The main function of the lungs is to facilitate the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the air we breathe and our bloodstream. Oxygen is taken in during inhalation and transported to cells throughout the body, while carbon dioxide, a waste product of cellular metabolism, is removed from the bloodstream during exhalation.

Common symptoms of lung diseases include persistent coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, wheezing, coughing up blood or mucus, fatigue, and recurring respiratory infections.

Smoking damages the lungs and significantly increases the risk of developing lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, and emphysema. It also worsens conditions like asthma and can lead to reduced lung function and respiratory infections.

To improve indoor air quality and protect lung health, it’s important to minimize exposure to indoor pollutants such as tobacco smoke, dust, mold, and chemicals. Proper ventilation, regular cleaning, using air purifiers, and avoiding smoking indoors are effective measures.

Medical tests used to assess lung function include spirometry, which measures how much air you can inhale and exhale and how quickly you can exhale, and imaging tests such as chest X-rays and CT scans to evaluate lung structure and detect abnormalities like tumors or lung inflammation.