How to Protect Your Respiratory Health, from Yonsei First!

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Dry spring weather, along with yellow dust, is approaching.

The weather is gradually getting warmer, but due to the COVID-19 issue,

even everyday things that we once took for granted—like going out or traveling—

feel as if they have come to a stop. The number of confirmed virus cases is declining,

but it seems like we are also becoming less sensitive to it compared to the early days.

But at times like this, we should not let our guard down,

and it is important to maintain cleanliness while also taking care of respiratory health.

Since viruses can spread more easily as temperatures rise and conditions become drier,

it is a good idea to protect your respiratory health as well.

So today, Yonsei First

will share a few helpful tips for protecting respiratory health.

Ways to Protect Respiratory Health 01

Wrap your nose with a warm towel

Dampen a towel with hot water so it is not dripping, and place it over your mouth and nose.

When the towel cools, soak it in water again and repeat 3–4 times.

Because the bronchial mucosa more easily traps dust and foreign substances when it is moist,

you may see the effect of coughing less.

Ways to Protect Respiratory Health 02

Drink warm water or tea

Rather than caffeinated coffee or tea,

drink warm water or caffeine-free tea to replenish fluids.

Drinks such as coffee, cola, and alcohol can have a diuretic effect,

which can dry out the bronchial tubes as well.

Lukewarm or warm water is better than cold water,

and it is also good to look into the benefits of teas that are good for the bronchial tubes, such as burdock tea and schisandra tea,

and keep up regular fluid intake.

Ways to Protect Respiratory Health 03

Do not force yourself to cough

If your throat feels itchy and you cough on purpose because of a foreign-body sensation,

the mucous membrane may swell.

If you have a cough, drinking water,

or temporarily sucking on a candy, may help relieve it.

(*This is only a temporary method, and if you consume too much candy,

there is a risk of elevated blood sugar, so caution is needed.)

Ways to Protect Respiratory Health 04

Ventilate for 30 minutes a day

Even on days with a lot of fine dust,

ventilation is still necessary, as you know.

It is especially necessary in offices.

It is good to ventilate for at least 10 minutes.

Ways to Protect Respiratory Health 05

Use a humidifier

If you have a chronic cough, it is good to keep the humidity both outdoors and indoors

at a consistent level.

It is important to use a humidifier so that your respiratory tract does not become dry.