You may not think about the importance of the health of your lungs until you experience a breathing problem. The lungs provide oxygen and keep all other organs functioning by removing carbon dioxide from the body. Genetics, disease and the environment can affect the health of the lungs and cause breathing problems. Sometimes we take our lungs for granted.
They keep us alive and well and, for the most part, we don't need to think about them. That's why it's important to prioritise your lung health. The most important function of the lungs is to take oxygen from the environment and transfer it into the bloodstream. The lungs supply oxygen to every cell in our body, expel carbon dioxide and protect us from germs and other pollutants.
The lungs are necessary for survival; as part of the respiratory system, they help us breathe. Every cell in the body needs oxygen to live. Air contains oxygen and other gases; when we breathe in, the air goes to the lungs. Oxygen is transferred into the bloodstream in the lungs and then transported throughout the body.
Every cell takes in oxygen and releases carbon dioxide. The blood then transports the unwanted carbon dioxide back to the lungs; it is then removed from the blood and exhaled. This process is called gas exchange. To stay alive, we need oxygen.
Without the lungs, we cannot get the oxygen we need. If your lungs are damaged, you can't breathe. If you can't breathe, you can have trouble doing even the smallest task. That's why lung health is important.
When the diaphragm relaxes and returns to its resting position, lung volume decreases because the pressure inside the chest cavity rises, and the lungs expel air. You will receive ongoing support and individualised advice from a team of health professionals, including dieticians, physiotherapists, exercise physiologists and mental health clinicians. As the lungs are an important part of the body's daily functioning, keeping them healthy is crucial to overall health. Since regular daily activity does not help to use the lungs to their full potential, it is necessary to challenge the lungs with more intense activity.
