Every October, Lung Health Month aims to raise awareness of rare lung diseases and highlight the importance of lung health.
Every day, more Americans suffer from chronic lung disease. Asthma, which affects communities of color and low-income people, affects about 25 million people in the United States alone, and that number seems to be increasing in recent years.
Nearly 16 million people have been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a condition that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. People diagnosed with COPD are often isolated and unable to work because of their symptoms.
Although vaping is still popular among young people, many people suffer from respiratory problems, including increased fluid in the lungs and pneumonia. Statistics like these show the impact of educating people on the importance of healthy habits in preventing disease.
In addition to these health problems, many Americans struggle with rare diseases, such as those caused by exposure to asbestos. Harmful effects of asbestos on lung health
Asbestos-related diseases are difficult to diagnose because microscopic asbestos fibers remain in the body for decades. Often the symptoms do not appear until the disease worsens, making treatment more difficult. More than 40,000 Americans died from asbestos related diseases in 2019. Millions of people are still at risk of developing asbestos diseases. Mesothelioma
One of the most serious asbestos diseases is mesothelioma. This rare cancer affects small organs such as the lungs and spreads quickly, causing shortness of breath and a chronic cough. About 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. Because asbestos-containing materials are widely used by the military, one-third of those diagnosed are veterans, especially the US Navy.
Lung cancer
Asbestos exposure is also associated with an increased risk of lung cancer, which is one of the most common cancers in the United States. Like mesothelioma, lung cancer caused by asbestos rarely goes undiagnosed for decades until it is dangerous. Many treatments are needed for lung cancer and mesothelioma patients to continue living their lives, but many families struggle to find treatment.
Health costs of the lungs
People diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer and other asbestos-related diseases can have medical bills. Mesothelioma treatment and care can cost over $400,000. In the first year of lung cancer diagnosis, patients are expected to pay an average of $65,000 and thousands more in subsequent years. These high costs make treatments that can improve lung health out of reach for most people. People who have been diagnosed with asbestosis may be eligible for reimbursement to help pay hospital bills. Veterans may also qualify for VA health care benefits if they have been exposed to asbestos and are diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or another asbestos-related disease. Sokolove Law has more than 40 years of experience in the protection of people exposed to asbestos. Call our team at (888) 669-8165 to see how we can help you. Small steps to take care of and protect your lungs. Whether you have chronic breathing problems or have been diagnosed with a rare disease, there are things you can do to protect your lungs and breathe easier.
Here are some of our tips for breathing better this month:
Quit smoking and/or reduce exposure to secondhand smoke. Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke are the main causes of lung cancer.
Link regional indicators of air quality and air pollution. If you can, try to avoid walking and exercising near busy roads to reduce air pollution.
Keep the air filter as simple as possible to reduce asthma triggers. Wear appropriate equipment when working with products that contain hazardous materials.
Do breathing exercises. Deep breathing can help strengthen the lungs, which makes breathing easier.
Always consult your doctor. Since asbestos-related lung conditions have gone undiagnosed for decades, it's important to see a health care provider regularly, especially if you work in a job where the risk of exposure to asbestos is high. .
During Lung Health Month, many companies host special events, giving you more opportunities to get involved. Some special days during the month include National Respiratory Care Week October 25-30 and Lung Health Day on October 28.
At Sokolove Law, we all know how important lung health is, especially for veterans and combatants. You can't do it alone.