Lungs: What they are, how they work?

 Lungs: What they are, how they work?

Damage to the lungs from minor infections or injuries can heal on their own, but damage from smoking, pollution, or chronic diseases can be permanent.

The lungs are the main part of our respiratory system and work to deliver oxygen to the body and remove carbon dioxide.

How many times do you breathe in a minute? In seconds? Have you ever counted? How long can you live without taking a breath? Have you ever wondered about this?

Because breathing in and out is an automatic process, for which you do not have to make any extra effort. But, what happens if that breath suddenly stops? You certainly have the answer.

Not only is it essential for life, but the lungs play a major role in taking in and releasing oxygen, which is needed every moment.

The lungs, which are soft, sponge-like structures inside the chest, supply the body with oxygen and energy and remove toxic carbon dioxide.

What role do the lungs play in the continuous process from taking in oxygen to taking out carbon dioxide? Why are two lungs necessary? How much damage does smoking cause?

What is the function of the lungs and what is their structure?

The lungs are the main organs of our respiratory system. They are made of soft, flexible tissue like a sponge and are located inside the chest around the heart. The lungs have a thin membrane on the outside that protects them. They are divided into two parts: the right lung has three parts: ‘upper, middle and lower’. The left lung has two parts: ‘upper and lower’. The left lung is slightly smaller because the heart occupies more space on the left.

The respiratory system begins with the nose or mouth. Air enters the trachea through the throat. It is then divided into two parts. The air we inhale enters the right and left lungs separately. After reaching the lungs, the bronchi divide 23 times like the branches of a tree, reaching the smallest tubes and ending at the ‘alveoli’ (air sacs).

The alveoli are thin membranous tissues like grape clusters, around which the blood vessels coming from the heart are spread like a spider web. An adult has 300 million to 600 million alveoli.

If the lungs are fully expanded, their surface area is 70-100 square meters, the size of a tennis court. The lung weighs 1 to 1.2 kilograms. The right one is slightly larger and heavier. The lung is the only organ in the body that can float in water, because it is always full of air. Even after breathing out completely, about 1 liter of air remains in it.

What is its main function?

The main function of the lungs is to supply oxygen to the body and remove carbon dioxide, which is called gas exchange. This is possible due to the thin membrane between the alveoli and the blood vessels.

Oxygen is absorbed from the air coming from outside and enters the circulatory system and reaches various cells of the body to provide energy. Similarly, carbon dioxide, a toxic gas produced by the body's organs, enters the alveoli through the blood vessels and is released when we exhale. This process continues continuously. The lungs also filter the air, which protects the body from infection.

It produces phlegm, which traps dust, germs, and pollutants and expels them when we cough them up. We breathe 8,000 to 9,000 liters of air every day, but the body uses only 5 percent of the oxygen from this air. The lungs are closely connected to the heart, so heart problems can also affect the lungs.

Why do humans have two lungs? What happens if one lung fails?

The main reason for having two lungs is for the body’s balance and safety. Both lungs work separately but support each other. If one lung develops a problem, such as cancer or infection, the other one takes over, which can help save lives. This makes it easier for the heart and other organs to function together.

Even if one lung is completely removed, a person can still survive, but not at full capacity. The failed lung can cause problems such as infection, blistering, or bleeding, and the infection can spread to the other lung because there is no barrier between the two.

Pollution or other external factors affect both equally, but some diseases can affect only one side. If a failed lung causes a lot of problems, it may need to be surgically removed.

How do the lungs take in and expel air?

The process of taking in air is called respiration, which consists of two stages – ‘inhalation’, which is the process of drawing air in, and ‘exhalation’, which is the process of expelling air out. This process is controlled by the brain and occurs 12-20 times per minute.

During inhalation, air from the nose or mouth passes through the throat, trachea, bronchi, and small tubes in the lungs, and then reaches the alveoli. The diaphragm muscle moves down, increasing the space in the chest, which draws air in. About half a liter of air is taken in with each breath.

During exhalation, the diaphragm moves up, the chest narrows, and air is expelled from the lungs. This process is also called ventilation. It is affected in chronic lung diseases, which are called respiratory failure. Sudden problems such as food getting stuck in the airway or tumors can also affect it.

Is there a chance of recovery if the lungs are damaged? How does smoking affect this?

The likelihood of lung damage depends on the type and extent of damage. The lungs have some ability to regenerate. They can heal themselves from minor infections or injuries, such as damage from the flu or pneumonia, which can be treated and cured with time and rest. However, serious damage caused by smoking, pollution, or chronic diseases such as COPD, fibrosis, or cancer can be permanent and may not fully recover. In such cases, medical treatment, medication, or surgery may be necessary.

Smoking is harmful to the lungs. It damages the fine hairs and membranes of the airways, which makes it easier for dust, smoke, or viruses to enter the lungs. This increases the risk of pneumonia or other infections. Smokers' lungs become black/brown, inflamed, and damaged. However, quitting smoking has a positive effect on the lungs. The lungs have various defense mechanisms, such as nasal hairs, which are damaged by smoking but largely repaired after quitting.

Although not completely restored, the risk of infection is reduced and health improves. Quitting smoking is beneficial at any age, even up to 90 years. A healthy lifestyle, exercise, and avoiding pollution increase the chances of recovery, but this depends on individual health. If there is a problem, it is best to consult a doctor.

What are the main problems that occur in the lungs? And how to maintain lung health?

Immediate problems in the lungs such as colds, coughs, nasal congestion, sore throat, fever, chest pain, and problems with the airways that cause coughing or wheezing. In the long term, pneumonia, lung infections, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, and lung cancer are the main ones. Lung infections, asthma, and cancer are more common in Nepal. As diseases like asthma increase, lung capacity decreases, which affects daily life.

Lung health depends on daily air quality, diet and lifestyle. Healthy lungs are pink in color. To keep them healthy, you should quit smoking completely, exercise regularly, which increases lung capacity.

Wear a mask to avoid pollution, breathe clean air, eat a balanced diet and drink enough water. If you have difficulty breathing, cough or chest pain, you should immediately get checked by a doctor. Since the lungs are connected to the heart and other organs, it is necessary to pay attention to overall health.

What is sodium? Both too little and too much are harmful

 What is sodium? Both too little and too much are harmful

To control sodium, try to consume less than 2 grams of salt per day, which is about a teaspoon.

What is sodium? Both too little and too much are harmful

Sodium is a part of salt and is necessary for the normal functioning of the body's cells, nerves, muscles, and heart.

Consuming more than 2 grams of sodium per day can cause high blood pressure and long-term heart problems.

The salt we eat daily is not only related to the taste of our food, but also to the balance of the body, heart health, and quality of life. Both conditions of sodium deficiency and excess can cause serious health problems.

A conversation with cardiologist Dr. Rajendra Koju on what sodium is, why the body needs it, how much is safe, and what risks arise when it is too much:

What is sodium and why is it needed by the body?

Sodium is the scientific name. In simple terms, it is a part of salt. It is a mineral element. We eat it every day and it is one of the most important minerals for our body.

Without sodium, the body's cells, nerves, muscles and heart cannot function normally. It is essential for water balance, blood pressure, signal transmission and muscle function. But too much sodium can cause high blood pressure and heart problems, so it is important to keep it in the right amount.

What happens in the body when there is a lack of sodium?

Sodium keeps our body in good balance. It is found in the blood, muscles, cells and other parts of the body. Most of it is in the blood. Without this mineral, cells cannot function. Muscles, the heart and the brain all need it. If it is less than the required amount, it has a negative effect on the body.

Due to its deficiency, muscles cannot function, the nervous system is affected, and problems occur in the heart and other organs. This is called hyponatremia. It must be kept in the required amount. About 500 milligrams of sodium is needed every day, but it is recommended that the amount of salt should not exceed 2.3 grams. This 2.3 grams is not even equal to a teaspoon.

Is sodium only in salt or is it also found in other foods?

Foods like green vegetables, fruits, milk, yogurt, cheese, fish, meat, and eggs contain sodium even if they are not salted, but the amount is less.

It is difficult to say exactly how much salt to eat daily, but it can be estimated in these ways. The World Health Organization recommends less than 2 grams of sodium per day for adults. This is approximately the same as a teaspoon of salt.

Sodium is found not only in salt, but also in foods added to food and vegetables. The added sodium should not exceed 2.3 grams. A teaspoon can be used when measuring. For example, a teaspoon of salt is enough to cook vegetables for four people. Generally, it is okay to eat only one teaspoon of salt per day.

What happens when you have too much sodium?

Too much sodium has various negative effects on the body. Because sodium attracts water. When there is too much sodium, the body retains water, blood volume increases, and pressure in the blood vessels increases. The biggest problem caused by this is high blood pressure, which causes long-term damage to the heart, brain, kidneys, etc.

What are the symptoms of sodium deficiency or excess?

When there is a deficiency (hyponatremia) or excess (hypernatremia) of sodium, various symptoms appear in the body, which are mainly due to the effects on the brain and nervous system.

Sodium deficiency occurs when the blood sodium level is 135 milliequivalents per liter.

The main symptoms are headache, nausea or vomiting, fatigue or weakness, muscle weakness, cramps, confusion or dizziness, irritability or low blood pressure, dizziness, fainting, or a person may go into a coma.

When sodium is high, ‘sodium 145 milliequivalents per liter in the blood’

When sodium is high, problems such as excessive thirst, feeling tired or lethargic, dizziness or confusion, irritability, muscle twitching or cramps, dry mouth and skin, and rapid heartbeat may occur.

You can predict these symptoms at home. If you experience problems such as headache, fatigue, confusion, cramps, or fainting, you should go to the doctor immediately. These symptoms can also be associated with other diseases. But the most accurate and reliable way is to check the amount of sodium in the blood by doing a blood test.

How does sodium affect heart health?

Excess sodium affects the heart in two main ways. First, it causes high blood pressure and puts extra pressure on the heart and blood vessels. Second, as blood volume increases, the heart has to pump more blood, which can cause the muscle in the left lower chamber of the heart (ventricle) to thicken or enlarge, a condition called ‘left ventricular hypertrophy’, or increase the risk of heart failure.

In addition, excess sodium activates the sympathetic nervous system, weakens the inner lining of blood vessels, and increases inflammation, which further damages the heart and blood vessels. The effects are more severe in people with high blood pressure or heart disease, as it increases the accumulation of excess fluid in the body, putting an additional burden on the heart.

How to control sodium?

-To control sodium, try to keep your daily intake below 2 grams, which is about 5 grams of salt per day.

-You should cook more fresh food at home. Processed/packaged foods such as chips, noodles, sausages, bread, soy sauce, etc. should be reduced as much as possible. Salt should be kept to a minimum while cooking and eating.

-You should check the sodium content of packaged foods by looking at the label and choose low-sodium options.

-You should eat more potassium-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and yogurt. This reduces the negative effects of sodium.