Cough is such a problem that almost every person suffers from at some point in his life. Sometimes cough occurs due to a slight tickle in the throat, and sometimes chest pain occurs due to continuous coughing. Often people ignore cough considering it a minor disease, but sometimes this cough can also be a sign of some problem going on inside the body. Especially when mucus (phlegm) starts coming along with cough, then the question definitely arises in the mind whether the mucus accumulated in the lungs is dangerous and why cough occurs at all. So let us know why we cough and whether the mucus accumulated in the lungs is dangerous for us.

What is cough and why does it occur?

Cough is a natural defense process of our body. When any foreign object like dust, smoke, germs, allergy particles or excess mucus accumulates in our throat or lungs, the body tries to expel it through cough. Cough is the body’s way of cleansing. The main causes of cough are irritation in the throat or respiratory tract, cold or flu, dust, smoke or pollution, allergies, excessive mucus formation in the lungs, increased stomach acid (acid reflux / GERD) and asthma.

What is mucus (phlegm)?

There are two types of cough. In which the first is dry cough, in which mucus does not come out, itching or burning sensation is felt in the throat. Usually caused due to allergy, viral infection or acid reflux. On the other hand, cough with phlegm, in this thick mucus comes out. It is common in diseases like cold, bronchitis, pneumonia. The body tries to expel the dirt from the lungs. Mucus is a thick, sticky substance that forms in the lungs and throat. Its function is to keep the respiratory tract moist and trap and expel dust, germs and allergens. A little mucus formation is normal and necessary.

Is mucus in the lungs dangerous?

Generally, having light and clear mucus in the lungs is not dangerous, because it is part of the body’s natural defense system and helps in keeping the lungs clean. But in some situations, accumulated mucus can become a cause for concern. If the color of the mucus becomes yellow or green, it can be a sign of infection like cold, flu or bronchitis, whereas bleeding in the mucus is a serious condition and it is necessary to see a doctor immediately. Apart from this, if cough persists for more than three weeks, then it can be a symptom of asthma, COPD, TB or heart related disease. If there are symptoms like difficulty in breathing, chest pain, high fever or wheezing sound along with mucus, then it should not be ignored at all.

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Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.

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How Harmful Is Air Purifier For Humans: Air purifiers have become common in every home nowadays. It is claimed that they keep the air clean and protect it from viruses, bacteria and harmful particles. But a new study from America’s University of Colorado has raised serious questions about their use. About 700 studies were reviewed in this research. The surprising thing that came to light was that most of the research was not done on humans, but on empty rooms or animals. That is, there is very little concrete evidence on what effect these air purifiers have on humans in real life.

Less testing on humans, alarm bells

The researchers found that only 8 percent of the studies tested air purifiers on humans. The rest of the research was based on lab rats, guinea pigs or just air samples. In such a situation, it is not clear what effect these devices have on human health in the long run. The study also revealed that some air purifiers can produce dangerous gases like ozone and formaldehyde. Ozone can damage the lungs, increase asthma and also increases the risk of heart-related diseases. Whereas formaldehyde causes irritation in eyes, nose and throat and in large quantities can also cause cancer. In some machines, ozone or ionizer reacts with the chemicals present inside the house and creates more poisonous particles, which are very small and can reach directly into the lungs and blood.

Lack of investigation into real situation

After analyzing 672 studies from 1920 to 2023, it came to light that many new technologies were not tested on humans. For example, there are dozens of studies on some techniques that kill bacteria, but only a limited amount of research has been done on their effects in humans. The researcher says that companies make big claims, but they do not have solid evidence. Before installing these devices in places like schools, hospitals and offices, it is important to prove that they are both safe and effective.

What do experts say?

According to Dr. Yogeshwar Deshmukh, Consultant Pulmonologist, Shaheed Hospital, Durg, “Air purifiers do not directly remove moisture from the air, but if they are continuously run on high setting in a closed room, then the humidity of the room can be reduced. Due to low humidity, there can be irritation in the nose, throat and respiratory tubes. This increases problems like dryness, soreness, cough and irritation in the eyes. It is important to have clean air, but it is also harmful for the lungs.” Along with clean air, it is equally important to have the right humidity.”

What to keep in mind before buying?

Doctors and experts advise to be cautious while buying an air purifier.

• Avoid purifiers that create ozone or work on chemical reactions.
• Purifiers with HEPA filters are considered safer
• Choose the device according to the size of the room
• Periodic cleaning and replacement of filters is necessary

Also read: 2025 Trending Myths: Such home remedies went viral this year, on which experts rang alarm bells.

Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.

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The air in Delhi NCR has once again reached dangerous levels. After Diwali, breathing has become difficult due to smog, dust and smoke. The level of PM 2.5 in the air of Delhi has also been recorded in a very serious category. This poisonous air is having the biggest impact on the lungs. Doctors say that now pollution is not just limited to allergies or asthma, but has even reached lung cancer.

Delhi’s air pollution has now become dangerous not only for smokers but also for non-smokers. In such a situation, today let us tell you how to take special care of your lungs if you want to live in Delhi and how you can do a lung test at home.

These people are most at risk

• Experts say that three types of people are being most affected by Delhi’s pollution. The first to come into this are those people whose lungs were healthy till now, but are breathing polluted air every day.
• The second group includes children and the elderly, whose lung capacity is already low due to age.
• Apart from this, the third group includes those patients who already have lung diseases. Such as lung cancer, COPD or those who have undergone chemotherapy.

Identify the initial symptoms of impact on lungs like this

• Shortness of breath or feeling of heaviness.
• This mild viral fever occurs again and again.
• Chest tightness and persistent cough.
• Constant feeling of fatigue or low energy.

How to do easy lung test at home

Experts say that you can estimate your lung capacity sitting at home without any expensive test. For this you just take a long breath and hold it. After this, if you can hold your breath for 40 seconds, then understand that your lungs are completely fit. At the same time, if you are able to hold your breath for 20 to 25 seconds, then this is also considered normal. Apart from this, if you exhale before 20 seconds then it is a sign that your lungs are being affected by pollution. Experts say that people should do deep breathing and breath holding test once a week. If you feel difficulty in breathing, cough or fatigue continuously then you should immediately contact the doctor. Doctors can find out how much damage to your lungs has been caused by pollution through tests like PFT, Chest X-ray or CT Scan.

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Delhi Air Pollution: After Diwali, Delhi’s air has become quite polluted. Now some people have got relief, because AQI has come below 200 in most parts. But this is also no less than dangerous. Especially for those people who are suffering from chronic lung disease, this is not at all right for them. According to experts, this condition is very dangerous not only for children and elderly people but also for patients of chronic lung disease, asthma, bronchitis and ILD. Let us tell you when people suffering from chronic lung disease should leave Delhi.

How does pollution affect the lungs?

Dr. Randeep Guleria, pulmonologist of AIIMS, tells that the microscopic particles (PM2.5 and PM10) present in the air of Delhi reach inside the lungs and cause inflammation there. “For people who already have asthma or COPD, their lungs become weaker when they come in contact with these particles. Due to this, symptoms like shortness of breath, cough and chest tightness increase rapidly.” Experts say that patients who have chronic lung disease should stay away from polluted areas for at least 2 to 3 weeks during November-December. According to who, very small particles present in the air like PM2.5 and PM10 are very microscopic. These are so light that they pass through the nose or windpipe and reach inside the lungs. Going there, these particles cause inflammation and oxidative stress, due to which the lung cells start weakening.

What to do if it is not possible to leave Delhi?

It is not easy for everyone to leave the city. In such a situation, the doctor gives some important suggestions.

• Use an air purifier with HEPA filter at home.
• Avoid exercising in the open in the morning and evening, because pollution is more at that time.
• Wear an N95 or N99 mask while going out.
• Include steam and hot water in your daily routine.
• Keep plants like snake plant or peace lily inside the house, which clean the air.

The air quality in Delhi is likely to deteriorate as pollutants start settling down due to stubble burning and cold winds. Doctors say that even if AQI level remains above 200 continuously, the lung capacity of chronic patients starts decreasing, and the risk of chest infection increases.

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Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.

Check out below Health Tools-
Calculate Your Body Mass Index (BMI)

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Check out below Health Tools-
Calculate Your Body Mass Index (BMI)

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Dust Allergy Prevention: Diwali is not just a festival, but it is a festival of happiness, for which we prepare throughout the year. Before this, we clean and paint the house so that it looks sparkling and clean. However, some people need to be careful while cleaning, especially those who are already allergic to dust. It is no less than a danger for them, because the dust mites, pollen, pet hair and mold present in it can affect our respiratory tract. Let us tell you what problems people with allergies may face if they do not take precautions.

What problems can occur?

Very small insects called dust mites present in dust particles are the main cause. They thrive in warm and humid environments and their feces increase the problem of allergies. Let us tell you that according to the reports of WHO and AIIMS, about 20 to 25 percent of the people in India are affected by dust and dust mite allergies.

What are the symptoms?

If we talk about the symptoms, there is continuous sneezing. When you clean, the nose starts running or getting blocked. Due to allergy, the eyes become red and they start watering. There may be a sore or scratchy throat. Apart from this, difficulty in breathing or asthma attacks may occur. If during Diwali cleaning you are repeatedly experiencing difficulty in breathing, severe cough, chest tightness or irritation in the eyes, then immediately contact a doctor. If you ignore it, it can cause serious problems like asthma or bronchitis.

mistake during diwali cleaning

Diwali is a festival of happiness. But one mistake of ours can spoil our happiness. Therefore, we should keep some things in mind while cleaning Diwali. For example, most people do not wear masks while sweeping and mopping. Due to this, dust directly enters the body through breath and can cause allergy attack. A cloud of dust spreads while removing old books, clothes or bedding from the store room or cupboard. This dust is the biggest trigger for allergy patients. Many people use chemical-based cleaners with strong smells. The chemicals present in them increase the difficulty of breathing.

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Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.

Check out below Health Tools-
Calculate Your Body Mass Index (BMI)

Calculate The Age Through Age Calculator