The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that adults between the ages of 55-80 who have been heavy smokers in the past 15 years be screened for lung cancer every year.

If you are between 55 and 74 and are currently or used to be a smoker, you should consider getting tested for lung cancer. You should speak with your health care provider about getting tested using a low-dose CT scan once a year for three years.

Medications for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease help with symptoms. Some of the medicines prescribed to help with breathing are bronchodilators, steroids and anti-inflammatories. Details about medication options for COPD in this resource.

Identifying and avoiding triggers of your asthma is important. This website gives a list of asthma treatments, side effects, and how to treat an asthma attack. Visit your healthcare provider to discuss an effective treatment plan.

People with asthma can benefit from breathing exercises, which can help calm breathing and better control an asthma attack.

Inhalers can only help treat asthma when used properly. This resource includes instructions on how to properly use and clean a metered dose or dry powder asthma inhaler.

Strenuous exercise can lead to a narrowing of the airways and can trigger asthma symptoms, including shortness of breath, tight chest and a cough. Inhalers can help treat or prevent exercise-induced asthma. Seek emergency help if you have sudden and severe asthma symptoms.

A peak flow meter measures lung function and the severity of asthma symptoms. It is an inexpensive, easy way to monitor asthma symptoms at home. Regular measurements can help guide treatment. This website gives tips on how to use it.

Pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot leaves a vein and travels to the lung. Treatment includes blood thinners to prevent a new or growing blood clot. This lowers the risk of complications.

Avoid triggers to prevent an asthma reaction. This resource describes many different types of triggers that might make your asthma worse. Pay attention to your symptoms to find and avoid things that are triggers for you.

Fight off infections by eating a healthy diet. For people with COPD, a diet that minimizes carbs and that's higher in fat may be beneficial. Focus on protein-rich foods (e.g., eggs and fish), fruits and vegetables, potassium-rich foods (e.g., avocados, tomatoes, and dark leafy greens), and healthy fats (e.g., nuts, seeds, and olives). When eating carbs, choose those classified as complex carbs (e.g., lentils, beans, and oats). Avoid salt, fruits or vegetables that make you feel bloated or gassy, fired foods, and spicy foods.

Lifestyle changes can help people living with COPD manage their illness. Quitting smoking, exercising good hand-washing hygiene to avoid infections, eating a healthy diet, remaining active, being prepared for emergency health situations, and communicating with health care providers are just a few management tips to consider.

Completing daily activities can be difficult for people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder. Pulmonary rehab programs, which tackle topics such exercise, nutrition, and education, aim to improve fitness and breathing. Ask your doctor about joining a certified pulmonary rehab program.

This resource provides information on what the Coronavirus is, how it spreads, how it impacts the body and health care system, and how to reduce the risk of getting infected and infecting others. Key prevention strategies listed include: washing your hands, practicing physical distancing, and respecting quarantines.

COPD can cause a cough and makes it difficult to breath. There are many different ways to diagnose and treat COPD. To prevent COPD, do not smoke cigarettes. If you currently smoke, quitting can still help prevent COPD.

Eating a healthy, balanced diet is enough to satisfy your daily vitamin requirements. Unless your diet is lacking in some way, you do not need to take vitamins. Vitamins do little to prevent asthma, cancer or ear infections.

If you are a long-time smoker, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of lung cancer screening. Lung cancer is more likely to be cured if found in its early stages.

Smoking cigars significantly increases your risk of developing cancer and heart disease, even if you do not inhale the smoke.