How to Strengthen Your Lungs Against Seasonal Airborne Infections

How to Strengthen Your Lungs Against Seasonal Airborne Infections

Understanding Seasonal Airborne Infections

In India, people usually get sick with coughs, colds, fevers, and breathing issues during the change of seasons. 

The risk of catching seasonal airborne infections is becoming higher lately, whether it is because of winter smog in Delhi or spring pollens in Bengaluru.

Airborne viruses and bacteria cause these infections. One sneeze in a packed bus or a cough in the market is enough for the germs to spread. Inhaling such particles into your lungs may cause anything from mild irritation to serious infections like bronchitis or pneumonia.

Why Lung Strength Matters

In addition to breathing, the lungs have the important function of safeguarding the optimum functioning of the body. With strength and good health, they can remove the waste, fight against diseases, and promote overall well-being.

Unfortunately, Indian cities regularly report PM2.5 levels far above WHO-recommended limits. Breathing in polluted air every day—especially during the winter months when smog blankets cities like Delhi, Lucknow, and Kanpur—puts a heavy load on your lungs.

In addition, the use of cigarettes (including secondhand smoke), indoor burning of incense and mosquito coils, and outdoor waste burning are some of the habits that make many Indians experience respiratory diseases, chronic coughs, or infections often.

This makes it vital for every Indian, especially those living in metro cities, to focus on strengthening their lungs, not just for better breathing but for better protection against seasonal airborne diseases.

Common Airborne Infections That Affect Your Lungs in India

Here are some of the most common infections that Indian residents face with the changing seasons:

• Influenza (Flu): Common during the winter and monsoon seasons. It spreads rapidly through the air and through close contact.
  
  
• COVID-19 and Variants: Due to a sudden rise in cases of a new strain, the COVID-19 virus remains a threat to respiratory health and can cause various complications.
  
  
• Tuberculosis (TB): India has one of the highest burdens of TB in the world. TB is airborne and especially dangerous in crowded or poorly ventilated homes.
  
  
• Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma: Dust, mould, and pollen are common triggers, particularly in cities with high construction activity.
  
  
• Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): While not widely discussed, this virus affects many infants and the elderly, often causing serious lung infections.
  
  

Recognising symptoms early—such as persistent cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, or chest tightness—is key. Timely interventions can prevent complications.

Proven Ways to Strengthen Your Lungs

Strengthening your lungs doesn’t require fancy equipment or expensive treatments. These proven, accessible methods work well and are easily incorporated into a typical Indian lifestyle:

1. Pranayama and Yogic Breathing: The ancient Indian breathing techniques Anulom Vilom and Bhramari are great for increasing the amount of air that can be inhaled into the lungs and for unblocking the nose. Practicing them daily can significantly improve respiratory health.
   
   
2. Daily Walking or Cycling: Avoid crowded gyms—opt for early morning walks in parks or residential areas with cleaner air. Physical activity strengthens your lungs and improves oxygen usage.
   
   
3. Quit Smoking and Tobacco Chewing: Smoking bidis, cigarettes, or hookah—and even passive smoke exposure—can permanently damage your lungs. Quitting is the most impactful step for respiratory health.
   
   
4. Steam Inhalation with Tulsi or Eucalyptus: An age-old Indian remedy, steam inhalation helps clear nasal congestion and supports lung detox. Add tulsi leaves or eucalyptus oil for added benefit.
   
   
5. Eat Lung-Friendly Foods: Include turmeric milk (haldi doodh), amla, ginger, garlic, and fruits like oranges and guavas in your diet. These are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C.
   
   
6. Hydration with Herbal Teas: Warm fluids help loosen mucus in the lungs. Herbal teas made with tulsi, mulethi, or cinnamon can also soothe irritated airways.
   
   

Protecting Your Lungs from Pollutants and Irritants

India faces pollution issues year-round, not just during Diwali. Cities like Delhi NCR, Mumbai, and Kolkata, along with some Tier-2 cities, have high levels of PM10 and PM2.5 particles. These fine particles can be inhaled into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, posing serious health risks.

Protect yourself by:

• Wearing N95 Masks: Especially during smoggy days or when commuting by bike or public transport.
  
  
• Checking AQI Apps Before Outdoor Activity: Apps like SAFAR and AQI India provide real-time air quality updates. Avoid outdoor exercise when the AQI is poor.
  
  
• Using Indoor Plants and Purifiers: Snake plants, aloe vera, and peace lilies can improve indoor air quality. Air purifiers with HEPA filters are useful for city homes.
  
  
• Avoiding Indoor Smoke: Reconsider frequent use of agarbatti, dhoop, or mosquito coils indoors. Opt for natural repellents and ensure good ventilation.
  
  

If you live in an area with poor air quality or work in an industrial zone, regular lung checkups are highly recommended.

Strengthen Immunity for Lung Protection

Your immune system is your body’s security force, especially important for lung protection during high-risk seasons.

Here’s how to strengthen immunity using common Indian practices:

• Boost with Kadha or Herbal Decoctions: A mix of tulsi, ginger, black pepper, and mulethi boiled in water is a traditional immunity booster in many Indian homes.
  
  
• Eat Balanced, Homemade Meals: Minimise processed foods and maximise seasonal vegetables, whole grains, and pulses.
  
  
• Get Vaccinated: Flu shots, COVID-19 boosters, and pneumonia vaccines are available at most government and private hospitals. Don’t skip them if you’re in a vulnerable group.
  
  
• Ensure Adequate Sleep: In fast-paced urban India, sleep is often sacrificed. Try to get at least 7–8 hours daily for optimal immune function.
  
  
• Manage Stress with Yoga or Meditation: High stress lowers immunity. Spending even 15 minutes a day meditating can keep your immune response strong.
  
  

At HCG Hospitals, one of the well-known multispecialty hospitals in India, we have packages for preventing diseases. Regular health checkups are essential for the elderly and patients suffering from illnesses such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and asthma, as they contain spirometry, immunisation counselling, and individual fitness schedule plans.

Conclusion

In a country as diverse—and often densely populated—as India, the risk of seasonal airborne infections is higher than in many parts of the world. But the solution lies not only in avoiding exposure but also in improving your lung health and immune system.

You can manage your breathing health completely by combining ancient Indian health practices such as pranayama, kadha, and a healthy diet with contemporary medical advice and regular preventive examinations.

If you or a family member frequently suffers from colds, breathlessness, or chest infections, don’t ignore the signs. Visit HCG, a reputed multispecialty hospital in India, for a detailed respiratory assessment and preventive care plan.