Respiratory Health and Environmental Triggers: Identifying and Avoiding

We all take our respiratory health for granted until it’s gone. Yet many of us don’t know what environmental triggers are out there that can affect our breath – but understanding the sources of air pollution can help us to identify and avoid them, and keep our respiratory health in check. In this article, we’re exploring the environmental factors that can trigger respiratory problems and how to minimize their impact.

1. Uncovering the Relationship between Respiratory Health and Environmental Triggers

The age-old question of what triggers and exacerbates respiratory illness is a complex and multi-layered one. Recent studies are showing that environmental triggers in particular can play huge roles in affect our respiratory health. Take a look at a few of the primary respiratory health-environment relationships that researchers have uncovered:

• Air Pollution: Polluted air is a major factor in respiratory health, as many of the particles in the air enter directly into the lungs. Research has repeatedly found that in air with high levels of particulate matter, hospital admissions for asthma and other airway illnesses increase significantly.
• Altitude Changes: Moving to higher ground isn’t always an easy thing to do, but it can be great for the lungs, as the air is thinner and easier to breathe at high elevations. Lower oxygen quantities are actually more beneficial for those with COPD and asthma since the air is given more time to reach deeper parts of the lungs.

Climate change is also having a larger and larger effect on respiratory health, with warmer temperatures causing more air allergens to be present in the atmosphere. Warmer weather can also encourage the formation of smog and other toxic compounds, which further exacerbate illness. Finally, changes in humidity and water temperature can also be factors in respiratory illnesses, as humidity can make it harder to breath and make certain pollutants stick around in the air.

A combination of monitoring air pollution levels and managing humidifiers and outdoor temperatures can often help alleviate the respiratory issues that come with these environmental triggers. Understanding the relationship between these triggers and respiratory health is an important step in preventing and treating illnesses.

2. Arm Yourself with Knowledge: Recognizing Environmental Triggers

Living with asthma can be frightening and difficult, but the more you know about your triggers and how to identify them, the better equipped you’ll be to prepare and act. Being able to spot the signs of an impending attack can save your life by giving you time to react and get out of harm’s way.

Outdoor environmental triggers can be anything from air pollution to pollen levels, but one of the best ways to identify them is to pay attention to yourself and your breathing. If you start to feel your asthma symptoms become worse it’s important to give them the attention they need.

Here are some other ways to spot environmental triggers:

• Look for changes in air temperature. Cold air can be a trigger, so keeping a track of the temperature drops from day to day can help.
• Be aware of any weather warnings. Thunderstorms, extreme winds and fog can all affect air quality.
• Check the air pollution forecast and air quality reports. You can use this information to plan your outdoor activities accordingly.
• Monitor pollen levels in your local area. If you’re allergic to tree, grass or weed pollen, you’ll want to avoid those trigger times if you can.

Knowing when and where your asthma may act up gives you the opportunity to be proactive about it and make sure you’re taking all the necessary steps to stay safe and well.

If you suffer from respiratory illnesses like asthma, you should be extra vigilant with the environment around you as certain triggers can worsen your symptoms. Here are some simple tips for avoiding triggers in your environment that may reduce the onset of respiratory issues:

• Avoiding Pollutants: Avoid air pollutants such as traffic exhaust, smog and smoke from burning wood and coal; if possible, stay indoors and check air quality indexes to stay informed.
• Using Air Filters: Utilize air filters in your home and car to reduce the amount of pollutants in the air. High quality HVAC filtration systems in your home can help clear out pollutants and reduce the risk of exposure to hazardous particles.
• Vacuuming and Dusting: Regularly vacuum and dust your furniture and floors to eliminate dust particles, mold spores, pet dander, pollen and other irritants. Use a vacuum with HEPA filters to ensure that vacuuming isn’t a source of spreading contaminants.
• Proper Ventilation: Keep windows closed and ensure that your home has proper ventilation to reduce the amount of pollutants entering your home. Establish a smoke-free rule in your home and upgrade your furnace/HVAC system with newer, efficient models.

You should also consider the use of a dehumidifier to reduce moisture and reduce the growth of dust mites, mold and other irritants. Make sure that the dehumidifier is emptied and cleaned frequently. Additionally, minimize the levels of water in your home as standing water provides a breeding ground for mold spores and can make your home a more inhospitable environment for respiratory triggers.

Taking proactive steps to minimize air contamination and environmental triggers that can worsen respiratory illnesses can go a long way to conserving your health.

4. Moving Towards Cleaner Air: Enhancing Your Environment

As climate change continues to be a topic receiving much attention, reducing air pollution and its effects become even more beneficial to humanity. We can achieve this through taking action towards enhancing our environment and creating a greener, cleaner atmosphere. Here are some ways to do just that:

• Reduce Your Carbon Footprint – Using public transit, carpooling, or cycling instead of driving your own vehicles are great ways to start reducing your carbon footprint. As Canadians, we can donate to organizations that give back to communities who not only strive to reduce emissions but also work to protect the environment.
• Go Paperless – Utilizing less paper is a great first step to reducing air pollution. This can be done through switching to electronic payments, emails, and news sources. A little can go a long way when everyone works together.
• Eco-friendly Alternatives– Investing in energy efficient appliances, LED light bulbs, and non-toxic cleaners for your home encourages a more sustainable lifestyle. Taking it a step further, you can even look for alternatives to using plastic bags when grocery shopping, and utilizing a reusable water bottle when on the go.
• Protect our Trees– One of the greatest ways we can reduce air pollution is by preserving the trees and other plants around us. This helps purify the air naturally by trapping toxins, dust, and other pollutants in it. Do your part this Earth Day and join your local tree-planting initiative!

We can all do our part in contributing to reducing air pollution globally. Not only does this increase the quality of air, but it also leads to improved public health. By geting involved in our environment, we become stronger together!

5. Breathing Easier: Total Respiratory Health Protection

Good respiratory health relies on proper breathing, but it can also benefit from being proactive as much as possible. Keeping your lungs functioning properly is not only important for your physical wellbeing, but also to your overall quality of life. Here are five ways you can take control of your respiratory health by breathing easier.

• Exercise regularly: Your lungs are a muscle, and just like the rest of your body, exercise helps your respiratory system stay strong and active.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps to keep your lungs moist and can help to flush out mucus.
• Avoid smoke and pollution: Smoking cigarettes, as well as inhaling smoggy air, can accumulate toxins, increasing your risk of developing asthma, lung cancer, or other respiratory illnesses.
• Eat a balanced diet of nutrient-dense foods: Fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods can nourish your lungs and provide essential vitamins and minerals.

Finally, supplementing your lifestyle habits with regular respiratory health screenings can help to identify early warning signs and catch any issues before they become a major issue. Investing in total respiratory health protection can go a long way in helping you breathe easier and better protect your lungs from harm.

Respiratory health is something we all depend on, and the environment often plays a role in its wellbeing. By understanding what activates certain triggers, we can better prepare ourselves and our family from the damaging effects of these triggers. Taking the necessary steps to control the environment we’re in will help us to stay one step ahead of any respiratory health issues.