This winter season is presenting a severe challenge to respiratory health across many parts of the country, driven by a dangerous combination of dipping mercury and escalating air pollution levels. Pulmonologist Dr Amit Kumar Mondal, in a conversation, highlights how this synergy is creating a particularly taxing environment for our lungs.
Why Cold Weather Intensifies Air Pollution's Impact
Dr Mondal explains the science behind the seasonal threat. As temperatures fall, the air near the ground becomes denser. This dense layer acts like a lid, trapping particulate matter and various pollutants much closer to the surface where people breathe. The result is the formation of a highly concentrated "breathable region" of toxic air. This phenomenon is especially pronounced during the early morning and late evening hours.
For individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), this polluted, cold air serves as the primary trigger for painful and dangerous seasonal flare-ups.
Recognizing the Early Warning Signs
It is crucial to identify when your lungs are struggling. Dr Mondal lists several key indicators that should not be ignored:
Runny nose and congestion: Persistent running nose, nasal blocks, and the uncomfortable sensation of post-nasal drip, where mucus drops down the back of the throat.
Activity intolerance: A noticeable reduction in your stamina. If climbing two flights of stairs was easy before but now leaves you breathless after just one, it's a clear signal your lungs are under stress.
Wheezing and irritation: The emergence of a wheezing sound while breathing or a persistent throat irritation that does not settle down with simple rest.
Initial triggers: Often, problems begin with seemingly minor symptoms like a scratchy throat or nasal congestion, which can quickly escalate.
Essential Winter Survival Guide for Vulnerable Groups
Dr Mondal offers a detailed action plan, particularly for elderly individuals and those with chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, or heart and lung conditions.
Vaccination is Key: Getting vaccinated against influenza is non-negotiable. Since new vaccine batches typically arrive around July or August, the ideal time for vaccination is September. This allows sufficient time for immunity to build before the harsh winter sets in.
Timing Your Outings: Avoid outdoor walks during the high-pollution windows of early morning and late evening. Step out only when the sun is out and the air has lifted, usually later in the day.
Stay Active Indoors: Staying inside does not mean being sedentary. Keep your living space well-ventilated and maintain lung capacity with light exercises or indoor walking.
Hydration: Counterintuitively, staying hydrated is critical in winter. People feel less thirsty, leading to dehydration which dries out the airways. Consistent water intake is essential.
Saline Sprays: Using normal saline nasal sprays helps cleanse allergens and pollutants from the nostrils, acting as a first line of defense.
Steam Inhalation with Caution: While steam can be helpful, some asthmatics find hot steam irritating. For them, sticking to saline sprays and gargling with lukewarm water is safer.
The Eucalyptus Myth: Adding eucalyptus oil to steam is largely for a soothing sensation and has no proven medicinal value against infections. For some, it can even cause nausea.
Smart Management of Infections and Environment
Avoiding Antibiotic Misuse: Dr Mondal stresses that most winter flus are viral and will not respond to antibiotics. Antibiotics should only be considered if a secondary bacterial infection develops, signaled by phlegm turning yellowish, greenish, or cream-colored, or a significant increase in secretions.
Choosing the Right Heater: Avoid blowers or halogen heaters that burn oxygen and dry out indoor air. Oil-filled radiators are the gold standard as they maintain a constant temperature without depleting room oxygen or moisture.
Air Purifiers - A Conditional Solution: These devices are effective only in sealed environments. Their impact becomes negligible if doors and windows are frequently opened. They are best reserved for highly vulnerable patients who spend most of their time in one room.
Masking Up: When outdoors, masking helps. While N95 masks offer the best filtration, they can be hard to breathe through for some. Even a simple surgical mask can significantly reduce the load of allergens and pollutants inhaled.
