April 24, 2025 | 01:22 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Pope Francis died at the age of 88 from double pneumonia. This disease is a serious infection that attacks both lungs and can be fatal if not treated immediately.
This infection can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi that cause the air sacs in the lungs to fill with fluid or pus. Most people who get pneumonia have likely been exposed to pneumococcal bacteria or the flu virus.
Tips for Preventing Lung Disease
According to WHO data, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or common lung disease has caused the deaths of around 3.5 million people in 2021. This disease is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide, or around 5 percent of all global deaths.
This condition can be very serious, especially in the elderly, children, and people with weak immune systems. Even so, there are some tips that can be done to maintain lung health.
1. Exercise
Exercising regularly is probably the most important thing you can do for lung health. Just like keeping your body fit, exercise also keeps your lungs fit. When you exercise, your heart beats faster and your lungs work harder.
The body needs more oxygen to fuel your muscles. The lungs increase their activity to deliver oxygen while expelling additional carbon dioxide, increasing from about 15 times per minute to about 40-60 times per minute.
2. Prevent Infection
Infection can be very dangerous for the lungs, especially as you get older and those who already have lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This disease is very susceptible to infection. Even healthy seniors can easily develop pneumonia if they are not careful.
The best way to avoid lung infections is to maintain hand hygiene. Wash regularly with warm water and soap and avoid touching your face often. Drink plenty of water and eat lots of fruits and vegetables that contain nutrients that help boost the immune system.
3. Drink More Water
Quoted from WebMD, in the lungs there is a thin layer of mucus. When you get enough water throughout the day, this layer stays thin and keeps your lungs working properly. In addition, staying well hydrated can also make it easier for your body to expel mucus from your lungs.
4. Prevent Flu from Turning into Pneumonia
If you caught a flu, talk to your doctor about proactive steps you can take to prevent it from turning into pneumonia. Make sure to get plenty of rest while recovering from the flu. Drink plenty of fluids to help clear congestion in your airways. It's also important to take supplements like vitamin C to help boost your immune system.
5. Do Not Smoke
Cigarette smoke is a major trigger for pneumonia. Smoking or inhaling secondhand smoke can damage your lungs and increase your risk of infection. Preventing exposure to cigarette smoke is a key step in maintaining respiratory health.
M. Rizqi Akbar and Sharisya Kusuma Rahmanda contributed to this article.
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