Our lungs are critical organs of our body. But we often tend to ignore maintaining our lung health. Like other parts of the body, the lungs tend to become less flexible over a period of time. This can lead to breathing issues. Engaging in certain practices might unknowingly be bad for your lungs. Let’s spare some time and understand the mistakes that can damage the lungs and how to avoid them. Untidy houses and buildings Untidy homes and buildings can give rise to mold and dust mites, both of which can cause respiratory issues. These problems can be avoided with regular cleaning and sufficient ventilation. Also, the common carpets used at home can gather dust and allergens over time, especially if you have pets around. It is essential to vacuum them often and seek professional cleaning services on a regular basis. Exercising in heavy traffic areas Exercising in congested areas such as a city park might be harmful. To prevent the hazards connected with high-traffic regions, one should exercise in a safe and less crowded location, such as a gym. Additionally, the time of the day matters. The quality of the air can vary greatly depending on which time you choose to exercise.

Breathing is an essential bodily function that keeps a person alive. Not many people are conscious of their breathing patterns unless an underlying respiratory condition such as lung damage affects them. Lung damage can occur due to various factors, such as pollution and respiratory infections. Understanding the warning signs of lung damage is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment. Some key causes and warning signs of lung damage and its treatment mechanisms are discussed below. Causes of lung damage Prolonged exposure to air pollution, such as smog, dust, and industrial fumes, can also lead to lung damage. Respiratory infections, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and tuberculosis, can damage the lungs and cause long-term respiratory problems. Other factors that can cause lung damage include exposure to asbestos and radon gas. Warning signs of lung damage The symptoms of lung damage can vary depending on the severity and the underlying cause. Some of the common warning signs of lung damage are listed below. Shortness of breath: Breathing issues are a common symptom of lung damage. It occurs during rigorous physical activity or even at rest. Shortness of breath can indicate various respiratory conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. Besides shortness of breath, labored breathing is also an indicator of lung damage.

Constipation, characterized by irregular bowel movements or difficulty passing stools, is a common condition that affects many people. It may be accompanied by symptoms like bloating, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite, which add to the discomfort. Various factors, including a lack of fiber in the food, dehydration, specific treatments, and a sedentary lifestyle, can cause constipation. Following are a few mistakes people make when constipated, which worsens their symptoms. Not drinking enough water This is one of the most common mistakes people make when trying to relieve constipation. The stool becomes hard and difficult to pass when the body does not get sufficient water. Experts recommend that individuals drink at least eight glasses of water daily to keep the body hydrated. However, the exact amount of water one needs can vary depending on age and activity levels. Eating fried foods Fried foods like French fries, fried chicken, and onion rings are high in fat and low in fiber. As a result, they can slow down the digestive process, contributing to constipation. Moreover, fried foods are often cooked in oil, which can cause inflammation, increasing the risk of other digestive problems. Therefore, one should limit the intake of fried foods and use healthier cooking methods like grilling, roasting, or baking.

Sleep is an essential component of a healthy life and overall well-being, but many overlook its importance. Getting adequate sleep ensures that the mind and body are relaxed, rejuvenated, and ready to tackle all the challenges of the day. However, getting the recommended hours of sleep at a stretch can require more than just sticking to a strict sleep schedule. Common reasons for inadequate sleep could be poor lifestyle choices. Choosing heavy meals Digestion can be an energy-consuming activity. Eating heavy meals close to bedtime can lead to acid reflux and indigestion and potentially wreck your sleep quality. It is best to have dinner at least three hours before bed and ensure that it is a light meal. Additionally, avoid caffeine and other stimulating drinks for a minimum of 5 hours before bedtime to ensure uninterrupted sleep. Engaging in stimulating activities Playing video games, watching television, and scrolling through endless social media feeds can disrupt sleep quality. These activities make it difficult for the brain to wind down and relax. So, you end up with an overactive mind when you would rather be sound asleep. So, consider avoiding screen time and extremely stimulating activities at bedtime if you are trying to improve your sleep quality and the amount of rest you get.

Seizures are sudden and uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain. These disturbances can cause unusual sensations and behavior and loss of consciousness. The condition can affect people of all ages, but the symptoms may vary depending on the type of seizure the person is experiencing. While some seizures are harmless, others might end up being fatal. So, individuals must be aware of the disorder’s warning signs and visit a health expert if they occur. Convulsions Convulsions or uncontrolled, jerky movements are the most common symptom. These movements are usually seen in the arms and legs but can also affect the face, neck, and other body parts. The movements can be irregular or in rhythm and may last from a few seconds to a few minutes. Loss of consciousness During a seizure, the patient might become unresponsive to visual stimuli, appear dazed or confused, and stare blankly. In some cases, one might also fall to the ground unresponsive. Muscle stiffness Seizures can, at times, lead to muscle stiffness or soreness. This symptom is more common in people experiencing grand mal seizures, also known as tonic-clonic seizures. Muscle stiffness might cause the person to fall to the ground. Sensory disturbances Seizures may also lead to sensory disturbances, such as numbness and tingling in the upper and lower limbs and the face.

Actively asking your doctor questions is one way through which you can know more about your health. It gives patients a safe space to discuss potential problems or special care needs they may have, so that a more comfortable healthcare experience can be curated. If one is too stressed to visit the physician on their own, they can take a trusted person along, and prepare a list of questions to ask the doctor. Am I at risk for any health issues? Discussing one’s lifestyle habits with the doctor (along with factors such as age and gender) can help set realistic expectations for health in the future. Doing so can also help recognize any risks or complications. Are there any additional screenings I need to undergo? Depending on one’s age and other factors, doctors may recommend additional tests or screenings such as lipid testing for cholesterol levels, hemoglobin A1c screening for diabetes, a colonoscopy, a PAP smear for cervical cancer, etc. When should I schedule my next appointment? Depending on one’s general health and lab test results, a person may be asked to return on a date sooner than their scheduled annual or bi-annual checkups. Are my physical tests (BMI, Blood pressure, heart rate/breathing signs) normal?