From asthma to bronchitis, air pollution can trigger respiratory diseases, here's how to stay safe

Prevent asthma: N95 or FFP2/FFP3 masks filter out over 90 percent of particulate matter 2.5. Wearing masks minimises inhalation of irritants like pollen, dust, and industrial gases, significantly reducing the risk of asthma and bronchitis

As air pollution levels continue to rise, the invisible threat to respiratory health is becoming more worrisome than ever. Smog-filled skies and poor air quality are environmental concerns and also directly impact your lungs, triggering asthma, bronchitis, and other chronic respiratory diseases. Understanding the link between air pollution and lung health is important to reducing these risks and safeguarding your well-being.

Harmful pollutants such as particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), ozone (O3), and nitrogen oxides (NOx) inflame the airway passages, causing difficulty in breathing and exacerbating conditions like asthma and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).

Persistent exposure weakens lung function, leading to shortness of breath, wheezing, and a significantly diminished quality of life, says Dr Harish Bhatia, Founder Director of Rebreathe Clinic and Senior Consultant Chest Specialist & Physician with Apollo Hospital. “The current high smog scenario in India is debilitating for the lungs. Every breath taken in such an environment introduces harmful particles that trigger inflammatory responses, making respiratory management more challenging,” he explains.

Also read | Manage asthma symptoms: Quit smoking, use inhalers correctly, maintain healthy diet to prevent asthma attack

Dr Bhatia suggests the following strategies to manage respiratory illnesses in high smog areas:

Stress management with mindfulness activities: Stress can exacerbate respiratory diseases and disrupt quality of life. Practicing mindfulness activities such as yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises helps reduce stress, promoting relaxation and lung health.

Healthy diet and regular physical activity: A diet rich in antioxidants strengthens immune defenses while anti-inflammatory foods like walnuts, flaxseeds, and cashews help control asthma and allergic reactions. Exercise is essential, but during seasonal drifts, opt for indoor activities such as swimming, yoga, or walking to protect against outdoor pollution.

Maintenance of indoor air quality: Clean indoor air minimises asthma and allergic triggers. Regular vacuuming to remove allergens and using air purifiers with HEPA filters to maintain a healthy air quality index (AQI) are highly effective strategies.

Consume prescribed medications: Managing chronic respiratory diseases requires a consistent medication regimen. Inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting bronchodilators help suppress inflammation, while short-acting beta agonists, such as albuterol, provide quick relief during asthma attacks. Following your medication schedule, even when symptoms improve, prevents future flare-ups.

Also read | 11 things you must know about asthma: types, triggers, more

Use of air masks: N95 or FFP2/FFP3 masks are highly effective, filtering out over 90 percent of particulate matter 2.5. Wearing masks minimises inhalation of irritants like pollen, dust, and industrial gases, significantly reducing the risk of asthma and bronchitis.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.