This post is only educational , kindly contact your physician for any specialised advice. Our lungs are important, as they supply the body with gaseous exchange a vital life
process that one would die if left a few minutes without it’s function as it supplies vital oxygen and excretes harmful carbon dioxide. Thus supporting the health and function of this wonderful organ, responsible for respiration should be the top of one’s priority.
Why is Lung Function Important?
Oxygen is necessary for every cell in our body to operate and because
oxygen and other gases are present in the air we breathe, lung function is crucial to transport such gases[2].The respiratory system, which includes the lungs, is in charge of carrying oxygen throughout the body and expelling excess carbon dioxide[2]. The primary job of the lungs is to transport oxygen into the bloodstream from the surrounding
Environment[2].
Here are some explanations for the significance of lung function:
- Gas exchange: The lungs are in charge of delivering oxygen from the air we
breathe into the bloodstream, which is subsequently circulated throughout the body
to provide the necessary oxygen to our muscles, joints, and other key organs for
them to operate.[2].
- Regulating pH ;acidity vs alkaline: By balancing the amount of carbon dioxide in the bloodstream via breathing, the lungs contribute to the regulation of the body acidity[2].Thus the lungs maintain this delicate balance of blood ph ;of 7.35-7.45.
- Protecting the body: By filtering, ingesting, coughing, or sneezing dangerous
substances, the lungs assist in shielding the body from them[2]. Moreover, they
secrete immunoglobulin A, which has anti-infection properties[2].
-Supporting the immune system: By generating antibodies and immune cells that
aid in the defence against infections, the lungs contribute to the functioning of our
immune system[5].
- Easier breathing :An individual will be able to breathe more easily and experience
less shortness of breath when engaging in physical activity if their lungs are in better
health[5].
Lung Function & Longevity
According to several studies, lung function is a significant predictor of longevity(lifespan) and overall health[1][3][4][5]. The lungs mature by the time a person is about 20-25
years old, and after the age of 35, it is normal for lung function to decline gradually
as a person ages[2].It is essential for general health and wellbeing to maintain
proper lung function. Lung health can be preserved through preventive and lifestyle
changes like getting regular exercise, keeping a healthy weight, avoiding or quitting
tobacco smoke or any other form of PM2.5, and staying up to date on vaccinations[2][5].
Studies have found that people with higher lung capacity tend to live longer than
those with lower lung capacity[5]. Lung capacity is the amount of air that can be
inhaled and exhaled, and it has been shown to have a significant impact on
longevity[5]. As discussed the lungs play a vital role in the body’s ability to oxygenate the blood and remove carbon dioxide, and when they are functioning optimally, they can
efficiently transfer oxygen from the air we breathe into the bloodstream, where it is
then transported to the body’s cells and organs[5].
Lung function and Mortality
In addition, lung function has been found to be a long-term predictor of mortality in
both genders[1]. Baseline measurements of pulmonary function were assessed
based on Forced expiratory volume (FEV1) FEV(1) expressed as the normal percent
predicted, and it was found that FEV(1)%pred adjusted by age, body mass index,
systolic BP, education, and smoking status was inversely related to all-cause
mortality in both men and women[1].
Overall, maintaining healthy lung function is important for longevity and overall
health. Taking steps to improve lung function, such as quitting smoking, exercising
regularly, and keeping a healthy lifestyle, can help to mitigate the natural decline in
lung function that occurs with aging[2][5].One can monitor his or her lung function via contact his private physician/doctor and asking for a lung function test or Spirometry(click here for more information).
Citations:
[1] Pulmonary function is a long-term predictor of mortality in the general
population: 29-year follow-up of the Buffalo Health Study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10988186/
[2] Lung Capacity and Aging ; https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/how-lungs-
work/lung-capacity-and-aging
[3] Lung Function May Predict Long Life Or Early Death
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2000/09/000913082603.htm
[4] One of the top 3 indicators of your life span – your breath-
https://psipt.com/one-of-the-top-3-indicators-of-your-life-span-your-breath/
[5] Why lung health is important & how to improve it
https://www.niquitin.co.uk/improve-lung-health/
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