As we head into flu season, it’s the perfect time to check in on your respiratory health. Dr. Stuart stopped by to chat with Doug about asthma, common respiratory illnesses, and the importance of protecting your lungs. Whether it’s from seasonal bugs, environmental hazards, or lifestyle factors like smoking and vaping. From understanding asthma triggers to practical tips on quitting smoking, Dr. Stuart offered valuable advice to help you and your family breathe easier this winter.
What is Asthma?
Dr. Sturt explained: “Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition of the airways. It makes breathing difficult.” Common symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath and coughing. Triggers vary but often include allergies, smoke, strong odours, cold air, viral infections or excercise. “One lesser-known trigger is thunderstorm asthma,” Dr. Sturt added. “The atmosphere shifts, pollen breaks down, and it hits asthmatics hard.”
Other Respiratory Illnesses
With the seasons changing, respiratory bugs are about to spike. “Flu season’s around the corner,” Dr. Stuart warned. “Flu vaccines should be available from late March to early April.”
Another major concern for parents is RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus). “It’s super common in young kids,” he said. “It often leads to bronchiolitis, which can land kids in hospital.” The good news? “A vaccine for RSV is now available. Young children qualify for it, and it’s a game-changer.”
Even common colds, while mild, spread easily. “And don’t forget non-respiratory bugs like rotavirus and norovirus. They cause vomiting and diarrhea and they’re very contagious.”
The Long-Term Effects of Smoking
One of the more hopeful insights Dr. Stuart shared relates to ex-smokers. “If someone has given up smoking for 15 years, their chance of developing almost all respiratory diseases related to smoking drops to that of somebody who’s never smoked,” he explains.
While risks for diseases like lung cancer and COPD never quite hit zero, your body does have a remarkable ability to recover over time. So if you’ve quit, or are trying to, there’s extra motivation to stay the course.
Are You Breathing Safely?
We often think of respiratory hazards as issues limited to big industries, but Dr. Stuart cautions that even hobbyists and home renovators need to be careful. Whether it’s cutting MDF (medium-density fiberboard) full of harmful glues or inhaling paint fumes, regular exposure can cause long-term damage.
“A lot of these materials can be carcinogenic,” he warns. And it’s not just about occasional exposure. Over time, even low-level exposure to dust, dyes, or fumes without proper protection can trigger serious respiratory issues. So whether you’re a woodworker, painter, or just cutting something at home, grab the mask as well as the safety goggles.
Vaping
As vaping becomes more popular, many assume it’s a healthier alternative to smoking. Unfortunately, that assumption doesn’t hold up. According to Dr. Stuart, increasing research shows vaping can cause significant lung damage, heart disease, collapsed lungs, and possibly even cancer.
“The chemicals used in e-cigarettes, especially the flavoured ones, often contain small particles that get deeply lodged in the lungs,” he says. While more studies are underway, the evidence so far suggests that vaping carries serious risks, not the safe shortcut it’s often marketed to be.
How to quit smoking
If you’re looking to give up smoking, you’re not alone and there are many resources and tools available. Dr. Stuart recommends trying options like nicotine patches, gum, inhalers, and even certain prescription medications that help reduce cravings. It may take trial and error, and it will require willpower, but support is out there. “There’s quite a lot of helpful options. Talk to your GP to figure out what works best for you,” he suggests.
Should You Get Your Lungs Checked?
If you’re working in dusty environments, like bin cleaning or industrial jobs, it’s worth considering a lung health check-up. Dr. Stuart mentions two key tests:
- High-Resolution Lung Scan: Establishes a baseline to detect any lung disease now or in the future.
- Lung Function Test (Spirometry): Measures how well your lungs move air and can identify early signs of restrictive or obstructive lung disease.
Both tests are available at most medical practices, and Dr. Stuart encourages anyone concerned to speak with their GP.
Tips for Keeping Your Family’s Lungs Healthy
To wrap up, Dr. Stuart shared a few extra tips, especially for parents:
- Watch for signs of breathing struggles in kids, like wheezing, coughing, or ribs showing (known as intercostal recession).
- Keep up-to-date asthma action plans and ensure medication is on hand.
- Encourage regular hand-washing to prevent the spread of viral infections.
- Don’t hesitate to see your doctor if something feels off. It’s always better to get checked early.
Whether it’s quitting smoking, protecting yourself at work, or simply staying aware of early warning signs, there are plenty of ways you can take control of your respiratory health. If you’ve got questions or want to learn more, chat to your GP. Or tune in next time when Dr. Stuart returns to answer even more listener questions.
Listen to the full conversation below.