Every organ is essential for the functioning of the human body. The lungs are the motor that acts like a main switch for the body, inhaling and exhaling air and providing life energy to the body. The main function of the lungs is gas exchange. Other functions include the production of some important chemicals and the inactivation of some other chemicals. The lungs are the main organ for taking in oxygen that provides energy for physical activity and for exhaling carbon dioxide. An average person breathes 22,000 times a day. They inhale and exhale about 255 cubic meters (9,000 cubic feet) of air.
Lung function
There are two membranes surrounding the lungs.
1. Outer pleura
2. Inner pleura
There is a space between these two membranes. It is called the pleural space. It contains a very small amount of pleural fluid. This fluid prevents friction from occurring due to the movement of the lungs during breathing. The cerebrum controls and regulates breathing. That is, the cerebrum in the brain is responsible for maintaining an average of 18 to 20 breaths per minute.
The total lung capacity is on average 6 liters. When you take a deep breath, the amount of air you take in is only 5 liters. The amount of air that is always inside the lungs is 1 liter. Normally, the mucus-like fluid secreted in the lungs removes some of the dust and expels it. Similarly, there are cilia in the upper airways. This also removes even the finest dust.
This will push the dust that enters the respiratory tract upwards. We sometimes swallow it without realizing it. Only when we are unwell will it come out through the nose as mucus. Beyond this, if any dust enters, it will be expelled by coughing, sneezing, etc.
Functions of the lungs
The main function of the lungs is to add oxygen (oxygen) from the air to the blood and to separate carbon dioxide (carbon dioxide) from the blood and expel it from the body.
It protects the heart from shock by protecting it on both sides. The lungs perform vital functions for the body, such as producing some important chemicals and inactivating some other chemicals.
Lung damage
Millions of people around the world suffer from lung-related diseases every year.
Air pollution
Reports suggest that the lungs of those working in industries that use air pollution, such as silica, asbestos, sulfur, etc., are more susceptible to damage. Everyone knows that smoking is harmful to health.
Smoking
When you smoke, a lot of carbon particles enter the lungs and get deposited there. This blocks the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. And the chemical nicotine in cigarettes and cigars reduces the amount of oxygen in the blood, changes the amount of minerals, and causes blockage of blood vessels. Smoking causes bronchial allergies, damage to the walls of the air sacs, emphysema, and lung cancer. The same harms can occur not only to smokers, but also to those around them (passive smoking).
Symptoms of lung damage
Cough
Breathing
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Hemoptysis (coughing up blood)
Some major diseases that affect the lungs
Bronchitis, Pneumonia, Emphysema, Asthma.
Ways to protect the lungs
It is a good idea to wear a mask when going to dusty areas.
Practicing pranayama, nadi sudhi, and deep breathing exercises daily.
Avoiding smoking
Eating foods that increase the body’s immunity. In today’s environment, due to the high level of polluted air, there is a high incidence of lung-related diseases. Due to this, in the future, we may have to buy oxygen in packets like mineral water bottles. To change this situation, all we need to do is make the environment clean and green. We can lead a healthy life.
