Are you battling with a stubborn cough due to bad air quality, specifically from Delhi pollution? Understanding how to treat a pollution-induced cough or sore throat due to pollution can provide quick relief and keep you healthy. Here, we bring you 11 easy-to-follow home remedies for pollution cough.
These methods are not only the fastest ways to cure coughing but can also help manage other symptoms caused by poor outdoor air quality. Continue reading to discover how you can treat this irritating cough at home.
Why Does Air Pollution Cause Coughing?
If you’re wondering if poor outdoor air quality can cause sore throat pollution, the answer is yes. Air pollution triggers coughing due to the presence of harmful pollutants and particulates in the atmosphere. These harmful substances, when inhaled, irritate the lungs and respiratory system, triggering a cough reflex as the body attempts to remove these contaminants.
Pollutants in the air such as dust, smoke, and chemicals, can irritate the throat and lungs, triggering cough reflexes as the body attempts to expel these harmful substances, leading to persistent coughing.
Here are more reasons for pollution cough:.
1. Inhalation of contaminants
Air pollution involves numerous harmful substances like smoke, dust, pollen, mould, and various chemical particles. When inhaled, these contaminants can lead to bad air quality symptoms like a bad throat and lungs, resulting in coughing. Home remedies for pollution cough can involve steam inhalation, warm water gargles, and honey consumption.
2. Impaired respiratory function
The toxic elements in polluted air can affect our respiratory functions, damaging the delicate tissue in our airways. This can lead to inflammation and cause a persistent cough. Bad air quality symptoms can also include shortness of breath, wheezing, and a sore throat due to pollution.
3. Triggering asthma and allergies
If someone has pre-existing conditions like asthma or allergies, polluted air can trigger severe reactions including persistent coughing. One must be extra cautious in places with heavy pollution like Delhi. Avoid outdoor activities when the air quality is poor and treat irritating coughs at home using recommended medications.
4. Compromising the immune system
Overexposure to air pollution weakens our immune system, making us susceptible to respiratory infections that cause coughing. Can poor outdoor air quality cause a sore throat? Yes, and more. Keep the immune system healthy with a balanced diet, adequate rest, and regular exercise to cope with the ill effects of pollution.
5. Development of chronic respiratory conditions
Long-term exposure to polluted air can lead to bad air quality symptoms such as chronic respiratory conditions – bronchitis and emphysema, characterized by persistent coughing. The fastest way to cure coughing would be to avoid polluted air, maintain indoor air quality, and consult a physician if the cough persists.
How Do You Soothe A Throat From Bad Air Quality? (11 Home remedies)
In areas with poor air quality, it is common to experience discomfort such as a sore throat. However, there are several home remedies you can try to alleviate this condition. Here are 11 proven methods to soothe a sore throat caused by bad air quality, promoting not just comfort, but also your overall respiratory health. Whether it is using natural ingredients or adjusting your lifestyle habits, here you can discover an array of practical, cost-effective solutions.
1. Hydrate
Maintaining a consistent fluid intake is a highly recommended course of action when dealing with sore throats that arise due to poor air quality. In locations like Delhi, India, this can help manage the uncomfortable symptoms.
The soothing properties of water help to alleviate the harsh sensation associated with sore throats and aid in flushing out the harmful toxins ingested via polluted air. In addition to water, consuming warm beverages such as herbal teas, or even just a simple cup of hot water, can have beneficial effects on reducing pain and inflammation within the throat.
2. Humidifier
Humidifiers come in handy especially in winter seasons when heating systems commonly run, drying out the air and causing a lack of sufficient moisture. This is one best remedy to treat irritating cough at home.
Coughs result in various physical discomforts, including a dry and painful throat, irritated sinus passages, and even certain types of skin problems. By using a humidifier, one can restore a proper balance of humidity in the air, leading to improved comfort and relief from such symptoms.
3. Saltwater gargle
Treatment for a sore throat caused by pollution involves simple home remedies such as gargling with warm salt water. The principle behind this remedy is that the warm salt water is used to treat irritating cough at home. Additionally, salt has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce inflammation, providing further relief.
To prepare the remedy, mix half a teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water. Ensure the salt completely dissolves in the water. Gargle with the solution and then spit it out, repeating as needed to soothe the sore throat.
4. Steam inhalation
Inadequate outdoor air quality often leads to a sore throat. However, a potent fastest way to cure coughing lies in breathing steam. When inhaled, steam moisturizes the throat’s dryness caused by pollution, and further aids in breaking down the mucus accumulated therein.
Consequently, it becomes easier to cough up this mucus, bringing about relief. Incorporating a few drops of eucalyptus oil into this steam therapy enhances its effects, as the oil has properties that help soothe the throat and facilitate better and more comfortable breathing.
5. Throat lozenges
Throat lozenges or cough drops are recommended as the fastest way to cure coughing. They provide immediate alleviation of cough symptoms by moisturizing the throat and decreasing cough frequency. To treat an irritating cough at home, you may want to consider using throat lozenges or cough drops.
These can provide immediate relief for your throat, reduce coughing, and keep your throat moist. Look for lozenges that contain soothing ingredients like honey or menthol for the fastest way to cure coughing and soothe a sore throat.
6. Honey
Honey is an effective remedy for alleviating the discomfort caused by a sore throat especially in Delhi pollution. Its antibacterial properties naturally help fight infection, while its anti-inflammatory qualities lessen throat inflammation. Additionally, honey can also soothe a cough, which often accompanies a sore throat. Consumption is recommended either in its raw form with a dosage of 1-2 teaspoons or as an additive to warm water or tea. The warm concoction helps further soothe and relieve a sore throat, providing immediate comfort.
7. Herbal teas
Various herbs like chamomile and mint are known for their calming impacts on throat irritation and cough. They have a unique capability to provide soothing relief, reduce inflammation, and aid in clearing respiratory congestion and sore throat due to pollution treatment. Additionally, they encourage hydration which is crucial for overall health and help induce relaxation by easing discomfort.
Enhance the remedial tea by adding a spoonful of honey which not only offers a pleasant flavour but also creates an additional soothing layer for the irritated throat, contributing to a quicker recovery.
8. Probiotics
Probiotics are not typically seen as a remedy for throat pain, but their ability to boost the immune system can indirectly relieve and prevent this symptom. Bad air quality can trigger throat discomfort; however, a robust immune system, reinforced by probiotics, can resist such effects.
Foods such as yoghurt and kefir, along with other fermented products, are rich in these beneficial bacteria and are best home remedies for pollution cough. Including them in your diet will help enhance immunity, possibly reducing the risk of experiencing air-quality-related throat pain.
9. Cinnamon
Cinnamon, a well-renowned spice recognized globally for its healing properties, plays a vital role in health and well-being. Besides adding flavour to food, it provides a host of health benefits such as easing the discomfort of a sore throat, especially that aggravated by environmental pollution.
This can be accomplished by simply boiling cinnamon sticks in water, creating a soothing tea. The addition of honey not only sweetens the drink but also enhances its therapeutic properties, creating a warm, comforting beverage beneficial for health.
10. Honey and lemon
Combining honey and lemon with warm water results in a natural expectorant that effectively alleviates throat irritation and diminishes bouts of coughing and sore throat due to pollution treatment. The inherent antibacterial properties of honey and lemon combat infection, while their anti-inflammatory qualities reduce swelling and inflammation.
The result is a soothed, healed throat. This home remedy is not only effective but also pleasant-tasting and free from any adverse side effects typically associated with synthetic medications.
11. Ginger
Ginger has natural pain-relieving properties and is known to help soothe sore throats effectively. As one of the best home remedies for pollution cough, it can be utilized as a therapeutic warm tea. To make it, boil slices of ginger until they infuse into the water creating a fragrant brew. Enhance its taste by adding a touch of honey.
Not only does this add a sweet note to the tea, but honey is also known for its soothing and antibacterial properties. This warm ginger tea provides immediate relief and brings a comforting sensation to the inflamed throat.
Conclusion
Pollution cough, often caused by bad air quality and issues like Delhi pollution, can result in symptoms like sore throats. Fortunately, numerous home remedies can alleviate such discomfort. By understanding the relationship between poor outdoor air quality and sore throat or cough, individuals can adopt effective at-home strategies to rapidly treat the irritating symptoms of a pollution cough.