Lungs are the prime organs of the human body. They make breathing possible and also clear the toxic materials from the blood. The appropriate functionality of lungs is essential for living. According to a report by IHME, lower respiratory infections cause the third most death and disability in Pakistan.
Extreme weather either cold or hot can be hard on the lungs. Summer season in Pakistan becomes almost unbearable in the months of June-August. Special measures are required to keep breathing in track or respiratory problems are likely to arise. In this article, we are listing down five tips to help you take care of your lungs in the heat.
- Stay Hydrated
The most efficient way to take care of your lungs in the heat is to stay hydrated. Dehydration can heavily impact lung functioning and can even lead to hyperventilation. When the body is dehydrated, the blood thickens up and its circulation is affected.
The lungs then also struggle to oxygenate the blood. Another problem regarding dehydration is that the cells lose their capability to absorb energy. As a result, there is fatigue and some very basic bodily functions such as breathing becomes a difficult task. In the extreme heat of Pakistan, it is essential to stay hydrated if you want to keep your lung function intact and consult a chest specialist if one starts experiencing lung issues.
- Regular Exercises – Particularly Cardio
Exercising is another way to make sure that your lungs are all ready to beat the heat. Cardio exercises especially train your lungs to take in more oxygen during inhalation. As a result, not only your blood gets oxygenated in a better way, your heart also functions appropriately. Exercising is also a good way to enhance stamina and energy distribution in the body which is a major problem in the heat because of dehydration
- Going Green
Keeping your body cool is the most important thing in the extreme weather. Green plants can be very helpful in achieving that. Try to spend as much time around greenery as you can in the daytime. At day time, plants give off oxygen and thus such environment is perfect to get your lungs going which are usually tired because of the dehydration that your body faces during summer.
- Wear a Mask
During summers the air is usually polluted. The smoke particles get stuck in the air especially when it is a humid day and people inhale a lot of carcinogens without even knowing. Carcinogens are super dangerous to lungs since they can physically inflammate them, making breathing difficult.
In such a situation, wear a simple mask can be very helpful. Wearing a mask will not only protect your lungs but will also help you avoid germs that cause various diseases.
- Avoid allergens
Summer is the time of crop cutting in Pakistan. Since 70% of the land in the country is agricultural, the air is filled with allergens and pollens in summer. Everybody should try and keep windows down in the early morning and wash clothes immediately after a trip outdoors but people who already have pulmonary conditions should make it a habit. This is essential for lungs to bear the burden of functioning normally in the extreme weather.
This article is written for people who are looking to improve their general lung health and functioning. It does not take into account people who have pulmonary diseases. For such people, these simple tips will not make much difference. These people should thus consult a chest specialist as soon as possible.
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This article was produced in partnership with oladoc.com, a digital health company in Pakistan. Using oladoc, you can find top Pulmonologists in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and book an appointment online.
