Preventive Medicine
Respiratory health is essential for overall well-being. It allows us to breathe easily, take in oxygen, and remove carbon dioxide from our bodies. Respiratory diseases can affect our ability to breathe and can lead to serious health problems, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and lung cancer.
There are a number of things that we can do to prevent respiratory diseases. These include smoking cessation, respiratory vaccinations, diet and lifestyle modification, and reducing exposure to air pollution.
Smoking cessation is the single most important thing that you can do to protect your respiratory health. Smoking damages the airways and lungs, making it difficult to breathe. It also increases the risk of developing COPD, asthma, and lung cancer. If you smoke, quitting is the best thing that you can do for your health.
Respiratory vaccinations can help to protect you from respiratory infections, such as the flu and pneumonia. These infections can be serious, especially for young children, older adults, and people with chronic health conditions. Getting vaccinated is an important way to protect yourself from these infections.
Diet and lifestyle modification can also help to improve respiratory health. Eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight can help to reduce inflammation and improve lung function. Avoiding second-hand smoke is also important.
Air pollution is a major risk factor for respiratory diseases. It can irritate the airways and lungs, making it difficult to breathe. Exposure to air pollution can also increase the risk of developing COPD, asthma, and lung cancer. Reducing exposure to air pollution is important for protecting respiratory health.
In addition to these preventive strategies, it is also important to see your doctor for regular check-up’s. Your doctor can screen you for respiratory diseases and recommend treatment if necessary.
By following these preventive strategies, you can help to protect your respiratory health and reduce your risk of developing respiratory diseases
Vaayu’s Preventive Medicine Clinics Include:
Smoking cessation clinic – We offer a comprehensive smoking/vaping cessation clinic using a multi-disciplinary approach that includes professionals from psychology, respiratory therapy and pulmonology.
Our approaches include:
- Behavioral and cognitive therapy
- Nicotine replacement therapy
- Pharmacotherapy – It is usually a 3-6 month program aimed at complete smoking cessation.
Adult respiratory vaccination clinic – With the current global scenario of infection explosion, worsening air quality, stressfull lifestyle and an aging population, the overall burden of respiratory infections continues to be on the rise. These can be controlled to a significant extent in both, healthy individuals and those with underlying chronic respiratory and other illnesses.
Our range of vaccinations include:-
- Influenza vaccination, which is an yearly vaccination, that offers protection against seasonal flu that includes H1N1, H3N2 and other members of the family.
- Pneumococcal vaccination – usually offered to people above 65, under 18 and all those with chronic respiratory issues. This is usually a 2 part vaccine that offers protection upto 70 to 85 pc.
- Tdap is against the trio of Diphtheria, Pertusis and Tetanus. Usually included in the national immunization schedule for children, people with underlying lung issues are at higher risk of developing these illnesses. It is recommened to be taken every 10 years, especially for those with exposure to healthcare and childern, infants, etc.
- COVID vaccine – Now a household name, COVID continues to be the nemesis for the mankind across the globe. Vaccination has proved its worth more than anything else and booster doses are in the pipeline.
- Shingles vaccine – The incidence of shingles (Herpes) in individuals above the age 50 is on the rise, especially in those with underlying chronic diseases or those with low immunity. Shingrix is more than 90% effective at preventing shingles and post shingles pain. Immunity stays strong for at least the first 7 years after vaccination. In adults with weakened immune systems, studies show that Shingrix is 68%-91% effective in preventing shingles, depending on the condition that affects the immune system.
- Other vaccines are availabe at request.
Here are some additional tips for improving respiratory health:
- Get enough sleep. When you are well-rested, your body is better able to fight off infections.
- Manage stress. Stress can worsen respiratory symptoms. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, yoga, or meditation.
- Stay hydrated always. Drinking plenty of fluids help you to keep the airways moist.
- Avoid allergens. If you have allergies, avoid things that trigger your allergies, such as pollen, dust, or pet dander.
- Wear a mask when air quality is poor. This can help to protect you from pollutants in the air.
By following these tips, you can help to keep your respiratory health in good condition.