A pulmonary disorder is a medical condition that affects your lungs. Pulmonary disorders can cause difficulty breathing and can range from mild to life-threatening. There are many different types of pulmonary disorders, and the treatment depends on the specific diagnosis. Since pulmonary disorders impact your lungs, it makes sense that the cleanliness of your indoor air could affect your comfort and quality of life. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to improve your air quality and breathe a little easier. If you’re not sure where to start, read on to learn more about the importance of clean indoor air for those with pulmonary disorders.
Why is clean air important for those with pulmonary disorders?
First, you should know that there are several ways that you can find out if you have a pulmonary disorder. The first way is to go to your doctor and have them do a physical examination. They will check your lungs for any abnormalities. They may also order some tests, such as a chest x-ray, to get a better idea of what is going on. If they suspect that you have a pulmonary disorder, they may refer you to a specialist like these San Diego pulmonologists for additional testing. Another way to find out if you have a pulmonary disorder is to go directly to a pulmonologist and have them do some tests if your insurance allows it.
Polluted air can make it difficult for people with pulmonary disorders to breathe, which can lead to additional health problems. Clean air can help prevent these problems. Health conditions that can be caused by indoor pollution include coronary artery disease, emphysema, stroke, and cancer. It can exacerbate symptoms of other conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and diabetes. If you have a pulmonary disorder, make sure you take steps to protect yourself from polluted air. You can do this by avoiding busy, polluted areas, staying inside when the air quality is poor, and using a face mask when necessary. Considering that you spend more time at home than almost anywhere else, you should also try to improve your indoor air quality.
How can you improve air quality in your home?
There are many things homeowners can do to improve the air quality in their homes. One important step to take is having your HVAC system inspected regularly by a professional, like Carrier air conditioning service. Most experts recommend a thorough inspection at least once per year, but you should call a technician if you suspect anything is wrong. You also need to change your air filter at least once every 90 days, though many owners opt to change their filter on a monthly basis in order to ensure peak performance. The average lifespan of an HVAC system is between ten and fifteen years, so if yours is older than that, you may want to consider a replacement.
Try to avoid using harsh chemicals indoors if you want to improve your indoor air quality. Chemicals like pesticides, paint fumes, and cleaning products can all contribute to poor air quality. If you need to use chemicals indoors, try to choose products that are low in VOCs (volatile organic compounds). VOCs are chemicals that can evaporate into the air, which you should minimize your exposure to. An air purifier can also boost your indoor air quality by trapping harmful particles and gases like pollen, smoke, and pet dander.
Poor air quality affects everyone, but it’s especially relevant to those with pulmonary disorders. Polluted air can cause or worsen respiratory conditions, so it’s crucial to have an indoor environment that’s as clean as possible. Cleaning your home more frequently, using fewer harsh chemicals, and investing in an air purifier can all help reduce indoor air pollution. If you have any questions about how to raise the air quality in your home, be sure to talk to your doctor. They can give you more specific advice about what you can do to protect your lungs.