs. We present a few of them, which aids the Lungs in performing the vital function of life called respiration, here in this blog. Keep these in your regular diet to reduce the risk of Lung Diseases.

Apples

A British study showed that the risk of Asthma reduced by 32% in people who consumed 2 to 5 apples every week. The flavonoids, present in the apples, help open the airways and provide a better supply of air to the Lungs.

Fruits & Vegetables with Vitamin C

Fruits and vegetables, which have high amounts of Vitamin C, should also be a part of your diet. Vitamin C is an important antioxidant which fights the free radicals to keep your Lungs safe. Some of the fruits which contain Vitamin C in abundance are orange, broccoli, sprouts, tomatoes, etc.

Carrots  

Beta-carotene, found in carrots, is another strong antioxidant. Carrots are also beneficial for the overall immune system of the body and have been known to be helpful in case of Lung Diseases, especially Asthma.

Flax Seeds

Magnesium, present in flax seeds, has a relaxing effect on the bronchi muscles and keeps them open. The bronchi are the airways which lead to the Lungs and keeping them open is vital for uninterrupted respiration.

Garlic

Garlic has special status in the traditional treatment of a lot of diseases. Its anti-inflammatory properties can prove to be helpful in the smooth functioning of the respiration system. Garlic also contains Allicin, which is a powerful antioxidant.

Use the above foods in your diet so that your Lungs can continue to faithfully carry on the life function of respiration. Also, make that visit to a Lung Specialist or Pulmonologist a regular affair, just to be sure.   

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.

Tips to Reduce Your Exposure to Asthma Attacks

Asthma attacks are quite bothersome for the period they stay. Every asthmatic patient will agree that they will go to great lengths in order to keep away from the excruciating asthmatic attacks. For many, knowing the ways to minimize these attacks is nothing short of a blessing. We present a few of ways which have been known to keep Asthma attacks at bay.

Know the Triggers

Asthma attacks are triggered by different agents in different persons. It is important to know the triggers in your case. Make positive efforts to stay away from these triggers. This has been reported to have helped thousands of asthmatics in preventing Asthma attacks.

Cleanliness is Your Weapon

Most Asthma attacks occur due to allergies to dust and polluting particles. Keeping your house and environment clean will go a long way in reducing the probabilities of allergies which lead to asthma. Regular washing of bed sheets, curtains, etc. should also be practiced.

Keep Your Pets off Sofas & Beds

Love your pets but keep them off sofas and beds. Pet dander is a common trigger of asthma and it should be kept in mind while showering your pet with love.

Stay Smoke Free

Staying smoke free not only includes not smoking yourself but also being free from second hand smoke. Avoid areas where people smoke and ask for those no-smoking spaces in hotels and restaurants.

Say No to Harsh Cleaning Agents

The fumes from harsh cleaning agents and chemicals are also known to kick off Asthma attacks. Refrain from using them.

Apart from the above, exercising regularly and keeping your life stress free, also help in warding off chances of asthmatic attacks. Remember to consult your Asthma Specialist at regular intervals to keep track of the results of the treatment. Do not let Asthma prey on you silently!

How to Overcome the Challenge of Tuberculosis in India?

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the deadliest diseases in India. It claims around 1000 lives in India on a daily basis and it is a tragedy that we are yet to bring it under control. A WHO (World Health Organization) report in 2012, stated that India shared the highest burden of Tuberculosis in the world. There were 2.2 million new cases of TB in India out of the total 8.7 million cases in the world. Thus, India, with 17% of the global population, carries 26% of the global burden.

One of the reasons, which are creating complications in effecting a better control over Tuberculosis in India, is the emergence of drug resistant variations of TB in India. Both the public and private health sector will have to play important roles in order for India to overcome the challenge of TB. The public sector needs to include newer technologies and testing methods which would increase the rate of detection. Sputum microscopy, currently being used as the primary tool of diagnosis, is notorious for missing out on half of the cases. These cases, when detected in their later stages, are much more difficult to treat. The private sector mostly gets the blame for inaccurate and expensive diagnostic tests. There are very few private Tuberculosis Treatment clinics which have the requisite infrastructure and technology to accurately diagnose TB. 

Both the sectors also need to take proper steps to generate awareness regarding Tuberculosis. The period of treatment is also crucial, as appropriate control of infection and better nutrition ensures better response to the medicinal course. “The medical fraternity is also eagerly waiting for the research on better vaccines against Tuberculosis to yield results. This would bring down TB cases in India”, says Dr. Himanshu Garg of Respiratory & Sleep Cure Solutions, a leading center for Tuberculosis Treatment in Gurgaon & Delhi.