November is COPD Awareness Month, so it’s the perfect time to remind yourself of the importance of lung health. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is an inflammatory condition that blocks airflow from the lungs. However, it’s not the only disease you should be aware of. Other conditions that can affect your breathing and quality of life include asthma, emphysema, and lung cancer. Use this health care guide to learn about the warning signs of lung diseases.

Symptoms of Lung Diseases

Many lung diseases share similar symptoms. A chronic cough that lasts more than eight weeks is a common sign of a problem. In many cases, the coughs will be wet and may bring up phlegm or blood.

With certain kinds of asthma, a chronic cough will be on the dry side. It will often flare up when a person is exposed to allergens, cold air, dust, or vigorous physical activity.

Shortness of breath is also common to all major lung diseases. Difficulty catching your breath after intense exercise is normal. However, if it persists beyond a few minutes or occurs with limited or no physical activity at all, it can be a sign of something more serious.

You may feel like you can't draw adequate amounts of air into the lungs, or your breathing might be labored or painful. Each breath may also create a wheezing sound. Contact a health care professional if you notice these symptoms.

Because the heart and lungs work together to supply the body with oxygen-rich blood, early indicators of lung disease may appear in the chest as well. Chest pain, tightness, or heaviness should never be ignored, especially if it lasts for a month or more and worsens with breathing or coughing.

How to Maintain Healthy Lungs

Health care professionals urge you to quit smoking to preserve your lungs. While quitting can be difficult, there are a number of support options in place to make the journey easier. These include medications, hypnosis, lifestyle changes, and support groups.

Reduce your exposure to lung-irritating pollutants both inside and outside the home; use cleaning products and craft or home improvement supplies in well-ventilated rooms. You should also have your home tested for radon.

Download a weather app that measures outdoor air quality, and avoid exercising outside when pollution is high. Don't forget to visit a health care provider for a physical once a year or if you have any concerns about new or worsening lung-related symptoms.

The health care team at Tug River Health Association will help you keep your lungs healthy. Since 1976, this medical center has served McDowell and Wyoming counties in West Virginia. Their team offers a wide range of health services, including primary and emergency medical care, immunizations, and injury treatment. Call (304) 448-2101 or visit them online to schedule an appointment.