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Breathe Freely: Maintaining Respiratory Wellness in the Monsoon

Jul 21 , 2023 | 2 min read

Monsoons may increase fungal and bacterial activity, which can enhance problems related to respiratory distress for people who may be otherwise healthy as well. The moisture content enables harmful microorganisms to thrive, giving leeway to many diseases.

Monsoons can transmit diseases via various modes:

Mosquito-borne diseases include Malaria, Dengue and Chikungunya.
Water-borne diseases include Typhoid, Cholera, Jaundice, Gastrointestinal infections, and Hepatitis A.
Air-borne diseases include common flu/ influenza, viral fever, cold, cough, and sore throat. The general symptoms include high fever, chills, body aches, and fatigue.

Rain may increase indoor allergens like dust mites, moulds, and cockroaches. They can populate more in humidity, which may lead to allergies and increase the risk of an asthma attack. Rain and lightning can hit pollen and break it into smaller-than-normal pieces. Such outdoor allergens of higher circulating pollens during rain can induce respiratory issues and increase and trigger an asthmatic attack.

Cold air/ breezy air due to rains triggers the release of histamine due to wheezing, breathlessness, or cough reflex. Dampness also provokes bacterial and fungal growth, which increases the prevalence of asthma and other respiratory illnesses. The usual increase in allergies and viral infection during rains leads to the risk of flare-ups of obstructive airway diseases.

However, there are ways to prevent illness and flare-ups of respiratory allergies:

Dehumidifier: Should be used for keeping good indoor quality air to prevent rooms from getting humid and moist. This will help any person suffering from discomfort during breathing.
Regularly clear filters of the air conditioner.
Vitamin D supplementation: This can help make up for less sunlight exposure during rainy days.
Spread by the wind, pollen particles may get into the lungs and set off symptoms. If pollen is one of your triggers, stay indoors during strong rainstorms and keep windows closed.
Avoid pollution, smoking zones, dusty areas, and pollen-laden areas during the rainy season.
Using masks or covering mouth and nose, especially while sneezing
Change and wash masks regularly; avoid wearing damp clothes.
Hygiene: Wash your hands and feet frequently.
Hydrate adequately.
Avoid drinking outside water and carrying boiled drinking water.
Consume adequate nutrition or eat a balanced diet
Stick to home-cooked food.
Eat fresh vegetables and try not to store vegetables and fruits for long.
Garlic and ginger have anti-inflammatory compounds. Herbal drinks like ginger and black pepper, and honey with warm water can be good preventive dietary measures.
Steam inhalation can help prevent/ ease breathing symptoms.

Overall, asthma exacerbation among patients during seasonal variation, especially monsoon, is a prominent concern. This may increase emergency and hospitalizations, which in turn increases the chances of the cost of healthcare and mortality. In addition to the above precautions during monsoon, all should remember to take asthma medications regularly.