Apr 18, 2020 16:00:00

I asked a lung expert, 'What should I do to protect my lungs from the new coronavirus?'

It is known that as the symptoms of a new coronavirus infection progress, the

lungs are damaged in a wide area, and when it becomes severe, severe respiratory failure may result in death . IT news media Inverse has summarized the results of an interview with Albert Rizzo, who is the chief medical officer at the American Lung Association (ALA) , about 'how can we protect the lungs from the new coronavirus?'

Top lung expert explains: How to protect yourself from Covid-19
https://www.inverse.com/mind-body/covid-19-what-americans-can-do-to-protect-their-lungs

◆ 1: What are effective preventive measures for people who do not have lung disease?
Regarding how to protect the lungs, Mr. Rizzo points out, 'First of all, it is best to change the lifestyle of smoking cigarettes and electronic cigarettes.' He said that the quality of the air taken in is important, such as avoiding dusty environments as well as cigarettes. It is also important to keep the lungs healthy by maintaining good health through proper diet and exercise.

Experts have warned that if you want to survive, stop smoking 100%, as smoking is likely to be linked to the severity of the new coronavirus.

Some experts say that smoking is related to the exacerbation of new coronavirus infections, and some experts claim that if you want to survive, you should stop smoking 100%-GIGAZINE

On the other hand, as Rizzo points out, smoking becomes a habit, and even if people who have smoked for many years now quit smoking, it seems that the effect is weak. However, was announced in January 2020 paper According to the, although the lung is greatly damaged by smoking, it is played as beyond recognition by quit smoking has been shown .

According to the study, 9 out of 10 respiratory cells taken from smokers cause 1000-10,000 genetic mutations per cell, which accounts for four quarters of damaged cells. It was said that 1 was in a state where it would not be strange to become a cancer cell. On the other hand, 40% of respiratory cells in ex-smokers were as healthy as those who never smoked. The effect of this smoking cessation was also seen in those who continued to smoke one cigarette a day for 40 years.

From these results, one of the authors of the paper, Peter Campbell, said, 'Smokers who have been smoking for thirty or forty years are often said to be' too late to give up smoking. ' Studies show that “quitting smoking is never too late.” This discovery that there are cells that magically repair the inside of the respiratory tract is completely unprepared. you could, 'he said talked .

◆ 2: It is more important than ever to be healthy
When asked, 'Isn't there ever more demanding to stay healthy?' Rizzo answered, 'Yes.' According to Rizzo, studies of previous cases do not mean that people with chronic diseases such as lifestyle-related diseases do not have a high risk of being infected with the new coronavirus.

However, once infected with the new coronavirus, people with chronic diseases are at higher risk of becoming more severe. In addition, from infection cases so far, it is that there is no serious new coronavirus infection, even healthy young

that not even we know.

On the other hand, Mr. Rizzo said, 'The risk of serious cases of new coronavirus infection is lower in people with healthy lungs and no chronic illness,' and it is important to maintain a healthy body Repeatedly emphasized sex.

◆ 3: What are the measures for people with weak lungs?
According to Rizzo, having asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) does not mean that he is prohibited from going out. Therefore, Mr. Rizzo can only go out if he protects the basic measures against new coronaviruses 'keeping sufficient distance from people' 'washing hands' 'do not touch the face with unwashed hands' I said it wasn't that dangerous.

Rizzo added, 'If you approach someone infected with the new coronavirus, the risk is high. If you go out and sit on a park bench or touch something, wash your hands.' You have to remember it. '

◆ 4: What is important for future public health crisis countermeasures?
According to Mr. Rizzo, in the current crisis of the new type of coronavirus, ALA divides it into three major areas. The first one is 'information'. 'We are trying to get rid of the hoaxes, better understand what is true and what is false, and make that information available to individuals. This is not limited to the new coronavirus, It applies to any public health crisis we face. '

And the second is 'proposal'. What the ALA strongly demands from governments and others is that access to medical care such as tests and treatments must be fair. 'Keeping all potentially infected people treated, quarantined, and tracking contact where possible, was also helpful during the past epidemic of tuberculosis,' Rizzo said.

The third is 'research.' `` There is a rush to develop vaccines for this pandemic of the new coronavirus, but ongoing development is necessary for emerging diseases, '' he said. He pointed out that it is important to continue.

“We don't see this as the last test,” said Rizzo. “Preparing for public health crises is not just about cures and vaccines, but also equipment to use in emergencies. You can do it. '