How to Prevent Lung Disease
How often do you think about your lung’s health? Most of us take breathing for granted and don’t stop to think of the vital work our lungs do every second of every day.
Our lungs are the organ responsible for taking in oxygen and expelling harmful carbon dioxide from our system. This exchange is what keeps our muscles, brain, and other internal organs healthy and functioning.
Keeping our lungs healthy and disease-free needs to be a priority as lung disease is far more common than any of us would like.
The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion estimates that:
- 25 million Americans have asthma
- 14.8 million American adults currently live with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- An additional 12 million Americans have undiagnosed COPD
- COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States
- An estimated 139,603 patients died of lung cancer in 2019
Types of Lung Diseases and How to Prevent or Manage Them
Our respiratory system is prone to infections as airborne viruses and bacteria can enter our bodies through the air we breathe.
The human body has defense mechanisms to prevent us from falling prey to illness. For the most part, respiratory infections are mild, and our bodies can heal on their own or with the help of medications. However, complications can arise, leading to severe and sometimes chronic illnesses to develop, including:
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a critical lung infection caused by either a virus or bacteria. Bacterial pneumonia is more common and often more severe.
The infection causes excess mucus or fluid to buildup and causes narrowing of the airways; as a result breathing becomes difficult.
Risk Factors
Anyone with an immature or weakened immune system is susceptible to pneumonia. Therefore the following individuals are at risk:
- Infants under the age of two
- Adults 65 or older
- Patients with immune diseases
How to Prevent Pneumonia
- Frequently wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based solution
- Ask your doctor if the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine is right for you
- Quit smoking
Asthma
Asthma is chronic condition caused by inflammation of the airways. During an asthma attack, patients typically experience wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and cough.
Managing Asthma
There is currently no cure for asthma. Therefore current treatments aim at managing the frequency and severity of symptoms.
Since each patient experiences the disease differently, the best way to manage symptoms is to work alongside doctors to develop a custom asthma management plan.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
COPD is a group of degenerative lung diseases that, as they progress, cause damage to the airways making it increasingly difficult to breathe.
Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are two of the illnesses that fall under the COPD umbrella. The most common cause of COPD is long-term exposure to air pollutants such as cigarette smoke, and chemicals.
Typical symptoms include:
- Phlegmy cough
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
- Shortness of breath
Preventing COPD
- Quit smoking. Even if you have smoked for years your lungs will benefit if you stop. The American Lung Association has many resources to help anyone who wants to quit
- Improve the quality of the air you breathe. Avoid areas with second-hand smoke, high levels of dust, chemical fumes, and smog
Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
Surgeries and long periods of inactivity can cause blood clots to form in the lower extremities usually the leg. When these clots travel from the leg into a lung artery, it creates a blockage, resulting in a life-threatening condition known as pulmonary embolism (PE).
Preventing PE
The way to prevent pulmonary embolism is to stop blood clots from forming. For some patients, this could mean:
- Taking blood thinners as recommended by a primary care physician
- Leading a healthy lifestyle that includes eating a healthy balanced diet, and exercising regularly
- Moving your legs while you are sitting at your desk or on a long flight
- Resume walking as soon as possible after a surgery
When to Come to Prestige ER
Difficulty breathing can be a sign of a serious condition. You should call 911 or have someone drive you to our facility if:
- Your breathing difficulties are severe enough to disrupt your routine
- You have sudden unexplained breathing problems
- You experience chest pain, nausea, vomiting, or dizziness along with your shortness of breath
- You have a chronic lung disease such as asthma or COPD, and your symptoms are not responding to your medication
- Your lips or fingers turn blue
- You have trouble breathing while lying down
You should never underestimate breathing problems. As soon as you start experiencing abnormal breathing problems, come to Prestige ER for evaluation and treatment.
We have the most advanced diagnostic equipment; additionally, we employ the best emergency physicians and nurses who are ready to offer you the best care possible.
HealthCare.gov recommends that in case of an emergency, you head straight to the closest ER.
You DO NOT need to get prior approval from your health insurance company.
They will cover expenses barring whatever your deductible and coinsurance/copayments are for emergency treatments.
Prestige ER is open and ready to care for you during an emergency in which your health is significantly jeopardized 24/7, we work with all major insurance companies and our Patient Advocate team is available to help you understand your coverage and rights. We will guide and fight for you every step of the way.
They will cover expenses barring whatever your deductible and coinsurance/copayments are for emergency treatments.
Prestige ER is open and ready to care for you during an emergency in which your health is significantly jeopardized 24/7, we work with all major insurance companies and our Patient Advocate team is available to help you understand your coverage and rights. We will guide and fight for you every step of the way. For more information regarding your rights as a patient, view our Insurance Information.
Know Where to Go in the Event of an Emergency
Prestige ER is Your #1 Choice During an Emergency.
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Prestige ER is honored to serve the residents and those passing through Plano and surrounding cities like Frisco and Allen.
Part of caring for your health is to know where to go in case of an emergency. Please keep in mind that Prestige ER is Open 24/7 every day of the year, if you need us, we are here for you.
We are available 24/7 because an accident can happen at any time. Do not risk your health! Get help from the ER experts when you need it, visit us immediately in Plano or Mesquite.
#1 Medical Emergency Care in Plano and Mesquite, Texas
Find the ER Specialists at prestigeer.org, We provide the Best 24 HR. Emergency Medical Services in Plano and our newest facility in Mesquite, TX. Don’t Wait in Line for ER Care! Don’t forget that WE STAY OPEN 24/7.
Get back on track to enjoying life, FAST! Experienced, Effective and Caring Emergency Physicians team up with the best On-Site ER care for everything from Minor to Major Injuries and Conditions.
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