by Editorial Staff | February 25, 2018
- Lung Health & Procedures
It's time for a pop quiz, because who doesn't love a good exam? We sure do. Take this test with friends and family to see who knows the most about lung health and lung disease. Avid EACH Breath blog readers will ace it.
How often should you get a flu shot?
Yearly. The best way to prevent influenza is the flu vaccine. Everyone 6 months and older should get an annual flu shot. Follow these additional tips to prevent the flu.
According to the U.S. Surgeon General, what is a safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke?
None. Secondhand smoke causes heart and lung disease, and there are no safe levels of exposure. Learn more about the risks of secondhand smoke in this blog post from Harold P. Wimmer, American Lung Association national president and CEO.
TRUE OR FALSE: A beard can help ward off asthma triggers, such as dust smoke or pet dander.
True-ish. According to American Lung Association Senior Medical Advisor Dr. Albert Rizzo, beards can serve as a filter for the lungs, but bushier beards may have more of an impact than those facial hair styles with less coverage, such as a goatee.
Behind smoking, what is the second leading cause of lung cancer?
Radon. This colorless, tasteless and odorless gas is responsible for 21,000 deaths annually in the U.S. In this first-person account, one homeowner describes selling their home and testing its radon levels as part of that process.
Should never smokers be screened for lung cancer?
No. Lung cancer screening is recommended for individuals in a targeted group: between the ages of 55-80 years, have a 30-pack year history and are current smokers or have quit within the last 15 years. For those who fall outside of those guidelines, the risks of screening do not outweigh the benefits. Read more about screening and who is eligible in this detailed post.
What does idiopathic mean in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis?
Idiopathic means the cause is unknown. Pulmonary fibrosis is the thickening or scarring of lung tissue, which makes the lungs less efficient and causes troubled breathing. There are several known causes of pulmonary fibrosis, but idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a type of the disease where the cause is unidentified. This blog post shares other things you may not know about pulmonary fibrosis.
Can pets get pneumonia?
Yes! Animals are susceptible to many of the same lung diseases as humans, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pneumonia. Read the tale of Nola, a sweet pup who overcame pneumonia.
How did you do?
7 Right: You are practically a lung health expert.
5-6 Right: You sure know your stuff.
3-4 Right: You may not be a genius, but you have some knowledge in that ol' noggin.
2 or Fewer Right: Keep studying and make sure to read EACH Breath weekly to learn more about our fascinating lungs.
Blog last updated: August 30, 2023
