5 ways to improve your lung health
- Leanta Harry
- Sep 14, 2022
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 22
Your lungs are vital organs. They are part of your respiratory system and essential for life. Lungs are spongy, air-filled organs that allow oxygen to enter your bloodstream and carbon dioxide to be removed. Every breath fuels your body, so looking after your lungs is key to long-term health.
Why are your lungs important?
Your body needs oxygen in order to survive. When you breathe in, oxygen passes from your lungs into your bloodstream and carbon dioxide is exhaled.
Your lungs also:
Warm and moisten the air you breathe
Filter out dust and harmful substances
Assist your sense of smell in detecting irritants
Here are 5 key ways to improve your lung health...
Don’t Smoke
Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Smoking damages and narrows your airways, making it harder to breathe and often leading to coughing or wheezing. Lung tissue gradually breaks down, increasing your risk of serious disease.
The best step you can take for your lungs is to quit smoking. If you need help, the NHS Stop Smoking Service offers free advice, medication, and support.
Exercise
Exercise helps your lungs and heart work more efficiently, improving how oxygen is delivered around your body. Current guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming. Even short bouts of exercise make a difference.
Avoid Pollutants
Pollutants such as second-hand smoke, outdoor air pollution, or workplace chemicals can damage your lungs. If you already have a lung condition, they can make it worse.
Ways to protect yourself include:
Not smoking in your car or home
Use respiratory protective equipment (RPE) if provided at work
Limit outdoor exercise on days when pollution is high. You can check your local air pollution forecast on the UK Air website.
Get Regular Checkups
Don’t wait until something feels wrong to check in on your health. Prevention is always better than cure.
In England, most people aged 40–74 are invited for a free NHS Health Check every 5 years.
If you work in environments with dust, fumes, or other respiratory risks, your employer may arrange occupational health surveillance.
Private health checks are also available if you want extra reassurance.
And of course, if you notice new or persistent symptoms (such as cough, breathlessness, or chest pain), see your GP.
Prevent Infection
Colds, flus, and chest infections can sometimes develop into serious illness. Protect yourself and those around you by:
Having the annual flu vaccine (and COVID-19 vaccine if eligible)
Washing your hands regularly with soap and water (hand sanitiser if not available)
Avoiding close contact with others if you’re unwell, and keeping your distance in crowded indoor spaces during winter months
Healthy lungs help you stay active, recover more quickly from illness, and reduce your risk of long-term disease. A few small changes — staying active, avoiding smoke and pollution, keeping up with vaccinations, and seeking regular health checks — can make a big difference.
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