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Caring for your lungs

One of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to lung health is – how can I look after my lungs? If you’re reading this, you are already taking positive steps towards better lung health.
  • Quit smoking

    Make your life a smoke-free zone by quitting smoking and/or reducing your exposure to second hand smoke. There are immediate health benefits to quitting smoking at any age. Read more.

  • Avoid exposure to pollutants

    Wear appropriate protective equipment if you work in environments that expose you to the inhalation of dust, gas, fumes or chemicals. Read more.

  • Prevent infection

    Protect yourself from influenza and pneumonia by:

    • having the appropriate vaccinations – talk your doctor about what is most appropriate for your age and circumstance. People aged 65 and over are recommended to get a pneumonia vaccination.
    • Practice good hand and home hygiene to minimise the spread of germs.
    • If you get sick, avoid spreading it and stay home.

    Read more.

  • Keep healthy

    Exercise regularly and have a healthy diet. A good place to start is chatting to your healthcare provider. Small steps can turn into permanent life changes that will benefit the health of you and your family.

    Read more.

  • Talk to your doctor

    See your doctor if you experience shortness of breath or a persistent cough. If you have a lung disease, you can work with your doctor to manage your symptoms and flare-ups.

  • Be aware of the air

    People with lung disease need to pay attention to any warnings regarding the level of pollution in the air, such as wood fire smoke, and take precautions to minimise their exposure. Smoke and pollutants in the air can penetrate deeply into the lungs and irritate the airways causing symptoms of lung diseases such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and asthma to worsen, including wheezing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing.

    Read more.

  • Check in with your lungs

    Take two minutes to complete our online lung health check.

Daily care

Our lungs play an important role in keeping us healthy and well. The fact is, like the rest of our body, our lungs need daily care and attention. Simple things like keeping active, watching your posture and staying hydrated can help keep these vital organs in good condition.

In addition, research shows that regular exercise can help maintain your fitness and wellbeing as well as reduce symptoms of breathlessness to make everyday activities easier.

Specialised exercise programs such as Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Lungs in Action help people living with a lung disease stay active in a safe and friendly environment. These programs can also assist you with resilience, mindfulness and emotional support. Learn more on our Lung disease and exercise page.

References

1US Department of Health and Human Services.  The health benefits of smoking cessation.  A report of the Surgeon General.  DHHS Publication No CDC 90-8416.  Rockville, MD: US Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centres for Disease Control, Centre for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office on Smoking and Health; 1990. Available from: http://profiles.nlm.nih.gov/NN/B/B/C/T/_/nnbbct.pdf

Check in with your lungs today.
Complete checklist