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Is Your Breathing Normal? How to Detect & Manage Air Quality-Related Health Issues

Updated: Mar 3

With inputs by Dr. Barnali Bhattacharya, Pediatrician & Asthma Specialist



The Air We Breathe Is Changing - Are You Noticing the Signs?

Over the past few years, we’ve seen a sharp rise in air pollution and respiratory illnesses across India. The air we breathe isn’t what it used to be, and unfortunately, our lungs are paying the price.


As a doctor specializing in respiratory health, I’ve noticed a disturbing trend - many people are experiencing breathing difficulties without even realizing it. They think it’s stress, fatigue, or a mild allergy. But in reality, these are often early warning signs of declining lung function.

The question is: Would you recognize the signs if it was happening to you or someone you love?


 

The Early Signs of Breathing Issues - Would You Notice Them?

Breathing problems don’t always start with a dramatic asthma attack or severe wheezing. Often, they begin subtly and get worse over time. Here are some red flags to watch out for:

🔹 Shortness of breath during mild activity (like climbing stairs or walking fast)

🔹 A lingering cough that doesn’t go away

🔹 Needing to breathe through your mouth more often than usual

🔹 A tight feeling in the chest, especially in the mornings or at night

🔹 Feeling breathless while talking, laughing, or exercising

🔹 Frequent throat clearing or increased mucus

🔹 Unexplained fatigue or brain fog - oxygen deprivation affects energy and cognition


If you’ve noticed any of the above symptoms, don’t ignore them. Early detection is key in managing and preventing serious respiratory conditions.


 

Why So Many People Are Struggling With Breathing Issues

The rise in asthma, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), and lung-related health problems is directly linked to worsening air quality and lifestyle changes. The biggest triggers include:

✔️ Urban Pollution – Traffic fumes, industrial emissions, and construction dust

✔️ Indoor Air Pollutants – Mold, dust mites, and chemical cleaners

✔️ Post-COVID Lung Damage – Many individuals who had COVID-19 are still experiencing reduced lung function

✔️ Temperature & Humidity Changes – Fluctuations in weather can trigger breathing difficulties in people who are sensitive to air quality shifts


The concerning part?

These issues aren’t just affecting smokers or the elderly anymore. Even young, otherwise healthy individuals are showing signs of decreased lung function.


 

How to Take Control of Your Lung Health

If you or someone you know has been experiencing breathing issues, here’s what you should do immediately:


1️⃣ Get a Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)

Visit a pulmonologist or respiratory specialist. Based on your condition, they may recommend a Spirometry Test to measure lung capacity. This is one of the most effective ways to detect underlying lung problems early.


2️⃣ Track Your Symptoms & Triggers

Keep a log of when and where your breathing feels difficult. Is it worse in the mornings? After exposure to dust or pollution? This helps pinpoint what’s causing the issue.


3️⃣ Follow Medical Treatment If Prescribed

If diagnosed with asthma, COPD, or another respiratory condition, ensure that you follow prescribed treatment plans, including inhalers, medications, and breathing exercises.


4️⃣ Improve Your Air Quality

  • Consider using air purifiers at home (if recommended by your doctor). Make an informed choice and avoid falling for marketing gimmicks

  • Avoid using strong-smelling cleaning agents or incense sticks

  • Keep your surroundings dust-free

  • Wear a mask in high-pollution areas


 

Adjunct Therapies That Can Support Respiratory Health

While medical treatment is the foundation, there is emerging evidence that adjunct therapies like Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) and Red Light Therapy (RLT) can help improve lung function and reduce inflammation.


Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT):

  • Provides 100% oxygen at high pressure, allowing damaged lung tissues to heal faster

  • Reduces chronic inflammation in the airways

  • Can help in post-COVID lung recovery and chronic conditions like COPD & asthma


Red Light Therapy (RLT):

  • Releases nitric oxide, which improves blood circulation & oxygen absorption

  • Has shown promise in reducing lung inflammation in early studies on COPD and chronic lung disease

  • May improve respiratory muscle strength & endurance


While these are not replacements for traditional treatment, they can help complement existing therapies, especially for individuals looking to reduce dependency on medications over time


 

Take Your Breathing Seriously - Act Early

Most people assume feeling slightly breathless is a normal part of getting older or being unfit. It’s not. Your lung function starts declining years before symptoms become severe, so the earlier you detect and address these issues, the better your long-term health outcomes will be.


If you or someone you love is struggling with breathing difficulties, persistent coughs, or low energy, don’t wait for it to escalate.


✔️ Get checked.

✔️ Follow the right medical protocols.

✔️ Explore additional therapies that may enhance lung function.


Your lungs are your life force - protect them before it’s too late.


 

Final Thoughts

As a doctor, I’ve seen too many cases where early intervention could have prevented severe complications, morbidity by the disease and might have preserved lung functions.


🚀 The key takeaway?

Listen to your body. If you feel like your breathing isn’t what it used to be, don’t brush it off. Seek professional advice and take control of your respiratory health before it’s too late.

 
 
 

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