Are you suffering from frequent colds, coughs and chest pains during monsoons? Don't worry, here are five essential precautions to protect your respiratory health.

As the seasons change, monsoons bring much-needed relief from the heat. Along with fresh breezy air and rain showers, monsoons pose various challenges to your health, especially respiratory health. During monsoons, people often complain of shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, crackling in lungs, fatigue, chest pain, cough, wheezing and wheezing. Moisture and humidity in the air create a perfect environment for the growth of pathogenic and fungal bacteria that cause respiratory problems.

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The risk of developing respiratory health problems such as influenza, common cold, asthma, pneumonia and bronchitis increases significantly during the rainy season. People are advised to take necessary precautions and follow safety measures to avoid infection and respiratory problems. Dr. Sameer Gardne, Director, Department of Pulmonology and Lung Transplantation, Gleneagles Hospital, Paral shares 5 tips to protect your respiratory health during monsoons.

Tips to protect your respiratory health during monsoons

• Eat a balanced diet: Your diet should include plenty of vegetables, fruits, lentils, pulses and whole grains as they have various nutritional benefits. Choose vegetables and fruits, especially those with essential nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin E, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids. This protects against permanent damage to respiratory cells during monsoons.
• Limit your outdoor visits: Avoid going outdoors unless necessary as the air is full of pollutants, pathogens, dust particles and dirt that can be harmful to your respiratory health. Make sure you always check the Air Quality Index (AQI) for real-time updates before stepping outside. If the AQI level is high, don't forget to wear a mask for better protection.
• Maintain indoor air quality: During monsoons, people rarely go outside unless necessary. It's a common misconception that staying indoors means you're free from all the pollutants and bacteria that can aggravate your respiratory problems. However, you still run a high risk of discomfort because indoor air can also be contaminated. Therefore, it is necessary to take necessary precautions to maintain indoor air quality. You can install air purifiers in your hall and bedroom as they help remove dust, pollen, pet dander, mold and spores from the air.
• Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated is a good habit that has various health benefits. Aim for at least 1 to 2 liters of water or any type of fluid per day for maximum hydration. It can significantly help maintain and protect the thin mucus lining in the respiratory tract. Make sure you drink warm water or fluids like tea, green tea, soups and stews to keep you warm in cold weather and relieve respiratory problems like cough and sore throat.
• Deep breathing exercises: If you experience shortness of breath, especially when climbing stairs or doing physical activity, it may be helpful to incorporate deep breathing exercises into your daily routine. Deep breathing exercises for more than 5 minutes a day can help you stay calm and increase lung capacity.