Air pollution: How asthma patients can take care of their lungs
Tips to take care of your lungs from air pollution
The air quality drops to a dangerous level in Delhi and neighbouring cities every year post-Diwali, and the same is being witnessed this year. A thick blanket of fog and smoke covered the national capital after the festival of light leaving people complaining of breathlessness, eye irritation and coughing. These are short-term issues that may go away after a week, but prolonged exposure to pollutants may damage the delicate lining of the lungs, increasing the risk of lung disorders. The tiny pollutant particles are even more harmful to those already suffering from respiratory problems like asthma.
Smog increases episodes of severe coughing and shortness of breath in asthma patients. For some people, it can also trigger asthma. That makes it vital for them to protect their lungs from dust particles. Here are some tips for asthma patients to take care of their lungs.
Wear a mask all the time
During the pandemic, we developed a habit of wearing a mask every time we stepped outside. We suggest you continue with it. Whenever you go out, wear an N95 mask covering your nose and mouth properly. Mask protects the tiny dust particles from entering your lungs and causing irritation, which triggers coughing. It also protects you from flu and the COVID-19 virus.
Step outside only if necessary
Keeping
in mind the quality of air, step outside only when necessary. If the
task can be done from home or delayed for a few days, then it is the
best option. Even if you go outside for a quick walk in the morning or
evening, avoid it till the time the air quality level doesn’t get
better. You can exercise indoors for the time being.
Improve indoor air quality
Cooking gas, open windows and ventilators can increase the level of air pollutants indoors. So, you also need to take steps to improve the quality of air in your house. For that clean your rugs, carpets, curtain and ventilators every week, get air-purifying indoor plants and keep your doors and windows closed when the air quality outside is poor.
Steam therapy
Steam
therapy involves the inhalation of water vapour to clear the airways
and help you breathe properly. The warm, moist warm air loosen the mucus
in the nasal passages, throat, and lungs. It may also provide relief
from inflamed, swollen blood vessels in your nasal passages caused due
to pollutant particles. Take steam at least twice daily if you go out.
Eat healthily
Foods
play a vital role in clearing the air passage and helping you to
breathe easily. Eating some specific food can reduce the inflammation in
the lungs, clear mucus and even boost immunity to fight the cold
weather. Include more anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric, cruciferous
vegetables, cherries, olives and walnut in your diet. Turmeric milk,
jaggery, honey and green are some other food items that you may have.
Take medicines on time
The most important of all is to take your medication on time to control symptoms of asthma. Asthmatic are also advised to keep their inhalers handy so that they can use them whenever they feel breathless. Inhalers provide quick relief with symptoms. If you feel that your condition is getting worse or the medication is not helping much, talk to your doctor.