There’s so many reasons for why you may want to protect yourself from smoke, dust or other airborne pollutants in today’s world, especially if you’re living in the city. Fumes from the cars passing by, second hand smoke inhalation from someone walking in front of you, and even irritants in the air such as a high pollen or dust particle count can all lead to nasal passage inflammation.
Bushfires are currently raging through Australia as they have been for months, devastating our homes and wildlife. Firefighters as well as locals staying in their homes have been inhaling smoke this entire time. It has been reported that some of these people will have developed chronic bronchitis, which is why it is important to ensure you focus on your lung health for a long time, even after the smoke has cleared out. The list below is for anyone in Australia currently struggling with respiratory issues from the poor air quality, but it is also valid for those with any kind of respiratory issue and seeking help for it such as asthma or bronchitis resulting from a cold.

1. Prevention
It’s recommended to seal the doors and windows if there are gaps by rolling up towels or sheets and placing them there, and turning on the air conditioner using the recycle inside air setting. You can open your windows and doors for fresh air once the smoke has passed.
Lastly, if you have to head out when it is smoky outside, wearing a mask that filters out smoke or holding a damp cloth over your mouth and nose can help reduce the amount you inhale.
2. Stay Hydrated
3. Eat Your Antioxidants

4. Enjoy Some Vitamin C
The foods containing the highest concentrations of vitamin C include spinach and other leafy greens, capsicum, guavas, kiwifruit and broccoli.
5. Humidify
If you’d like to talk more about nutritional strategies that can help with respiratory health or other conditions, you can book in to see me via the services page.
-Emily