World Lung Day: Pulmonologist busts common myths about lung health

From smoking to pollution and asthma, lung health is surrounded by myths. Here’s what doctors say you need to know to protect your lungs. (Image: Pexels)

Lung function is something most people don’t think much about until they experience a problem breathing or develop a disease. While other parts of the body may exhibit early signals that something isn’t right, the lungs are mainly silent, operating in background mode even as they keep a person alive with every breath. This quiet effectiveness can make it easy to overlook how crucial they are, or even worse, to believe myths about how best to maintain them.

Lung health myths can be dangerous because they discourage people from taking preventive actions or seeking appropriate care. It’s a popular idea that lung issues are the exclusive domain of smokers, that shortness of breath is simply what happens when you age and exercise alone can protect lungs from harm. In fact, lung diseases don’t discriminate, and their risks go beyond smoking to pollution, occupational exposures, infections and genetics.

Quashing these myths with the truth is essential for good respiratory health, explains Dr Manish Garg, Associate Director & Unit Head - Pulmonology, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Dwarka. By knowing the actual causes and initial symptoms, and undertaking preventive actions, people can be active players in having healthy lungs, enhancing quality of life and reducing the costs associated with these chronic diseases.

Myth 1: Only Smokers Develop Lung Diseases

While it is true that smoking is the number one risk factor for lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), it is not the only one. Air pollution, occupational exposure to chemicals, second hand smoke, and genetics can all contribute to lung damage. These risk factors can create serious lung disease even the person has not ever smoked.

Also Read: Causes and symptoms of poor lung health: Expert tips to prevent asthma, cancer, COPD in elders
Myth 2: Shortness of Breath is Normal as You Age

Although lung capacity may decrease naturally with age, ongoing shortness of breath is never normal and can signal conditions as serious as asthma, COPD, heart disease or lung cancer. Please don't ignore your symptoms or delay diagnosis. When you feel unusual shortness of breath during routine activities, please discuss with your physician.
Myth 3: Drinking Lots of Water Cleanses the Lungs

Drinking plenty of water is good for your health, but water drinking does not "wash out" toxins in the lung. The healthiest thing you can do for your lungs is to refrain from smoking, limit pollution exposure, practice breathing exercises, and stay physically fit.Myth 4: Asthma is Only a Childhood Condition

Asthma can occur at any stage in life. There are those who only have their first symptoms as adults, usually triggered by some allergen, pollution, or infection. It's dangerous to ignore wheezing or other persistent coughs by simply dismissing them as "just seasonal". Asthmatic persons of any age can lead normal, healthy lives with proper diagnosis and management.

Also Read: What to do to stay safe from infections, allergies, and chronic flare-ups in this monsoon

Myth 5: If You Have Strong Lungs, You Don’t Need to Worry About Pollution

Even healthy lungs are not immune from long-term damage by pollution. Fine particulate matter and toxic gas can lead to inflammation, increased asthmatic triggers, increased allergies, and even lung cancers in healthy lungs. On particularly polluted days, wearing a facemask and the use of indoor air purifiers can reduce inhaled exposures.

Good lung health relies upon awareness, prevention, and prompt medical management. Don't let myths mislead you. You can protect your lungs and breathe easier today and in the future by staying away from tobacco, maintaining a level of activity, eating a good diet, and seeking help when symptoms do arise.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.