One in three Italians is not fully satisfied with the health of their lungs, especially smokers (54%) and those who live in polluted areas (35%). When the respiratory tract has problems, a great sense of fatigue is perceived more and more frequently than the average (60%, plus 17 percentage points compared to the general population), shortness of breath (54%, + 25% ), sleep disorders such as snoring and sleep apnea (59%, + 18%), frequent or chronic cough (53%, + 29%), mucus overproduction (51%, + 26%), wheezing or rattling breaths ( 48%, + 29%). This is what emerges from the survey conducted by AstraRicerche for the launch of “Journey into the breath“, The educational initiative is part of the campaign”Protect your lungs”, Promoted by Zambon Italia, to explain in a simple way why and how to take care of the health of one’s respiratory tract. (Video)
For this purpose, the following have been created: a practical guide by Maria Pia Foschino Barbarodirector of the Respiratory Diseases Operating Unit of the Policlinico Riuniti of Foggia, and one animated docu-series available online on proteggiituoipolmoni.it, which provide useful advice to protect lung health and to respond to the interest of Italians. After all, as the survey shows, only 1 in 2 (51.9%) are convinced that they are sufficiently informed about the lungs and more than 3 in 4 (76.2%) would like to know more.
“How can we help our lungs? By decreasing the risk of free radical formation and increasing the ability of tissues to eliminate them. The key to counteracting oxidative stress and increasing immune defense capabilities is called glutathione: the main antioxidant in human cells.“, explains Foschino Barbaro. “A glutathione deficiency is an indication of oxidative stress – he continues – and can lead to a greater risk of lung damage. A risk that increases over the years: after the age of 45 its production decreases and the immune system loses its effectiveness. In this context, N-acetylcysteine (Nac), a molecule that derives from a natural amino acid and which has the ability to regenerate glutathione, may be useful “.
“To keep the lungs healthy – adds Foschino Barbaro – it is also important to adopt a correct lifestyle, have a healthy diet, exercise and reduce exposure to the main risk factors as much as possible, such as smoking, which can significantly increase the speed of the lung aging process and consequently the deterioration of lung function. A 40-year-old smoker, for example, has lung function equal to that of a 70-year-old non-smoker. Protecting lung health also means protecting that of other organs and in particular maintaining the effectiveness of our immune system to respond to attacks by viruses and bacteria “.
In addition to a 10-step practical guide, a company note reads, “Journey into the Breath” is also an animated docu-series in six episodes, each enriched by an exercise to improve the functionality of the breath. From lifestyle to risk factors to avoid, up to practical advice to listen to your breath, train it and keep it healthy: six episodes that want to help introduce the respiratory system and improve the quality of life through good breathing.
Furthermore, this year the “Protect your lungs” campaign will have the support of an exceptional ambassador, the Italian swimming champion. Federica Pellegrini. “Breathing – he says – is fundamental in sport and beyond. To maintain good lung health, it is important to learn to listen to your lungs, as well as train them, keeping fit and practicing sports, according to everyone’s possibilities and at all ages.. This is why it is essential to raise awareness among Italians on how to protect their lungs and thus take care of their breathing. “On the site proteggiituoipolmoni.it it is possible to both watch the episodes of the animated docu-series, and consult the practical guide edited by Professor Maria Pia Foschino Barbarian to protect lung health in 10 steps, information and useful advice on the respiratory tract.
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