Till recently, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was a common diagnosis for a person who has spent their life smoking, since tobacco smoke was the biggest contributor to the condition. However, in recent times, COPD cases among non-smokers has been on the rise, forcing a rethink on how we understand respiratory disease risks to our lungs. Environmental and genetic factors are affecting more and more individuals who have never smoked a single cigarette, but who are experiencing shortness of breath and chronic cough, wheezing or constantly clearing their throat.
It’s In The Air
To be physically active in an area with severe pollution is worse than to be physically inactive. Although, in principle, people perform physical activities (such as running, cycling, yoga, etc.) to decrease the risk of cardiovascular diseases, exercising in a location with a high AQI appears to increase the risk to lungs.
During deep-breathing exercises, the inspiratory flow rate significantly increased to maximize the intake of fresh air and oxygen. As a result, fine particulate matter(PM 2.5) and toxins that may be found in polluted air, is inhaled, causing stress on the distal air sacs of the lungs (the alveoli). Over a period of time, chronic inflammation and oxidative stress in the lungs from these factors lead to irreversible lung disease, and increased risk of cardiovascular problems in an otherwise healthy non-smoker.
Hidden Hazards in the Home
Our homes, considered a sanctuary, can be a reservoir of lung irritants due to many reasons. In many parts of the world, particularly developing regions, the use of biomass fuels (wood, coal, crop residue and also fuel made out of cow dung ) for cooking and heating in poorly ventilated spaces is a leading cause of COPD, especially among non-smoking women. But the threat is also present in subtler, everyday items. Products like mosquito coils, insect sprays, air fresheners, scented candles and the like, release fine particulate matter and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that irritate the airway lining. Furthermore, fumes from outdated gas appliances, old furnaces, and certain strong household cleaning products can linger, causing chronic, low-level inflammation that steadily chips away at lung function.
Genetic Predisposition and Early Life Factors
Most non-smoking COPD cases result from factors, genetically or early in life, that one can identify and define well before they cause problems during adulthood. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency most commonly causes undiagnosed COPD. The deficiency exists as a hereditary condition. In this condition, the liver does not produce enough of the protein AAT. This protein protects the lungs from destruction with naturally occurring enzymes. This deficiency results in the gradual destruction within the lung tissue, causing structural changes associated with COPD and leading to emphysema, which often presents in patients during their 30s or 40s.
Childhood asthma that is not well controlled can also cause structural airway changes. These changes may continue into adulthood. This may cause COPD that occurs early. Airway calibre may be altered relative to lung size. This is known as dysanapsis. Healthy non-smokers then have little "breathing reserve" and are more likely to develop obstructive lung disease with increasing age or small environmental exposures. These airway disorders are obstructive. And an other important cause for is infections like tuberculosis can heal with significant lung damage leading to COPD like clinical condition
Empowering Your Lungs: Strategies for Recovery and Support
While these risks are real, adopting proactive strategies focused on minimising lung stress and maximising efficiency can offer crucial support. Apart from quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke the single most impactful action individuals should focus on environmental control and lifestyle adjustments. This includes actively improving indoor air quality, ensuring excellent ventilation, and dusting/vacuuming regularly to remove indoor pollutants. Maintaining good posture is also a simple yet powerful ‘trick’, as sitting or standing tall provides the lungs with maximum space to fully expand.
Nutritional and Physical Aids for Lung Health
Practicing good nutrition and hydration is generally known to support the body during its natural detoxification and cleansing. Dietary support mainly detoxifies against oxidative stress and inflammation. Consuming antioxidant-rich foods that are high in vitamin C such as berries and citrus fruits and anti-inflammatory spices such as turmeric and ginger. Diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as fatty fish or walnuts, in addition to food that packs dietary fibre might help improve lung function by promoting genaral health. In people who are already suffering from COPD
Controlled coughing may assist lung clearance,this special technique of coughing helps clear mucus. Steam therapy may assist in lung clearance as it loosens the mucus. Lastly, maintaining hydration is vital, as sufficient water intake keeps the protective mucus lining thin and easier for the body to expel, thereby supporting long-term respiratory health.
The article is written by Dr Ranganath, Senior Consultant, Lead - Pulmonology |
