October is Healthy Lung Month, with the pinnacle on October 28 for Healthy Lung Day. This campaign is aimed to educate and raise awareness of the importance of lung health. This year alone, nearly 10 million adults will be diagnosed with COPD, a chronic lung disease—the third-leading cause of death in the United States. There are several causes of lung disease, including tobacco use and regular exposure to pollutants in the air such as secondhand smoke, pollution, or harmful cleaning chemicals in the home.
Smoking and tobacco use is one of the significant causes of lung disease and COPD, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Statistics show that a staggering 400,000 people die yearly worldwide from smoking. Cigarette smoke is particularly detrimental because it causes chronic inflammation, which over time destroys lung tissue and may trigger cancer growth. However, if you smoke, it is never too late to quit.
Research shows that within the first few days of quitting smoking, your blood pressure and heart rate drops to a reasonable level. In the first month, your circulation will improve as your lungs process oxygen more efficiently. Within the next nine months, coughing and shortness of breath should significantly decrease, and your risk of lung infection drops. Finally, studies have shown that after ten years, the risk for cancer drops dramatically. Though the lungs suffer permanent damage, the body can slowly heal itself over time. Every day matters in the fight against tobacco addiction.
If you or a loved one is suffering from substance abuse, call us today at (888)507-1355 for a free addiction assessment. Our trained treatment specialists will work with you to create a customized addiction treatment plan suited to your unique needs. We can also connect you to resources to help you quit smoking and improve your lung health. You are not alone on this path to recovery!
“With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.” -Eleanor Roosevelt
