Our lungs are polluted with many kinds of pollutants every day. From pollen, chemicals to second-hand smoke, these pollutants, and particles trapped in the air can get into our lungs. The lungs have a self-cleaning effect. The cleansing effect of the lungs can be helpful for people with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or cystic fibrosis. In addition, if you are a heavy smoker or have to take certain inhaled medications, cleansing your lungs can also be of great benefit.

Here are eight ways can help your lungs drain excess fluid.

1.Buy an Air Purifier 

You can improve the indoor air quality by purchasing an air purifier.

2.Change the filters in your home

Replace all filters in your home and clean all vents, such as bathrooms, air conditioning, or heating vents. Note that furnace filters should be replaced every six months.

3.Eliminate artificial fragrances

Scented items such as air fresheners, candles, or aromatherapy are often filled with harmful chemicals that can irrorate your lungs. There are also household cleaners that can irritate your lungs. So try to replace these lung irritants with something all-natural.

4.Pay attention to air quality

Fresh air helps lung tissues expand and keeps them functioning properly.

Always pay attention to the air quality in your area and go out less when pollution is high. If you are sensitive to smoke, try to stay away from all types of smoke. In addition, you can wear an air filter mask when the pollution is high.

5.Breathing exercises

Breathing exercises can improve lung function, especially in people who smoke or whose lungs have been damaged by chronic lung disease.

You can use a spirometer to help you practice your breathing. And here are some simple breathing exercises: Pout breathing and Abdominal breathing(diaphragmatic breathing). You can also seek professional guidance from your doctor to practice your lung breathing.

6.Percussion

Percussion is a technique that helps drain fluid from the lungs.

The patient lies down with his head down and pats his back from top to bottom. This technique is usually combined with postural drainage, which makes it easier for fluid to drain out of the lungs.

It is also widely used in patients with cystic fibrosis or pneumonia. The patient's back is patted with tightly cupped hands to help drain fluid from the lungs.

7.Change your diet

Diet can affect lung health in many ways.

Here are a few food tips:

a. Eat foods rich in vitamin D

Healthy levels of vitamin D can reduce the number of asthma attacks that require corticosteroid treatment. The best food sources of vitamin D are often animal products such as salmon, sardines, and eggs.

b. Anti-inflammatory foods and drinks

Green tea. Drinking lots of green tea may reduce the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in people 40 and older. Other anti-inflammatory foods include berries, broccoli, turmeric, and dark chocolate.

c. Healthy fats

Carbohydrate metabolism requires the production of more carbon dioxide and the consumption of more oxygen than fat metabolism. Therefore, choose a diet low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats.

8.Do more aerobic exercise

Doing more aerobic exercise will improve your lung capacity. Aerobic exercises include walking, running, cycling, swimming, dancing, boxing, and some ball games. If you have chronic lung disease, be sure to talk to your doctor before you begin exercising and follow the doctor's advice.

In short, the best way to protect your lungs is to avoid smoking, pollution, and other objects that are irritating to your lungs. More importantly, If you have any lung problems, the first step is to see your doctor.