The biggest concern for Kerala residents during the monsoon season is illnesses related to their immune system, especially respiratory health. The cold and humid environment of the monsoon creates favorable conditions for respiratory infections and aggravates conditions like asthma. Kerala experiences high humidity during the monsoon, which serves as a breeding ground for moulds and micro-pathogens. Moreover, poor ventilation levels allow indoor pollutants to accumulate allergens, causing shortness of breath and deterioration of respiratory health, resulting in allergies, asthma and bronchitis.
Respiratory illnesses common during monsoon
● asthmaA lung disease caused by inflammation of the airways. The presence of active allergens or microscopic pathogens, which increases during the monsoon, leads to inflammation accompanied by increased mucus, causing shortness of breath, wheezing and tightness in the chest.
● allergic rhinitis: An inflammatory condition in the nose caused by allergens present in the air. Allergies are common and increase during this season, with symptoms including sneezing, runny nose, stuffy nose and coughing.
● Upper respiratory tract infection A cold is usually a viral infection that causes inflammation of the nose, throat, and upper respiratory tract. These infections are commonly called the cold or flu and are accompanied by symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, and fatigue.
● bronchitis It often occurs during the monsoon season and symptoms include swelling of the airways, coughing and phlegm buildup.
● pneumonia: A lung infection caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Pneumonia can develop due to carelessness or lack of timely medical treatment, especially in children and the elderly.
The best way to deal with respiratory troubles during the monsoon season is to boost your immunity. You need to prepare your body to fight these infections. The long tradition of Ayurveda gives priority to treating the underlying causes of illness. The tradition focuses on holistic ways to boost your immunity and suggests natural remedies for these ailments. Traditional knowledge on treatment needs to be adapted to the modern times and scientifically applied to prepare effective concoctions for respiratory ailments.
Drugs for treating respiratory diseases must have five characteristics:
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Anti-inflammatory properties It reduces inflammation that blocks the airways.
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Expectorant effect It clears mucus and keeps the airways clear.
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Bronchodilator effect Opens airways for conditions such as asthma.
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Antioxidant Support To combat oxidative stress in the respiratory system.
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Immunomodulatory effects Stimulates the immune system and maintains respiratory health.
In treating asthma, Ayurveda emphasizes on the use of nourishing and soothing herbs to rejuvenate the lung tissue. These herbs protect the lungs while permanently eliminating asthma and allergies. Ayurvedic herbs like Ashwagandha, Gooseberry, Dry Ginger, Black Pepper, Long Pepper, Adursa etc. are known for their anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and expectorant properties. They permanently reduce inflammation in the lung tissue, clear the airways for easier breathing, remove lung constrictions and loosen phlegm. Immune modulation with continuous medication can eliminate lung diseases like asthma.
Children with allergic bronchitis, which shows symptoms like coughing, sneezing, runny nose, phlegm and choking, if treated with Ayurvedic medicine from the beginning, can permanently avoid the risk of developing asthma in future.
In addition to drug therapy, regular exercise is also necessary to stimulate cellular immunity and increase blood circulation. Good personal hygiene should be maintained, including covering the mouth when sneezing or coughing, washing hands frequently to prevent the spread of infection, practicing breathing techniques such as pranayama to increase lung capacity, consuming warm, nutritious foods rich in vitamins, and keeping the body well hydrated. These habits are also important for supporting immune function and overall respiratory health.
About the Author – Dr. J. Harendran Nair, Founder and Managing Director -Pankajakasthuri Herbals India
