It is a known fact that oxygen is essential for life, but do you know that every cell in our body needs oxygen to gain energy? Yes, oxygen is used in cellular respiration to release energy by the combustion of nutrients. A human body needs 550 litres of oxygen per day and this can be obtained only by maintaining a good respiratory health.

Respiratory health is assuming prime importance as the rise in pollution, obesity and poor lifestyle habits of individuals leads to Asthma, COPD and lung cancer. Children suffer most from breathing problems like wheezing, coughing and rhinitis due to poor lung capacity and nasal functioning.

The best way to maintain physical fitness and well-being in today's toxic world is only by improving your respiratory health through these 5 ways.

1. Stop smoking

Smoking is a dangerous habit that can be life-threatening for not only the individuals but also the people surrounding them. Smoking is known to cause 90% of the deaths due to lung cancer and 80% of casualties due to bronchitis and emphysema.

Second-hand smoke breathed in by passive smokers is known to cause lung, ear and sinus infections, asthma, COPD and even lung cancer and heart disease. smoking can also cause sleep apnea which is a condition where oxygen supply to the heart and brain is impaired due to breathing difficulties.

Sleep apnea can be corrected by consulting an ENT doctor to open up the airway through ENT treatment or surgery.

2. Do cardio

Cardio exercises are the best to maintain your respiratory health in prime shape. Walking, running, swimming, skiing, cycling, basketball and kick boxing are ideal for improving your heart and respiratory health. Aerobic exercises correct your posture and band Yoga improves lung capacity by regulating your breathing. Cardio exercises enhance the oxygen intake into your body, thereby leaving you energized and efficient.

3. Eat healthily

Everyone knows that a balanced diet is important for good health. But the little-known facts are Omega 3 and antioxidants are the main catalysts for good respiratory health. Non-vegetarians can consume fish rich in Omega-3 and chicken soup rich in antioxidants for good respiratory health. Vegetarians can opt for lentil soup enriched with nutrients to boost lung power.

4. Take nutrient supplements

DNA methylation is a cellular process responsible for gene transcription. Unbalanced DNA methylation may lead to gene mutation, causing lung cancer. To prevent this, intake of multivitamins like B12, B6, Folic acid etc. is a must daily. Ensure that you take your daily dose of multivitamins to keep your lungs healthy. Drinking herbal tea has also been to fight respiratory diseases by the production of catechins. Pulmonaria is a special type of herbal tea that boosts respiratory health.

5. Visit the ENT doctor regularly

Your ear, nose and throat are vital organs that impact your respiratory health. Go to an expert ENT doctor and get yourself checked periodically for nasal congestion and breathing problems. Difficulty in breathing may arise due to nasal polyps or even a deviated nasal septum. These can be corrected by the right ENT treatment very easily. If left unchecked, they may obstruct the airflow and cause severe breathing problems, thereby impairing your respiratory health.

Role of an ENT doctor in respiratory health

ENT doctors play a vital role in maintaining respiratory health. Breathing problems, rhinitis, rhinosinusitis etc are easily resolved with ENT treatment. Basic ENT treatment is required for the treatment of asthma and COPD before consulting a pulmonologist. In most cases, the right ENT treatment may mitigate the impact of these chronic diseases drastically. Periodic check-ups with an expert ENT specialist is the best way to ensure good respiratory health.

Good respiratory health can be easily maintained by following a routine of healthy diet, regular exercise with periodic visits to the ENT doctor. Take care of your lungs today and live longer tomorrow.