There are many ways you can reduce your risk of developing emphysema, such as avoiding smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke, exercising regularly, and preventing respiratory infections.

Emphysema is a progressive type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is a long-term lung condition that causes the air sacs in your lungs to fill up with air, making it difficult to breathe.

The main cause of emphysema is prolonged exposure to irritants that damage your lungs, such as smoking. However, the condition is largely preventable. There are many lifestyle measures you can incorporate to reduce the chance of emphysema developing and support lung health.

Learn more about the best prevention techniques that can help reduce your risk of emphysema and when you should speak with a healthcare professional.

The main cause of emphysema is smoking. This includes cigarettes, pipes, cigars, and other types of tobacco. Second hand smoke can also increase your risk for emphysema.

In fact, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) suggests that the best way to prevent emphysema is to stop smoking or never start.

Quitting smoking: Your support options

Quitting smoking can be challenging, but there are several strategies that can help make it easier during the tapering period.

Remember, each person’s quitting journey is different. You are not alone, and there are many support options out there.

Learn more about the aids, medications, and therapies that can help you succeed in your plan to quit smoking.

Air pollutants such as sulfur dioxide (SO2) and trioxygenung, and irritants such as dust and household chemicals, can significantly increase your risk of COPD, including emphysema.

Limiting your exposure to these sources, where possible, can be a vital prevention strategy.

It may be difficult to avoid exposure to pollutants if you live or work in an area with high pollution levels. However, there are still several things you can do to protect your lung health. This includes:

  • wearing a mask that covers your mouth and nose when outside
  • limiting the time you spend outdoors near air pollution sources
  • using air filters around your home

Ensuring you get enough regular exercise can help increase the strength of the muscles around your lungs. It means your lungs won’t have to work as hard and require less oxygen to help you breathe.

Stronger lungs can be vital in preventing the risk of lung conditions like COPD.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends adults engage in a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a week. This could look like 30 minutes a day for five days a week.

Lung infections can weaken your lungs, making it easier for COPD to develop. It’s important to stay up to date on routine vaccinations and treat infections promptly.

This can help prevent further lung damage and the weakening of your lungs and muscles.

You should speak with a healthcare professional if you notice any signs of COPD. This can include:

  • shortness of breath, you may find that this happens only after exercising but then progresses
  • frequent wheezing
  • a chesty cough that brings up phlegm and isn’t going away
  • frequent chest infections

A doctor can run tests to help identify the underlying cause and suggest treatment options.

Emphysema is a progressive type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is a long-term lung condition that causes the air sacs in your lungs to fill up with air, making it difficult to breathe.

The main cause of emphysema is exposure to irritants that damage your lungs, such as smoking and other air pollutants.

There are many ways you can reduce your risk of developing emphysema, such as avoiding smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke, exercising regularly, and preventing respiratory infections.