Cilia propel a liquid layer of mucus that covers the airways. The mucus layer traps pathogens (potentially infectious microorganisms) and other particles, preventing them from reaching the lungs.

Airway diameter-dependent barrier defenses In the human respiratory tree, ciliated cells and mucus-secreting cells create the barrier defense in larger airways, whereas mucus-secreting cells become less frequent and secretory cells become more predominant in smaller airways.

Macrophages form the first line of defense in the smaller branches of the airways. These cells, located within the alveoli of the lungs, ingest and destroy bacteria and viruses and remove small particles.

Mucus (a thick liquid) is produced in the walls of the small airways to help keep your lungs clean and well lubricated. It is moved by tiny hairs called cilia that line your airways. They move back and forth sweeping a thin layer of mucus out of your lungs and into your throat. Unwanted materials stick to the mucus.

Your lungs are protected by your rib cage, which is made up of 12 sets of ribs. These ribs are connected to your spine in your back and go around your lungs to keep them safe.

Ways to clear the lungs

1. Steam therapy. Steam therapy, or steam inhalation, involves inhaling water vapor to open the airways and help the lungs drain mucus.
2. Controlled coughing.
3. Drain mucus from the lungs.
4. Exercise.
5. Green tea.
6. Anti-inflammatory foods.
7. Chest percussion.

8 Ways to Cleanse Your Lungs

1. Get an air purifier.
2. Change air filters.
3. Avoid artificial scents.
4. Go outdoors.
5. Try breathing exercises.
6. Practice percussion.
7. Change your diet.
8. Get more aerobic exercise.

The researchers found that nonsmokers who drank two or more cups of coffee a day had a 41 percent higher risk of lung cancer than those who didn’t drink coffee. Similarly, nonsmokers who drank two or more cups of tea a day had a 37 percent greater risk of lung cancer than non-tea drinkers.

We have here listed 5 important ways for more oxygen:

1. Get fresh air. Open your windows and go outside.
2. Drink water. In order to oxygenate and expel carbon dioxide, our lungs need to be hydrated and drinking enough water, therefore, influences oxygen levels.
3. Eat iron-rich foods.
4. Exercise.
5. Train your breathing.

The best way to keep your lungs healthy is Yoga. Yoga is said to reduce stress level and improve efficiency of the lungs by making them stronger.

1. Dhanurasana or bow pose:
2. Hasta Uttanasana or raised arm yoga pose.
3. Ustrasana aka camel pose.
4. Ardha chandrasana or half moon pose.
5. Chakrasana aka wheel pose.

Practicing yoga can be one of the best ways to keep your lungs and body healthy. The daily practice of yoga can help in strengthening the muscles of the chest, increase lung capacity and boost oxygen intake. Yoga can help in keeping your lungs healthy and strong thereby improving your breathing and oxygen intake.

The rib stretch does exactly what it says, stretching or expanding the ribs, which helps your lungs take in as much air as possible. This lung exercise requires you to be in a standing, upright position with your hands on your hips. Slowly inhale air until your lungs fill to capacity.

7 ways to improve your respiratory health

1. Stop smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke.
2. Avoid indoor and outdoor air pollution.
3. Avoid exposure to people who have the flu or other viral infections.
4. Exercise regularly.
5. Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
6. Maintain a healthy weight.
7. See your doctor for an annual physical.

The Top 8 Respiratory Illnesses and Diseases

• Asthma.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Chronic Bronchitis.
• Emphysema.
• Lung Cancer.
• Cystic Fibrosis/Bronchiectasis.
• Pneumonia.
• Pleural Effusion.

Breathe out fully. Take a small breath in through your mouth, nose or both and hold. On top of the air already in your lungs, take another small breath….Breath stacking is a technique that can be used to:

1. help expand your lungs.
2. keep the muscles flexible.
3. help you have a stronger cough to clear your secretions.

COVID-19 (coronavirus): Long-term effects COVID-19 symptoms can sometimes persist for months. The virus can damage the lungs, heart and brain, which increases the risk of long-term health problems. Most people who have coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) recover completely within a few weeks.