When you’re living with a long-term lung condition, it can be a challenge to keep your symptoms under control so you can do as much as possible in your day-to-day life. Along with affecting your well-being, long-term (chronic) lung conditions also put you at higher risk for pneumonia. So it’s important to take steps to protect your lung health.
Common chronic lung conditions include:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): A group of diseases, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, that block your airflow and make it hard to breathe.
- Asthma: A condition where your airways get narrow and swollen so you can’t breathe as easily.
- Interstitial lung disease: A group of disorders that causes lung scarring, so your lungs don’t function as well.
“Chronic lung conditions could occur for reasons such as autoimmune conditions, environmental exposure, smoking or genetic causes,” said Mouhanned Eliliwi, MD, a pulmonologist with Banner - University Medicine.
The connection between chronic lung conditions and pneumonia
Your lungs serve as a frontline defense against bacteria and viruses. When a chronic condition weakens them, it’s harder for your body to clear mucus, fight infections and keep your lungs working well. That makes it easier to develop pneumonia, which is usually triggered by an infection.
“Pneumonia and chronic lung conditions can have similar symptoms such as cough and shortness of breath. They can also look similar on a chest X-ray. So, if you have a chronic lung condition you may need to see a pulmonologist (a lung expert) for an accurate diagnosis,” Dr. Eliliwi said.
If you have a chronic lung condition, pneumonia can lead to serious health complications, including:
- Hospitalization
- Respiratory failure
- A long recovery time that can disrupt your daily life
By taking steps to reduce your risk, you can help protect yourself from these outcomes.
Recognizing early signs of pneumonia
It’s important to know what to watch for, so you get treatment quickly. Early signs of pneumonia include:
- Fever or chills
- Shortness of breath that gets worse
- Chest pain, especially when you cough or take a deep breath
- Feeling tired or weak
If you notice any of these symptoms or any symptoms that are different from what you usually have from your lung condition, contact your health care provider right away.
These practical steps can help reduce your risk of pneumonia
“The best way to protect your lungs is by not smoking or vaping, and by quitting those habits if you currently use tobacco products,” Dr. Eliliwi said. “Even though smoking can cause long-term damage, your lungs can regenerate to an extent. So it is never too late to quit smoking, no matter how old you are.”
When you quit smoking, you’ll see some improvements quickly and after a few years your risk for serious illness, including lung cancer, decreases and life expectancy goes up.
It can also help to:
- Stay up to date on vaccinations, including your yearly flu and COVID vaccines and the pneumococcal vaccine, which helps protect you against a common type of bacterial pneumonia. “If you are older or have a chronic lung condition, lung infections can be especially harmful. Ask your doctor about the FDA-approved vaccines that can help prevent these infections,” Dr. Eliliwi said.
- Stay active with light activities like walking or yoga that can support your lung health. “Increased fitness may improve symptoms such as shortness of breath,” Dr. Eliliwi said.
- Eat a balanced diet focused on foods high in nutrients, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.
- Drink plenty of water to help thin your mucus, since thinner mucus is easier to clear from your lungs.
- Reduce your exposure to irritants by using an air purifier in your home, avoiding exposure to smoke and limiting outdoor activities when pollution or pollen levels are high.
- Protect your lungs if you work with dangerous substances such as asbestos.
Partnering with your health care team
Regular communication with your health care provider is important for managing chronic lung conditions and preventing pneumonia.
Your pulmonologist, respiratory therapist and nursing team will keep track of your lung function and oxygen needs. “We follow your imaging studies and provide you with the medications and inhalers you need to control your symptoms, so you feel better,” Dr. Eliliwi said.
Your care team will create a prevention strategy for you that may include lung cancer screening if you’ve smoked for a long time.
Be sure to check in with your health care team if you notice any changes in your condition. If you have any of these symptoms, seek medical care right away:
- Severe shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- High fever or chills that don’t improve
- Confusion, disorientation or trouble staying awake
- Blue-tinged lips or fingertips, which could be a sign of low oxygen levels
Emotional and mental health support
Managing a long-term lung condition can take a toll on your mental health. It’s normal to feel anxious or overwhelmed. Taking care of your emotional well-being is just as important as managing your physical health. Here are some ways to find support:
- Join an in-person or online support group to connect with others who understand your challenges.
- Practice mindfulness or relaxation exercises to reduce stress.
- Seek counseling or therapy to help manage anxiety or depression.
The bottom line
If you have a long-term lung condition, following your care plan, working with your health care team and taking small steps toward a healthier lifestyle can help protect your health and lower your odds of developing pneumonia.
To stay informed about managing chronic lung conditions, reducing your risk of pneumonia and protecting your health, talk to your health care provider or connect with an expert at Banner Health.
