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19 November, 2025

Pollution, Cough & Infections: How to Keep Your Lungs Safe This Season

Pollution, Cough & Infections: How to Keep Your Lungs Safe This Season

You can sense the air even before you notice the haze. You can feel a burning sensation in your throat, a heaviness in your chest, and the need to breathe in shorter gulps. This is how pollution makes every breath a bit more difficult. The World Health Organisation (WHO) reported in 2024 that polluted air leads to almost 7 million deaths every year. These seasonal shifts only make things worse as infections spread easily to people with weak lungs or any lung-related condition. This is where early screening will help. A CRP blood test reveals inflammation before it becomes serious, and the CRP test price is far lower than the cost of treating lung disease later. So, continue reading to get the right tips on how you can keep your lungs safe this season.

Why Pollution Harms Your Lungs?

Polluted air contains toxic particles like carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter (PM2.5). When you inhale them, they penetrate deep into your lungs and cause inflammation. In the long run, it may result in chronic bronchitis, asthma, or permanent lung injury.

Short-term exposure can also cause one or more of the following: 

  • Recurring cough or sore throat

  • Breathing difficulty or chest discomfort

  • Wheezing or exhaustion following light exercise

  • Increased risk of viral or bacterial pneumonia

These problems often worsen in colder months when air circulation slows and pollution levels rise. The CBC blood test price is quite affordable at many labs. Therefore, to get the general idea of your health, you can start with a CBC test.

What Early Tests Reveal About Lung Inflammation

Pollution-related inflammation often develops silently. You may feel fine until symptoms suddenly appear. Here’s the list of tests you can consider for the next screening to detect any severe changes early: 

Test

Purpose

When It Helps

CRP (C-Reactive Protein) Test

Inflammation level in the blood

Detects early infection or lung inflammation

CBC (Complete Blood Count)

White and red blood cells and platelets 

Identifies infections, anaemia, or reduced immunity

Chest X-Ray

Infection or fluid buildup

Confirms bronchitis or pneumonia

Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)

Breathing strength and capacity

Tracks chronic lung conditions like asthma

Both the CRP and CBC tests are key starting points. They help your physician determine if your symptoms are due to infection, inflammation, or something environmental. The CBC blood test price is also quite affordable, so you can take preventive measures on time, irrespective of your age group.

What You Can Do to Improve Your Lung Health?

The best strategy to keep your lungs healthy is to pair preventive measures with good lifestyle practices. Here are the effective tips you can follow to reduce inflammation and infection risk just through simple daily actions:

  • Stay indoors during high pollution hours, especially early morning and late evening.

  • Use air purifiers at home and keep indoor plants that improve air quality.

  • Drink plenty of water to help clear toxins naturally.

  • Add antioxidants like Vitamin C and Omega-3 to your diet.

  • Exercise indoors or in clean air zones to build lung strength.

  • Get vaccinated for flu and pneumonia if your doctor recommends it.

  • Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke completely.

  • Wear an N95 or KN95 mask outdoors, during smog alerts, construction activity, or heavy traffic hours.

  • Eat more anti-inflammatory foods, such as turmeric, ginger, garlic, berries, and leafy greens. 

  • Use government or weather apps to plan outdoor activity when pollution levels drop below 100 (moderate or better).

Why Is Preventive Testing Important to Keep Your Lungs Safe?

Blood tests like the CRP and CBC can track how your body reacts to pollution and infection over time. Regular testing under professional guidance helps your doctor detect early changes and prevent serious illness.

Many diagnostic centres now include these evaluations in health packages that cover complete respiratory and immune assessments. All you have to do is search for reputable PathLabs near me that offer these services. Check if they have a quick turnaround and provide digital reports for easy follow-up.

Keep Your Breath Strong And Take The Right Action Today!

Your lungs power every moment of your life. Therefore, they deserve the right care before distress sets in. Make the CRP and CBC tests your priority to stay alert to early inflammation and infection. Search for and reach out to NABL  accredited PathLabs near me, like Mahajan Imaging & Labs. We have the modern equipment to offer a range of diagnostic testing, advanced imaging and complete respiratory evaluations. Even the CRP test price at our labs is quite budget-friendly. Book your next health checkups at our lab today and take control of your lung health this season, because every breath should feel light, clear, and strong!

Also read: Understanding Thyroid Problems – Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

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