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Keeping your lungs healthy

The choices we make every day can affect the health of our lungs. Changes to your lifestyle can help to keep your lungs healthy.

Stopping smoking

If you smoke, there is support available to help you quit. Find your local Stop Smoking Service, tips for quitting and expert advice on the NHS Better Health website.

Keeping active

Did you know that people who do regular physical activity lower their risk of early death by up to 30%? Keeping active helps to keep your body, including your lungs, strong and healthy. This can help you to continue doing your favourite activities and living well for longer. There's no right way to stay active, so find out what you could do on the NHS Better Health website.

Managing other health conditions

If you have other health conditions, ensure you manage them as recommended by your healthcare team. This might include taking medications as prescribed or limiting certain activities. If you aren't sure how to manage your condition, make sure to speak to your healthcare team.

Eating a healthy diet

Your body uses the food and drink that we eat as the fuel for all our daily activities. Just like the rest of our body, our lungs need good nutrition and a range of nutrients to stay strong and healthy. A well-balanced diet can also help to prevent chest infections. To find out more, take a look at the NHS information and guidance for eating well.

Use PPE around birds

Dust produced by birds can affect your lung health. If you have regular contact with birds, for example if you live or work with them, it's important to use personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect your lungs. It's recommended that you use a FFP3 mask and change it regularly.

Remove damp and mould

Look for damp or mould at home or in places that you regularly visit. If possible, arrange for it to be removed as it can affect your lung health.

Use PPE at work

If you work with hazardous substances, your employer must provide appropriate PPE. Consider talking to your occupational health team, if available, if you’re unsure about potential exposures at work. Health and Safety Executive has information on ensuring your safety at work.

Avoid indoor air pollution

Try to avoid activities which increase indoor air pollution (for example, using log burners), as poor air quality has been linked to worse lung health.

If you have any questions or concerns about your lung health, please speak to your healthcare team.

Our website and resources provide general information only. We cannot provide medical advice, treatment or prescriptions, nor can we assess/decide what services or clinicians you should be referred to. Support with these matters will need to be provided by your existing healthcare professional teams.

APF is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for any loss or damage suffered by users resulting from the information published on our website or in our resources.

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