25 September - World Lung Day

25 September is a special day, dedicated to awareness of the importance of the lungs and the prevention of respiratory diseases. This day is held to raise awareness and attract attention to various lung diseases, that affect millions of people around the world. It's time, when can we stop and think about, How often do we take this vital process for granted?. Lungs are an amazing creation of nature, they not only provide us with oxygen, but also play a key role in cleansing the body of toxins.

Lungs (got their name, because they do not drown in water due to oxygen saturation) humans are the most important organ of the respiratory system. They provide the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide, which is critical for every living thing.

Lung function

The main function of the lungs is to provide breathing. The respiratory process begins, when air enters the nose or mouth and passes through the pharynx into the trachea. Next it enters the bronchi, which are distributed throughout both lungs. Therefore, the lungs carry out two main processes: inspiration (inhale) and expiration (exhalation).

Inhalation provides oxygen from the environment. The process is carried out due to the contraction of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles. This creates negative pressure in the chest cavity, what causes air to enter the bronchi and alveoli.

At the level of the alveoli, oxygen penetrates into the capillaries, saturating the blood. At the same time, carbon dioxide is transferred from the blood to the alveoli and expelled through exhalation.. This process occurs automatically and is regulated by the respiratory center in the brain.

In addition to the exchange of gases, the lungs also perform the following functions:

• Regulating blood pH: The lungs help maintain the acid-base balance in the body, regulating carbon dioxide levels.
• Particle filtration: Fine hairs in the respiratory tract filter and trap dust and pathogens, which can enter the body.
• Participation in immune defense: The lungs contain immune cells, which help fight infections.

These functions make the lungs an indispensable organ., affecting overall health and quality of life.

Lung diseases

Unfortunately, the lungs are susceptible to many diseases, which can seriously affect respiratory function and overall health. The most common diseases include:

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

COPD is a group of diseases, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. These diseases lead to narrowing of the airways, making breathing difficult and reducing oxygen saturation in the blood. The main cause of COPD is smoking, but occupational risks can also influence (eg, working with dust or chemicals).

Symptoms of COPD come on gradually and may include shortness of breath, cough and frequent respiratory infections. If left untreated, the disease can lead to serious complications., up to pulmonary infarction or death.

Asthma

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways, manifested by episodic attacks of shortness of breath, whistling and coughing. The most common triggers for asthma attacks include allergenic substances (pollen, dust, mold) and physical activity.

Treatment for asthma usually involves the use of bronchodilators to open up the airways and anti-inflammatory drugs. Self-management and avoidance of triggers are critical to maintaining stability.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is inflammation of the lungs, which can be caused by various microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses. Pneumonia affects the alveoli, filling them with fluid and making breathing difficult.

Symptoms of pneumonia usually include a severe cough, high temperature, shortness of breath and general weakness. Treatment depends on the cause of the disease: bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics, whereas viral ones require maintenance therapy.

Lung cancer

Lung cancer is one of the most dangerous diseases, lung related. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, this form of cancer is the most common and deadly in the world. Risk factors include smoking, passive smoking and exposure to carcinogens.

Signs of lung cancer may include a persistent cough, weight loss, shortness of breath and chest pain. Early detection and timely treatment can significantly increase the chances of recovery.

Pulmonary tuberculosis

Pulmonary tuberculosis is an infectious disease, caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which affects the lungs, causing major changes in their structure and function. This disease has been known since ancient times and remains relevant to this day., posing a global health threat.

Symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis can range from chronic cough and weakness to fever and weight loss. Most often, the disease manifests itself in the form of a productive cough with sputum production., sometimes containing blood. Without timely diagnosis and adequate treatment, tuberculosis can lead to severe complications and even death..

 

Diagnostics

Timely diagnosis and prevention of lung diseases play a key role in their treatment. Many people don't realize, that they suffer from lung problems, until symptoms become critical. There are several methods, used to assess the condition of the lungs and identify possible diseases.

RFO

RFO- is one of the main visualization methods, allowing doctors to see the condition of the lungs and detect various abnormalities, such as tumors or inflammatory processes.

Spirometry

Spirometry is a test, which measures the volume of air, which you can exhale, as well as exhalation rate. This important test helps assess lung function and identify such diseases, like COPD and asthma in the early stages.

Computed tomography (CT)

CT scan provides more detailed images of the lungs and surrounding tissues, which is especially useful for diagnosing complex cases, such as lung cancer or various lung infections.

Prevention of lung diseases

Maintaining lung health requires a proactive approach and certain precautions.. Key recommendations include:

• Quitting smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for many lung diseases. Quitting tobacco completely reduces the risk of developing COPD and other diseases.
• Regular physical activity: Moderate physical activity improves lung function, which helps to avoid many problems.
• Balanced diet: Nutrition, rich in vitamins and antioxidants, may support lung health.
• Environmental control: Avoiding air pollution and allergens also plays an important role in preventing respiratory diseases.
• Regular medical examinations:Timely medical examinations and studies will help identify possible lung diseases in the early stages. It is recommended to undergo a medical examination at least once a year, especially if there is a predisposition to lung diseases.

Conclusion

The lungs are a vital organ, responsible for proper breathing and gas exchange. Their abnormalities and diseases can significantly impair the quality of life. Therefore, it is important to take care of your lung health, adhering to a healthy lifestyle and avoiding bad habits. Consult a doctor, if you notice signs of respiratory system diseases, to receive timely treatment and prevent serious consequences. Healthy lungs are the key to an active and fulfilling life. Let this day not only be a reminder of the need to protect your lungs, but also inspiration to act for the sake of our own well-being and the health of future generations.