When we think about thriving in every context of our lives, our health is at the top of that list. Whether it’s the wellbeing of our loved ones or our own bodies, minds, and spirits, without good health, we’re lost. As Joycelyn Elders, MD, once said, “Health is more than absence of disease; it is about economics, education, environment, empowerment, and community.” Therefore in this article, we are focusing on a central part of our health: the respiratory system.
Why respiratory health is a cornerstone of everyone’s wellbeing
Since 2020, we have gained meaningful global insight in the myriad ways respiratory health can affect individuals and communities.
This includes issues including but not limited to:
- Secondary illnesses such as hypertension
- Ongoing lower respiratory health problems such as chronic coughs and asthma
- Fatigue and mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety
In addition to this, the pandemic demonstrated how severe respiratory diseases can be and the toll taken on medical services. Chiefly communities experienced the high volume impact of high numbers of people becoming critically ill. Simultaneously we saw how long recovery can take for some people and certain questions around future pandemics were raised. Overall the dangers of respiratory illnesses became a lived reality for all people.
How respiratory illnesses and respiratory health problems affect communities
Altogether respiratory diseases pose mortality and morbidity-related risks to communities in a range of ways. According to 2019 data, chronic respiratory diseases were the third leading cause of death worldwide. Unfortunately this high incidence becomes more complicated as causalities range from underlying hereditary problems and contracted illnesses to environmental factors.
Dominant causes of respiratory health problems
- Cigarette, cigar, and vape smoke inhalation including secondhand exposure
- Air pollution
- Occupational hazards
- Respiratory illnesses during childhood
- Meteorological, environmental, and geographic exposure such as fires and dust storms
- Allergen exposure
- Persistent respiratory infections
- Sleep disruption especially sleep apnoea
- Nasal polyps
- Hereditary health conditions such as heart disease and asthma
All in all, these dominant causes can affect the individual people as much as entire populations. For example, in the U.S. secondhand smoke is considered a leading health hazard that contributes to mortality. Specifically the American Lung Association reports secondhand smoke leads to 7,330 deaths from lung cancer and 33,950 deaths from heart disease every year. Coupled with the other causes, we can see that risks to our personal wellbeing and collective impact is serious.
Why is it crucial that people prioritize and plan for good respiratory health
Even if people are proactive about other health areas, the truth is that the respiratory system is essential for life. Though this might sound a little obvious, our airways, lungs, and pleura are vital for both core processes and immunity. What’s different about the respiratory system is our lungs are central to blocking foreign bacteria thus forming a defensive line. Despite the importance of this, our lungs are the only major internal organ that are exposed to external threats. Because these external threats — smoke, pollution, carcinogens, allergens — can infect, sicken, or damage our respiratory system, taking precautions is necessary. For instance, people can wear masks in risky environments, ensure they adhere to vaccination guidelines, and uphold an exercise routine. With practices in place to knowledgeably and consistently care for respiratory health, people can work towards immunity, vitality, and longevity. In essence, this means taking action to protect respiratory wellbeing.
A comprehensive resource for respiratory health at every age
In order to encourage and educate on this life-giving topic, Study Medicine Europe developed the following infographic. This straightforward guide ‘How To Plan For Respiratory Health In 2024’ is designed to help everyone. Discover 12 steps for caring for respiratory health every single day as well as further relevant facts about respiratory wellbeing. Here’s to better health in all areas of our lives for 2024 and beyond!
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