The month of November is Lung Cancer Awareness month. Also known as lung carcinoma, lung cancer amounts to 27 per cent of all cancer deaths and is also a leading cause of fatalities in both men and women.

A majority of lung cancer cases are due to long-term smoking tobacco, besides other factors like genetics, air pollution, exposure to radon gas, asbestos, passive smoking and air pollution.

Individuals with lung cancer suffer from coughing, coughing up blood, wheezing, breathing difficulty, weakness, clubbing of finger nails, difficulty in swallowing.

Lung cancer is diagnosed with the help of biopsy, bronchoscopy or CT- guidance.

In these days and times, it is imperative to take care and improve lung capacity from the negative effects of smoking, air pollution, exposure to toxics.

There are many ways to increase lung capacity, which means the total amount of air lungs can hold in given time and for better functioning.  

We bring you easy breathing exercises that help in maintaining and increasing lung capacity, keeping several infections at bay and let the body get all required oxygen.

Diaphragmatic Breathing:

Also known as belly breathing, diaphragmatic breathing strengthens diaphragm, which plays a crucial part in breathing.

How To Do It:

Relax your shoulders, sit back.

Place one hand on chest, the other on stomach.

Inhale through nose for couple of seconds, let the air move into your abdomen. In other words, your tummy should move more than your chest.

Breathe out for two seconds, through pursed lips, even while pressing on the stomach.

Repeat it for 5 times.

Rib Stretch Breathing:

This simple breathing exercise is all about holding as much air in the lungs for as long as possible.

How To Do It:

Stand with back arched. Exhale completely.

Breathe in slowly, filling lungs with air as much as possible.

Hold your breath at least for 5 to 10 seconds.

Exhale slowly. Repeat it for 5 times.

Numbered Breathing:

Numbered breathing is highly recommended for singer, swimmers and will benefit everyone looking to increase their lung capacity. This exercise requires you to breathe in and breathe out while increasing pattern of counts.

How To Do It:

Stand still and take a deep breath. Keep eyes closed.

Exhale all the air out.

Count No 1 calmly, while inhaling. Hold breathe for few seconds.

Slowly exhale, counting 2 and 3 calmly.

Repeat it for 5 times.

How To Keep Lungs Healthy:

Exercise regularly for amazingly healthy lungs.

Get vaccinated for flu, pneumonia.

Improve quality of air, at least indoors. Install indoor air filters, avoid artificial fragnances.

Keep the house clean from mold and dust.

Eat cold foods, enjoy salads, hot soups in winter.