Lung Health
Your gateway to oxygen. The lungs take in about 11,000 liters of air daily, extracting oxygen and expelling CO2. With 2,400 km of airways and 300 million alveoli, they provide an enormous surface area for gas exchange. This direct interface with the environment makes them vulnerable to toxins, pathogens, and pollution.
What Lungs Do
Gas Exchange
Oxygen into blood, CO2 out. Occurs across thin alveolar membrane. Driven by diffusion.
pH Regulation
Blowing off CO2 raises blood pH. Respiratory compensation for metabolic acid-base issues.
Immune Defense
Mucus traps particles. Cilia sweep debris up. Alveolar macrophages engulf pathogens.
Blood Filtering
Trap small clots before they reach brain. Filter some metabolites from blood.
ACE Activity
Lungs have high ACE. Convert angiotensin I to II. Blood pressure regulation.
Voice Production
Airflow over vocal cords. Controlled exhalation for speech. Singing, shouting.
Common Respiratory Issues
Inflammatory Conditions
- Asthma: Airway inflammation and constriction. Often allergic.
- COPD: Emphysema + chronic bronchitis. Usually from smoking.
- Bronchitis: Inflamed bronchi. Acute or chronic.
- Interstitial lung disease: Scarring of lung tissue.
Infections & Environmental
- Pneumonia: Bacterial, viral, fungal lung infection.
- Tuberculosis: Mycobacterium infection. Still exists.
- Mold exposure: Hypersensitivity pneumonitis, aspergillosis.
- Pollution damage: PM2.5, ozone, smoke cause oxidative stress.
Supporting Lung Health
Don't Smoke
Single most important step. Vaping also problematic. Quitting reverses some damage.
Air Quality
HEPA filtration indoors. Avoid pollution exposure. Check air quality index before exercise.
Breathing Exercises
Diaphragmatic breathing. Lung expansion exercises. Improves capacity and efficiency.
Antioxidants
NAC (precursor to glutathione), vitamin C. Protect against oxidative lung damage.