Occupational and environmental lung diseases and how to prevent them
- lalebaron
- Aug 28, 2019
- 3 min read
Find on reverehealth.com/live-better-blog
With an increase in air pollution, dust particles, and other air-born toxins, it is becoming more and more important to take care of your lung health. If you breathe in these damaging toxins, your lungs, as well as the rest of your body, may suffer the consequences.
Conditions, such as work-environment or the city that you live in, can play a huge role in the amount of toxins that you inhale. Occupational and environmental conditions can play a huge role in your overall lung health. While some of these conditions can’t often be resolved, there are many things you can do to ensure that your lungs are healthy and strong.
Occupational lung disease
Occupational lung diseases are work-related lung conditions made worse by materials found in the work environment. Work-related lung diseases are caused by inhaling air-born irritants over long periods of time. According to Cedars-Sinai Health Library, smaller particles do more damage to the lungs that larger particles. Small particles are absorbed into the lungs making it more difficult to cough out. Pet shop owners, butchers, farmers, tannery workers, archaeologists, and health care workers are surrounded by many chemicals and toxins that can affect their lung health if they aren’t careful. Those who work in an office may not be exposed to as many air-borne pathogens, but they can still at risk.
Environmental lung disease
Environmental lung diseases are lung conditions caused by outside elements such as air pollution, garbage, natural disasters, and cigarette or tobacco smoke. Those who live in large metropolitan areas inhale more toxins than those who live in a smaller town because of higher amounts of toxins, fumes, and dust. Cars and trucks contribute huge amounts of pollution to our atmosphere every time we use them. Those who have jobs working in dusty areas can inhale up to 200 mg of dust every day.
Some common symptoms of occupational and environmental lung diseases are:
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Chest tightness
- Abnormal breathing patterns
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, consult with your doctor to ensure that you aren’t at risk for lung disease.
How to keep your lungs healthy
You may not be able to change your job, or move to a smaller town to avoid these lung diseases, but there are some things you can do now to keep your lungs healthy. Try to incorporate some of these tips into your daily routine.
1. Don’t smoke:
Smoking cigarettes is extremely dangerous to not only your health, but to everyone else around you. Smoking causes lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease as well as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Cigarette smoke can also narrow your air passages and make it harder to breath. Quitting now will clean the air you and others breathe. If you want to quit, The American Lung Association has created a wonderful program to help you.
2. Prevent infection:
A common cold can turn into a serious problem if you aren’t careful. Take necessary precautions by washing your hands, get your flu/vaccination shots, and brush your teeth at least twice a day and see your dentist often.
3. Regularly clean your home:
If your house is left unchecked, dust particles and other indoor irritants can cause respiratory problems. Wipe down your counters after you use them, clean your dishes daily, and wash your clothes and bed sheets. It is also important to change your air filter often, and clean your kitchen appliances (refrigerator coils, furnaces and ducts.)
4. Check on the air quality before you go outside:
The United States Environmental Protection Agency has created a website, AirNow, to help you know the air quality in your city. Visit this website before you spend a day outside.
5. Have regular check-ups:
It is important to visit your doctor annually even when you are feeling well. Lung diseases can go undetected until it is serious. Your doctor will check your breathing and listen to any concerns you may have.
6. Exercise:
Exercise isn’t just for those who want to lose weight. Exercising everyday will keep your body fit, and your heart and lungs healthy.
Sources
“Imaging of Occupational Lung Disease” Radiological Society of North America.
“Tips to keep your lungs Healthy” American Lung Association
“Healthy Living” Yourlunghealth.org.
“Occupational Lung Diseases” Cedars-Sinai Health Library
“Environmentally Induced Lung Disease” American Thoracic Society.
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