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Serving as the centerpiece of the respiratory system, the lungs are essential to life. The main function of the pair of spongy, pinkish-gray organs is to transfer life-giving oxygen into the blood supply while moving waste products like carbon dioxide out of your body. It’s a process that happens with every breath you take.

But poor lung function can lead to respiratory failure, which can lead to a multitude of symptoms. Depending on the cause and the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood, they may include shortness of breath, air hunger, rapid breathing, confusion and bluish skin, lips and fingernails.

Unfortunately, more than 34 million people in the United States currently live with those symptoms due to chronic lung diseases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and health experts say the situation is worsening across the country.

Over time, chronic lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD, can lead to the need for a lung transplant, even death, if left untreated.

“When chronic lung diseases like COPD advance, they don’t just affect how we breathe. They begin to impact other organs like the heart and nervous system. Many of these lung conditions can be life altering or life ending,” says pulmonologist Adolfo E. Kaplan, MD, a critical care medicine specialist affiliated with STHS McAllen. “That underlines the importance of early detection, treatment and prevention of chronic lung disease.”   

To help raise awareness about the dangers of lung-related health issues among residents of the Rio Grande Valley, South Texas Health System and South Texas Health System Clinics will devote the latest episode of their monthly “South Texas Healthy Living” television program to chronic lung diseases.

Broadcast live on  Saturday, July 20, and Sunday, July 21 at 11:00 a.m. on KGBT 4.1, the program will feature an interview with Dr. Kaplan, who will highlight the common causes, risk factors and early warning signs of chronic lung diseases, as well as highlight how doctors diagnose and treat them.

Additionally, STHS System Director of Marketing & Public Relations and South Texas Healthy Living host Tom Castañeda sits down with a 82-year-old Edinburg man, who after nearly 50 years, decided to quit smoking – one of the biggest risk factors for chronic lung diseases – but not before the damage to his lungs and heart had been done. Along with discussing the impact smoking had on his health, he’ll share his advice for those struggling to kick the habit.

The program will also feature a cooking segment led by Patrick Woodin, South Texas Health System McAllen’s director of dietary & nutrition services, on lung-friendly foods and a demonstration of aimed at improving your lung health with a member of the STHS McAllen Outpatient Rehabilitation Center, as well as important advice on preventing chronic lung diseases.

“While your body has a natural defense system designed to protect the lungs, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk of lung disease,” says Castañeda. “From avoiding pollutants if you work in environments that expose you to dust, gas or chemicals and paying close attention to air pollution levels to quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke, it’s important to take preventative measures to protect our lungs. So, in the latest episode of ‘South Texas Healthy Living,’ we won’t just highlight the common types of chronic lung diseases and the complications associated with them. We’ll also share strategies to help prevent lung issues from developing, worsening or returning, including foods you should eat and those you avoid, as well as some great exercises you can do in the comfort of your home to get healthy and stay healthy!”

If you or someone you know has chronic lung disease or is at risk of developing lung issues, don’t miss the latest episode of “South Texas Healthy Living” on Saturday, July 20, and Sunday, July 21 at 11:00 a.m. on KGBT 4.1.