Since the pandemic officially began in 2020, we’ve all seen how disruptive and debilitating respiratory illnesses can be. Although many people may have experienced pneumonia or diseases like asthma, for many Covid-19 demonstrated why respiratory health matters. Moreover, the coronavirus prompted awareness around the risks of any respiratory illnesses and how debilitating these diseases are.
Overall we have had an experience that helps us see what happens when there is widespread respiratory illness. Accordingly, we must all take steps to take care of our lungs and airways to feel our best and thrive. In this short article and accompanying infographic, we will be explaining why respiratory health is a central part of well-being.
Why we benefit from a holistic approach to respiratory health
When it comes to our longevity, no question that prioritizing our health is crucial. Whether it’s our physical well-being through fitness or our cardiovascular system through a healthy diet, our bodies require holistic actions. Specifically, the World Health Organization’s charter states, “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”
In particular, respiratory health has a profound impact on our holistic well-being due to how it affects:
- Having enough oxygenated blood and feeling energized
- Capacity to rest including sleep and the body’s recovery
- Physical resilience to illnesses particularly airborne sicknesses
These are just some of the many reasons for why the respiratory system’s function is central to our holistic well-being. Furthermore, respiratory health problems can be acute and chronic meaning that there is a short-term and long-term impact. Subsequently, this takes a toll on individuals, their families, and the wider community as recovery can take weeks to months. Unfortunately with chronic respiratory disease, people may not recover and their illness may become long-winded, distressing, and painful.
The prevalence of respiratory health problems
It’s important to know that lung damage is serious and respiratory health depends on caring for these organs. In fact, 2024 Statista reporting found that in the U.S. in 2019, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was the third leading cause of death. Not only does this lung disease include emphysema, but also chronic bronchitis and severe asthma.
In addition to chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs), other health problems like lung cancer have a high prevalence. Despite public health campaigns such as quitting smoking, lung cancer can affect anyone and secondhand smoke poses significant risks. Indeed, the American Lung Association (ALA) reports that 41,000 Americans die every year from secondhand tobacco-related diseases. In truth, there is considerable public health concern around the rising use of vaping products and e-cigarettes. As these are new products with high user uptake, the ALA refers to this as a “youth vaping epidemic”.
Learn more about respiratory health including common contributing factors and precautions people can take
To help manage respiratory health risks, this full infographic from Study Medicine Europe is a practical lifestyle resource. Read on to about health precautions and accessible steps to take to care for your entire respiratory system.
