Can Drinks or Medicines Clean Your Lungs? Doctor Reveals the Truth
Bhopal:
Amid rising air pollution in Delhi-NCR and several other Indian cities, people are trying various remedies to protect their lungs. Several drinks, herbal concoctions and medicines are being marketed as products that can detoxify the lungs. But can any special beverage or medication actually remove accumulated pollutants and toxic particles from the lungs? Lung transplant specialist Dr Arvind Kumar has dismissed this popular belief.
According to Dr Kumar, there is no magical way to clean the lungs. No special diet, detox drink or even a short session of oxygen therapy can flush out harmful pollution particles deposited in the lungs. The respiratory system has its own natural cleaning mechanism, in which mucus and tiny hair-like structures help trap and remove harmful particles. However, damage caused by prolonged exposure to air pollution may not always be completely reversible.
Pollution Weakening Lungs at a Younger Age
Dr Kumar explains that fine particles present in polluted air can cause irritation and inflammation in the airways. Long-term exposure may reduce lung function and increase the risk of respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In some cases, people in their 30s have reportedly shown lung function comparable to that of individuals aged around 50.
How Can You Protect Your Lungs?
Experts recommend using air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters to help reduce indoor pollution. Wearing a well-fitted N95 mask outdoors can help protect against fine particles. People should avoid strenuous outdoor exercise when pollution levels are high. Persistent coughing, breathlessness or chest discomfort should not be ignored and requires medical evaluation.
The doctor's message is clear: instead of relying on products claiming to detoxify the lungs, people should focus on reducing exposure to polluted air and controlling pollution at its source.
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