Our lungs work every second of our lives, yet we rarely think about them until breathing becomes difficult. Many lung diseases such as COPD, chronic bronchitis, asthma flare-ups, tuberculosis and lung cancer are closely linked to habits and surroundings we can change. In this video, Dr. Dipak Viradia, Chest Physician & Intensivist, shares simple, practical ways to keep your lungs healthy.

1. Stop smoking and all forms of tobacco. Smoking is the single biggest cause of preventable lung disease. Cigarettes, bidis, hookah and vaping all damage the airways and lungs, raising the risk of COPD and lung cancer. It is never too late to quit, as lung health starts improving soon after stopping. Avoid second-hand smoke too, especially around children.

2. Keep indoor air clean. Smoke from chulhas (wood or cow-dung stoves), incense sticks, mosquito coils and burning waste is harmful when breathed every day. Keep the kitchen and home well ventilated, use exhaust fans, and fix damp walls to prevent mould.

3. Protect yourself from pollution and dust. On high-pollution days, limit outdoor activity and wear a well-fitting mask. People working in textile mills, diamond polishing, construction, stone crushing and chemical units are regularly exposed to dust and fumes that can damage the lungs over time. Always use proper protective masks at work and get regular lung check-ups.

4. Prevent infections. Wash hands regularly, avoid close contact with people who have respiratory infections, and take the flu vaccine every year. Pneumococcal vaccination is recommended for older adults and people with diabetes, heart, kidney or lung disease. Infections like pneumonia can seriously harm the lungs in high-risk people.

5. Stay active. Regular walking, yoga, breathing exercises and keeping a healthy weight improve lung capacity and overall fitness.

6. Don’t ignore warning signs. A cough lasting more than two weeks, coughing up blood, breathlessness on walking, wheezing, chest pain, unexplained weight loss or night fever should be checked by a doctor. Early diagnosis of conditions like TB, COPD or lung cancer makes treatment far more effective.

7. Get your lungs checked. Smokers, former smokers, and people exposed to dust or fumes at work should consider a lung function test (spirometry), even if they feel well. It can detect lung damage before symptoms appear.

Dr. Dipak Viradia
Chest Physician & Intensivist | Interventional Pulmonologist & ECMO Specialist
Rudrax Chest Clinic, 301, Solaris Royce, Opp. Old RTO, Athwagate, Ring Road, Surat – 395001
Appointment: +91 75676 19985
Website: www.drdipakviradia.com