Prevention plays a clear role in keeping your lungs healthy and, since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, that has never been more true.
COVID-19 is a respiratory virus that can affect the lungs, which may impact your ability to breathe normally and, in some cases, even cause lasting breathing problems after recovery.
“Infections like COVID-19 come predominantly through the airways,” said Wellstar Pulmonologist Dr. Hitendra Patel, explaining how the virus often enters the body.
Within the first days of infection, COVID-19 starts attacking cells in the respiratory system. In fact, the American Lung Association reported that the lungs are the first organ affected by the virus.
Being infected with COVID-19 can lead to shortness of breath, difficulty breathing and cough — symptoms which can appear suddenly and be severe.
“It’s important people do everything in their power to protect their lung health,” Dr. Patel urged. “This is especially true during the COVID-19 pandemic and as variants emerge.”
While the world continues to work together to control COVID-19, there are ways you can be proactive and protect your lungs.
Protect Your Lung Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Published on November 11, 2021
Last updated 03:03 PM December 30, 2021
It’s important people do everything in their power to protect their lung health. This is especially true during the COVID-19 pandemic and as variants emerge.
- Dr. Hitendra Patel
Wellstar Pulmonologist
Ways to keep your lungs strong
Take these steps to help you and your lungs stay healthy:
- Stick it to COVID. COVID-19 vaccines have been proven safe and effective at preventing COVID-19 infection. Visit a local retail pharmacy or visit vaccines.gov to find a shot. Now, booster shots are recommended for people ages 18 and older. Young adults 16 and 17 may also receive the booster shot, as well. Learn more about booster shots.
- Schedule a wellness check-up. Your primary care provider can help you stay ahead of potential lung problems and provide preventative lung screenings.
- Don’t skip the specialist. Don’t put off care for chronic conditions, such as asthma and COPD. Your primary care physician can refer you to a pulmonologist or other specialist, if needed.
- Say no to smoking. Smoking cigarettes, vaping or any other tobacco use increases your risk of developing lung cancer. Quitting has major benefits for both your overall and lung health.
- Eat a balanced diet. Create healthier eating habits, such as filling half your plate with veggies, to promote better nutrition.
- Create an exercise routine. Regular physical activity can help keep your lungs in shape, even if you are recovering from a COVID-19 infection. “For those who have had COVID-19 and are focused on lung recovery, it’s vital to get back into an exercise regimen and pattern,” Dr. Patel said. “Stay active and use your lungs to the best of your ability. Also, be sure to see a pulmonary physician if you have any concerns.”
- Stay grounded. Find ways to prioritize your emotional and mental well-being, whether it’s meditating or simply taking an evening walk.
- Catch some Z’s. Keeping a consistent and restful sleep schedule can have a positive effect on your overall well-being, including lung health.
Learn more tips to keep your lungs healthy.
Breathing tips to combat stress
Many people have been feeling a heightened level of anxiety and stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Following rhythmic breathing patterns, such as the “4-7-8” method, may help bring a sense of peace.
According to Dr. Patel, “4-7-8 breathing” can be helpful to calm the body, relieve anxiety and promote restful sleep. Simply inhale for four seconds, hold your breath for seven seconds and then exhale for eight seconds.
In addition, practicing yoga and meditation can help relieve everyday stress. You can also follow our tips to take care of your mental health, or reach out to your provider for additional support.
Don’t wait to take control of your lung health. Schedule a wellness check-up with your primary care provider today.
Related Articles
Highlights
Monitoring Your Lung Health with Cancer Screenings
Lung cancer screening can detect cancer earlier—even before symptoms show up. Earlier-stage cancers are more easily treatable. If you are at increased risk of developing lung cancer, you could benefit from regular low-dose CT scans to monitor your lung health.
“Finding lung cancer early leads to better outcomes, and screening with CT scans is recommended as the only proven way to minimize delay in diagnosis,” said Wellstar Thoracic Surgeon Dr. Daniel Fortes.
Our team has built one of the country’s largest and most comprehensive screening programs. Wellstar has been designated as a Screening Center of Excellence and Care Continuum Center of Excellence by the GO2 Foundation, an organization that supports lung cancer patients and educates about screenings and care. We’re also a designated Lung Cancer Screening Center by the American College of Radiology.
Evaluating your lung cancer risk
The United States Preventive Services Task Force has revised lung screening guidelines. You may qualify for screening if you are 50 to 80 years old and smoked for 20 years. If you are a former smoker, you may qualify if you quit less than 15 years ago.
“Those who are current or past smokers of cigarettes are more likely to develop lung cancer,” Dr. Fortes said. “However, while smoking is the leading risk factor for lung cancer, a large number of lung cancer patients have never smoked—1 in 5 women and 1 in 10 men diagnosed with lung cancer were never smokers.”
You may also be at increased risk of developing lung cancer if you have been exposed to radon, asbestos or other agents such as uranium or arsenic, according to the American Cancer Society. Previous radiation therapy in the lung area, such as chest radiation for breast cancer treatment, can also increase risk. Additionally, be sure to discuss your family history with your provider—siblings and children of people who have had lung cancer may have a higher risk of developing it.
Screening for lung cancer is not a one-time test, but a process that involves a periodic evaluation of your lungs over time to look for newly emerging cancer. CT scans can detect nodules that are compared over time for changes in size.
“For those who are at high risk for lung cancer, it is best to have nodules and lung health evaluated by a team of physicians specializing in lung cancer care so the appropriate decision can be made of continued observation versus the need for early intervention,” Dr. Fortes said.
Depending on the findings, some patients may have more or fewer exams. If findings are suspicious for lung cancer, your provider will contact you to discuss your screening results.
How do I schedule a screening?
An order from your physician is required to get a screening. Contact your primary care provider or a pulmonologist to talk about screening and when it may be right for you. Once an order has been obtained from your physician, call (470) 793-4AIR (4247) to schedule your appointment.
What if my scan shows a lung nodule?
Your care team will support you at every step of the screening process. If you have any questions about your results or your screening plan, contact your provider over the phone or using the secure messaging feature in MyChart. You can also call our cancer care team at (877) 366-6032 to learn about our care options.
All lung screenings are initially interpreted by a radiologist. A team of physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer will review findings that are suspicious for cancer. Once the physicians complete their review of your images, your results are posted within three to five days to your MyChart account. Results will be communicated with you and your physician via MyChart or mail within one week.
If a lung cancer is suspected, our team will call you to answer your questions and arrange next steps. You will then meet with a physician specializing in lung cancer treatment.
Patients whose screening shows a lung nodule may feel concerned. However, you should not be overly concerned if your report indicates you have small lung nodules. Most people who meet eligibility for screening will have some. Nodules are very common—at least 50% of people have them by the time they are 50 years old.
Learn more at wellstar.org/lungcancer.
Newsroom
Halloween 2023: Trick-or-TREAT and Play it Safe
Halloween is right around the corner, and while many Georgians are planning to celebrate this year, many may have questions about how to do so safely.
Wellstar’s very own Dr. Branstetter recently shared his recommendations to minimize the risk from the triple-demic and to keep family and friends safe while celebrating holiday occasions such as Halloween by ensuring you are up to date with the latest vaccines that help prepare our immune systems to prevent illnesses.
"Some of my patients have already elected to get both their COVID and influenza shots. I don't think there is a perfect way that we need to go through and get these vaccines. The important thing is, if they're indicated for you and you're due for a vaccine, go ahead and get those done." - Dr. Danny Branstetter, Medical Director for Infection Prevention at Wellstar Health System in the Marietta Daily Journal
Millions of people in the U.S. and around the globe, including children of all ages, look forward to the festivities of Halloween. But–lest we forget–it's virus season, and RSV, flu, and COVID-19 are still lurking in the shadows. How can we celebrate while keeping our families, friends, and neighbors safe from the community spread of these viruses, which is essential to everyone's health and well-being? Get creative and think about safety. Think "TREAT!"
Let's Trick-or-TREAT
Wellstar has created these tips for a healthy Halloween celebration while keeping in mind it's a holiday full of tricks and TREATS!
- T – TRUST YOUR JUDGMENT - Take safety precautions during the holidays, like washing your hands, spending time outdoors to help minimize close contact with others, and staying home if anyone in your family has flu-like symptoms. Making good and healthy decisions is the key to reducing exposure to viruses.
- R – ROADWAYS - Remember to watch the roadways on Halloween! Lack of visibility from dusk into the evening while children and families are trick-or-treating can be dangerous. Watch for children in dark clothing on roadways, medians, curbs, driveways, and alleys. Consider adding reflective tape to children's costumes and never assume the right of way; just because you can see a car doesn't mean they can see you. Let's keep everyone safe this spooky season!
- E – EAT- Halloween is an opportunity to avoid being tricked by treats. Make sure children wait to return home before consuming candy, helping prevent any reactions to food allergens. Allow time for inspecting potentially tampered-with goodies, only consume factory-wrapped treats, and toss any spoiled or suspicious items. Examine treats like stickers and candy wrappers for choking hazards and monitor the amount of sugar consumed.
- A – AVOID - Trick-or-treating alone can be a hazard; ensure a trusted, responsible adult accompanies children on their adventure. You can walk in groups or implement the buddy system in the neighborhood. Steer clear of distracted walking by staying off our phones while trick-or-treating. Avoid spooky situations and only approach homes with the porch light on!
- T – TECHNOLOGY - Whether you are looking to plan the best trick-or-treating route, watching movies, or connecting with family and friends across the miles, technology can help unite us this holiday season. If you have a household with immunocompromised members, think about hosting a virtual pumpkin-carving contest or FaceTime a kid's costume fashion show to help families have holiday fun while staying safe.
Wellstar is committed to providing high-quality, tailored and compassionate care. For more information and the latest updates on COVID-19, visit wellstar.org/COVID-19.
Highlights
Wellstar Team Members Voted Best of Cobb
The care teams at Wellstar are dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of everyone we serve, and we thank our team members for their commitment to world-class care. We also thank Cobb residents for
trusting the expertise of Wellstar to keep their families healthy and provide them with more than healthcare, PeopleCare.
Several Wellstar team members have been voted among the Best of Cobb:
- Bruce Alayof, MD
Wellstar Center for Cardiovascular Care
Best Cardiac/Vascular Specialist, Second Place - Kyle Brown
Wellstar Health Place
Best Personal Trainer, Second Place - Ryan Breshears, PhD
Wellstar Clinical Psychology
Best Psychologist, Second Place - Ryan Cantwell, MD
Wellstar Internal Medicine
Best Family Physician, First Place
Best General Practice Doctor, Second Place - Kozue Cunningham
Wellstar Health Place
Best Massage Therapist, First Place - Diedre Greene, MD
Wellstar Pediatrics
Best Pediatrician, Second Place - Amy Gross
Wellstar Outpatient Rehabilitation
Best Physical Therapist, First Place - Ashish Kapila, DPM
Wellstar Podiatry
Best Podiatry, Third Place - Amy Kewin, MD
Wellstar Pediatrics
Best Pediatrician, First Place - Keisha McClure
Wellstar Health Place
Best Massage Therapist, Third Place - Eduardo Molinary, MD
Wellstar Pulmonary Medicine
Best Pulmonary Medicine, Third Place - David Parks, MD
Wellstar ENT
Best ENT Specialist, First Place - Dhaval Patel, MD
Wellstar Center for Cardiovascular Care
Best Cardiac/Vascular Specialist, Third Place - Daniel Saade, MD
Wellstar Pediatrics
Best Pediatrician, Third Place - Carolyn Smallwood, DO
Wellstar Primary Care
Best General Practice Doctor, First Place
Best Family Physician, Second Place - Randall Webb, MD
Wellstar OB/GYN
Best OB/GYN, Third Place - Wellstar Atherton Place
Senior Living and Memory Care
Best Nursing Home, Third Place - Wellstar Health Place
Best Fitness Center/Gym, First Place - Wellstar Health Place
Best Yoga/Barre/Pilates Studio, Third Place - Wellstar Health Place
A Healthier You- Medical Fitness
Best Weight Loss Clinic, Third Place - Wellstar Pediatrics at 3707 Largent Way
Best Pediatric Group, First Place - Wellstar Pediatrics at 760 Kennesaw Avenue
Best Pediatric Group, Second Place - Wellstar Pediatrics at 121 Marble Mill Road
Best Pediatric Group, Third Place