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Educational Focus on Pulmonary Health




This coming week is Pulmonary Rehab Week, March 9 - 15. So we want to shine a spotlight on the pulmonary system. The American Association for Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (A.A.C.V.P.R.) created this recognition week to highlight the vital work the rehabilitation therapists and staff do to improve the lives of those living with chronic pulmonary illnesses. The goal is to enhance the individual's quality of life while living with severely altered pulmonary function and avoid the need for emergency care resulting in possible hospitalization (AACVPR, 2025). 


Pulmonary Disease: COPD


Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD, is made up of three diseases: 1) emphysema, 2) chronic bronchitis, and 3) chronic asthma. Do you remember making the picture of the Pink Puffer vs. the Blue Bloater in nursing school? The Blue Bloater described symptoms attached to chronic bronchitis while the Pink Puffer described symptoms associated with emphysema.  Today, these terms are not generally used in patient care anymore, but you may see them in older nursing texts.


  • COPD is the 4th leading cause of death worldwide (WHO, 2024). 


  • Approximately 12 million Americans are living with some form of COPD costing roughly $50 billion annually (American Lung Association, 2024). 


  • Asthma is the leading chronic disease in children in the U.S. and approximately 23 million American adults have asthma (AAFA, 2024).


  • Smoking in high-income countries accounts for 70% of COPD and in low to middle-income countries it is 30-40% (WHO, 2024).


  • Studies have shown pulmonary rehabilitation significantly reduces symptoms of COPD, one of the most common chronic lung diseases in the world, symptoms. It is for that reason, and countless others, that I am celebrating #PRWeek2025 (AACVPR, 2025).



Check your Knowledge of the Pulmonary System


Click on the arrow next to the question to see the answer

Q1) Which lung has fewer lobes and why?

  1. The left lung has two lobes because the heart sits in the cardiac notch, the groove in the lower lobe. 

Q2) Crackles (rales) are produced when what is occurring?

  1. Crackles are generated when an abnormally closed airway opens during inspiration or closes at the end of expiration, usually in the lungs' smaller airways. They are considered an adventitious finding and should be correlated with the pathology producing them.

Q3) What is a pneumothorax and what conditions increase a patient’s likelihood of developing one? 

  1. A pneumothorax is air accumulation in the pleural space and some possible causes are chest trauma, after a thoracentesis, ruptured bleb from COPD, or a secondary infection from severe pneumonia. 



Lung Cancer


Lung cancer is another primary health concern related to the pulmonary system. In the United States, it is the second most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer deaths. Smoking is still the leading cause of lung cancer. 


Four main types of lung cancer

  1. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

  2. Small cell lung cancer (SCLS)

  3. Lung nodules

  4. Mesothelioma


The most common is NSCLS and SCLS. Symptoms don’t often appear until late in the course of the disease. Some early symptoms may include persistent cough, hemoptysis, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Prevention is key to not getting lung cancer. 

(American Cancer Society, 2025)


How to keep your lungs in the best condition


1. Avoid Smoking and Pollutants

  • Quit smoking (or never start) to reduce the risk of COPD, lung cancer, and other respiratory diseases.

  • Avoid secondhand smoke, air pollution, and chemicals that can irritate the lungs.

  • Use protective gear when working in dust, fumes, or pollutants.

2. Practice Deep Breathing Exercises

  • Diaphragmatic breathing (belly breathing) helps strengthen lung capacity.

  • Pursed-lip breathing can improve oxygen exchange, especially for those with respiratory conditions.

  • Yoga and meditation incorporate breathing techniques that enhance lung function.

3. Stay Active

  • Regular cardiovascular exercise (e.g., walking, running, swimming) improves lung efficiency.

  • Strength training and stretching also contribute to overall respiratory health.

4. Maintain Good Air Quality

  • Use air purifiers and ensure good ventilation at home.

  • Reduce exposure to allergens and mold that can trigger respiratory issues.

  • Check indoor air quality and avoid using harsh cleaning chemicals.

5. Prevent Infections

  • Wash hands frequently to reduce the risk of respiratory infections.

  • Get flu, pneumonia, and COVID-19 vaccines as recommended.

  • Stay hydrated to keep mucus thin and easy to clear from the lungs.

6. Maintain a Healthy Diet

  • Eat antioxidant-rich foods like fruits and vegetables to reduce inflammation.

  • Ensure adequate hydration to keep airways moist.

  • Include omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish, nuts, and seeds) to support lung function.

7. Monitor and Manage Chronic Conditions

  • If you have asthma, COPD, or another lung condition, follow your treatment plan and take prescribed medications.

  • Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider can help detect and address lung issues early.


Nurses are often the front line in detecting patient pulmonary system changes. Understanding and grasping the various types of lung sounds is critical in the ongoing head-to-toe assessment of your patient. Several videos on YouTube can help you brush up on lung sounds if you need a refresher. Another member of the interprofessional team is the respiratory therapist (RT), and the RT can be a great resource in working with patients with various lung conditions. 


As we prepare to celebrate Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week:


  1. If you know someone who works in pulmonary rehabilitation, take a moment to thank them for the incredible work they do to support their patients.

  2. Remember to prioritize your pulmonary health!

  3. By collaborating with the healthcare team, we can make a meaningful difference in our patient's lives, helping them breathe easier through quality assessments and targeted interventions that promote optimal lung health.




References


American Association for Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation. (2025). Cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation weeks. AACVPR. https://www.aacvpr.org/Cardiac-Pulmonary-Rehabilitation-Weeks


American Cancer Society. (2025). Lung cancer. ACS. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/lung-cancer.html



Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. (2024). Asthma facts. AAFA. https://aafa.org/asthma/asthma-facts/


World Health Organization. (2024). Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. WHO. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-(copd)


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