In today’s fast-paced and fast-changing world, shortness of breath has become a common thing, but ignoring it can be very risky for your health. Many times people ignore it citing fatigue or age, but have you ever wondered why your breathing becomes short just by walking a short distance or climbing stairs? This can be a sign of some disease, which if corrected in time, can prevent future problems and help in living a healthy life.

Possible reasons behind shortness of breath

heart problems
If your heart is not able to pump blood properly, the body does not get enough oxygen, which causes breathlessness. Heart failure, coronary artery disease and heart valve problems can be the reasons behind this. In these conditions, the patient may have trouble breathing even while walking or lying down.

Lung Diseases
The lungs work to take in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide. Any of these problems can cause breathlessness, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung infection or pneumonia can be the reasons behind it. If shortness of breath is accompanied by cough, chest tightness or wheezing, then it can be a sign of lung disease.

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Anemia (blood deficiency)
When there is a deficiency of hemoglobin in the body, oxygen does not reach the body parts properly. This has a direct impact on breathing, which can lead to problems like early fatigue, dizziness and shortness of breath even after doing light work.

Obesity
When you are overweight, the body needs more oxygen. Also, pressure on the chest and lungs increases, making breathing difficult.

Thyroid
Thyroid hormone affects metabolism, which can cause heartbeat and shortness of breath.

When to understand that the matter is serious?

• Shortness of breath even at rest.
• Feeling pain or pressure in the chest.
• Blueness of lips or fingers.
• Persistent cough or bleeding.
• Suddenly feeling very weak.

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The air of Delhi-NCR is continuously becoming poisonous. In such a situation, due to continuously increasing pollution in the air, the condition of people’s lungs is worsening. At the same time, the doctor says that the microscopic particles present in air pollution like PM 2.5, PM 10, nitrogen dioxide and ozone are gradually damaging the lungs. The risk increases even more for people who have the habit of smoking. In such a situation, the question arises that if the lungs get damaged due to pollution or smoking, can they recover again? So today let us tell you that if the lungs get damaged due to smoking habit or pollution, can they be cured again or not and what do the experts say about it.

How does pollution harm the lungs?

According to doctors, the pollutants present in the air reach the deep parts of the lungs through breath. This causes irritation, inflammation and oxidative stress which weakens the structure and capacity of the lungs. This risk is greatest for children, the elderly and people suffering from diseases like heart or asthma. The initial signs of lung damage include frequent dry cough or burning sensation in the throat. Apart from this, even doing light work causes shortness of breath. At the same time, heaviness in the chest or wheezing sound is also an early sign of bad lungs. Increasing mucus and feeling tired are also signs of bad lungs.

Can lungs recover after being damaged?

Experts say that the lungs have the ability to repair themselves. When a person lives in clean air, stays away from pollution or smoking, the functioning of the lungs can gradually improve. At the same time, improvement can be seen in the lungs within a few months to a few years. However, if the damage is very deep or chronic, such as COPD, it is difficult for the lungs to recover completely. But with proper treatment and precautions, its risk can be reduced to a great extent. According to experts, if a person quits smoking or tries to avoid pollution, the lung capacity starts improving within two weeks to 3 months.

What to do for lung health?

• Stay away from smoking and second hand smoke.
• Go out wearing an N95 or KN95 mask.
• Use an air purifier with HEPA filter at home.
• Do deep breathing or diaphragmatic breathing exercises.
• Drink enough water throughout the day, so that the dirt accumulated in the lungs can be cleared.
• Reduce outdoor activity during pollution days.

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Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.

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