Research insights

Well established

• Stopping smoking is the most effective way to protect the lungs at any age.
• Air pollution, indoors and outdoors, is linked with worse respiratory health.
• Pulmonary rehabilitation improves exercise capacity and quality of life for people with chronic lung conditions.
• Vaccination against flu and some other infections lowers the risk of serious illness.

Still uncertain

Many supplements, sprays, and devices are marketed for breathing. For most of them, the research is limited, small, or mixed. That does not always mean they cannot help anyone, but claims should be treated with caution.

Be wary of

Any product or programme that promises to "cleanse" or "repair" the lungs quickly, tells you to stop prescribed inhalers or medicines, or relies only on testimonials. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before trying something new.

For reliable sources, see our resources page.