Have you ever thought about your lungs? Unless you have trouble breathing, you probably don’t pay much attention to them; you just know they’re there.

Human lungs, however, are the most remarkable organ in our bodies because they keep us breathing. It’s been said that you can live six weeks without food, six days without water, but only six minutes without the oxygen from breathing.

What are lungs?

The lungs are the centerpiece of the respiratory system. The lungs are our largest internal organ and the only internal organ with direct exposure to the outside (through the air we breathe). By breathing, we constantly expose our lungs not only to the oxygen that we need to live, but also to annoying, harmful and sometimes dangerous particles. Fortunately, our respiratory systems come equipped with defense mechanisms to catch, repel and expel most of these irritants before they reach our lungs. Tiny hairs called cilia line our respiratory systems from our nostrils down through the bronchial tubes in our lungs. A sticky substance called mucus is also present, from the tips of our noses to the bottoms of our lungs. Foreign particles entering the nose get caught along the way to the lungs by cilia and mucus and are expelled when we cough or sneeze. Cilia are very fragile, though, and can be gradually destroyed by continued exposure to cigarette smoke and other environmental pollutants. This makes it much easier for contaminants to enter our lungs.

As an organ, the lungs are composed of a right side and left side that join at the main bronchial tube. The right lung is made of three lobes and is slightly larger than the left lung. The left lung, with only two lobes, is a bit smaller because the heart is “snuggled” in there between the lungs to the left. The lobes are really fascinating! Made of spongy tissue to accommodate all the tubes and vessels needed to move air, mucus and blood, adult lungs weigh about 2.9 pounds. Those same lungs, when completely dry, look like fine-grade natural sponge and weigh just a few ounces. Our lungs are our only organ that can float on water. Lungs, even when fully inflated, are small enough to fit comfortably inside the rib cage. Don’t let their small size fool you, though. If all of the surface areas of each spongy lobe were rolled out flat, the total lung tissue would cover an entire tennis court.

Adults with normal lungs breathe about 12-18 times per minute at rest and around 8-14 times per minute when asleep. Our respiratory rate increases when we exercise, when we’re sick and when we’re stressed. Babies are born breathing 40-50 times per minute and continue to breathe faster than adults until they are about 5 years old. The average adult takes about 17,000 breaths each day — a staggering 6 million breaths per year. Adults inhale and exhale approximately 11,000 liters of air per day. That air travels through an estimated 15,000 miles of airways, some as thin as sewing thread, in order to deliver oxygen to the bloodstream. Lungs do not have muscle tissue; they need help to expand (inhale) and contract (exhale). The diaphragm, a strong wall of muscle beneath the lungs provides this help by acting like a bellows.

As miraculous as they are, our lungs can’t do their best work without our tender loving care. If a bone is broken, it grows back together, but lung tissue can’t do this. Once lung tissue is damaged, it will never mend. Sometimes removing a diseased lobe or an entire lung is the only way to stop lung disease from spreading and causing more destruction. Lung reduction surgery can be a treatment option for severe emphysema because it helps with better and easier air exchange. Since lungs are seldom used at full capacity, humans are able to function quite well after these procedures. Actual lung transplants are options for some people suffering from chronic lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis. One day we might even have artificial lungs, much like artificial hearts! While we wait for these future medical miracles, we can make sure that we are giving our lungs the “tender loving care” that they require:

• Protection. Protect your lungs by not smoking or “vaping.” Wear a mask when working around mold, dust and/or harsh chemicals. Avoid smoky environments, both inside and out.
• Good nutrition. Eating healthy provides critical fuel for your lungs. The nutrients found in leafy greens like broccoli, cabbage and kale really boost lung health. Collards, so good this time of year after the first frost, are another yummy choice. Cut back on carb-heavy recipes and meals for easier breathing (seriously). Drink lots of water to keep that mucus thin and flowing. Thick mucus is the enemy of healthy lungs.
• Exercise. Daily physical activity builds strength and lung capacity. Lung function also improves when you practice deep breathing. Don’t forget to have fun — one of the very best lung exercises is blowing bubbles!
• Healthy surroundings. Take care of your overall health. Get the recommended immunizations, such as annual flu and pneumonia shots. Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid crowds and sick people during the winter cold and flu season.
• And just breathe.

Alene Payne, MSHE, RRT/RCP, is manager of cardiopulmonary services at Vidant Beaufort Hospital.