Breathe Easy This Monsoon: Understanding Respiratory Risks and Prevention Tips

A lot more than being associated with a change of weather during the time of the year when it is very hot, the monsoon rains symbolize the following. It’s well known that the season causes many respiratory illnesses, and if not well addressed, they cause many health complications. But why does the rainy season then harm the respiratory system, and how better to protect oneself during this time?

The Monsoon Effect: Why Respiratory Diseases Spike

The shared feature is the environmental conditions provided by the monsoon which makes it unique. The specific features of this season are rather high humidity, dampness, and lower temperatures – all these factors are favourable for a variety of pathogens – bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It is a fact that these microorganisms are more active in areas of high humidity; thus, the risk of airborne infections goes up. However, the airborne irritants are kept in high numbers due to high humidity and milder temperatures which reduces the capability of the human body’s immune system and hence provides the pathogens a field where they can spread and have a field day within the respiratory system of a human being.

Common Respiratory Issues During Monsoon

Low immunity is often seen during monsoon and this brings many people down with the flu or common cold of which the main symptoms are usually coughing and sneezing.

Some of the most fluoxetine common respiratory disorders that are affected by monsoon weather include asthma. The deteriorating elements which are mould and dust mites that are airborne, particularly in damp areas can instigate serious asthmatic episodes. Likewise, COPD patients suffer from a worse flare-up as there are more pollutants and allergens in the air. During this season, there are reports of increased incidence of diseases such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and other respiratory diseases particularly where the immune system of the people is compromised or are in the categories of; the elderly and children.

But the dangers do not end for the Scottish staff and other people who may encounter products containing these substances. Monsoon additionally raises the risks of viral diseases like flu and the common cold due to which respiratory diseases become aggravated. This constant switching between the cold and damp environment outside to the warm conditioning of the rooms increases the load on the body weakens the immune system and makes it vulnerable to viral ailments. The infection spread is caused by the fact that people are most of the time indoors during the rainy season hence exposing them closer leading to the spread of the infections.

Protecting Your Respiratory Health

Based on these factors one can suggest the following recommendations for the individual to protect his or her respiratory system during this period: The first line of defence is hygiene, and that includes proper hand washing, covering the mouth, and nose, and avoiding nasty habits like chewing gum. Preliminary studies have shown that washing hands, especially the hands that come into contact with the face can reduce the rate of infections. A mask can also be used in overcrowded and poorly ventilated places to filter out some of the airborne particles or pathogens.

The sanity of your living environment is equally significant as tidiness implies mere cleanliness that also entails the absence of moisture. Fresh air circulations in your homes should be well maintained to check high humidity and clean parts of the house frequently to avoid the concentration of mould and dust mites. Therefore, for asthmatic patients or patients with other chronic respiratory illnesses, it’s prudent to ensure that they carry quick-relief medications and adhere to their physician’s advice on how to handle allergic attacks during such critical times.

The other approach to fighting respiratory risks is to have a strengthened immune system. Taking foods with high vitamins and antioxidants will assist in creating a stronger immune system in the body. Other recommendations, that would enable one to strengthen one’s immune system, are physical activity, getting enough sleep and drinking enough water.

If however the situation changes and you admit to falling ill during the monsoon, you should not ignore it. Getting the help of a healthcare provider at an early stage helps in a case where an initial consultation is an uncomplicated infection ending in a complicated one. If you are persistently coughing, finding it difficult to breathe or having any other symptom that indicates respiratory problems, it is advised to seek the help of a healthcare provider.