Smog-filled skies and poor air quality directly impact your lungs, triggering asthma, bronchitis, and other chronic respiratory diseases. Harmful pollutants such as particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), ozone (O3), and nitrogen oxides (NOx) inflame the airway passages, causing difficulty in breathing. Wearing masks minimises inhalation of irritants like pollen, dust, and industrial gases, significantly reducing the risk of asthma and Bronchitis. Dr Harish Bhatia, Founder Director of Rebreathe Clinic and Senior Consultant Chest Specialist & Physician with Apollo Hospital, suggests the following strategies to manage respiratory illnesses in high smog areas: Use of air masks: N95 or FFP2/FFP3 masks are highly effective, filtering out over 90 percent of particulates 2.5. 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) is highly effective strategies.
