Cough That Won’t Go Away? Expert Explains The Hidden Link Between Air Quality and Seasonal Illness

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If you've been carrying around the same nagging cough longer than your last New Year's resolution, you're not alone. Across Indian cities, people are discovering a not-so-fun truth: the "seasonal" cough they blame on the weather has a lot to do with the air they're breathing.

We expect a little throat irritation when winter begins or after a sudden change in temperature. But when the cough hangs on for weeks, sometimes months, it's time to look beyond kadha, lozenges, and steam. More often than we realise, the real culprit is right outside our windows: air quality.

We spoke to Dr Nalini Nagalla, HOD and Senior Consultant, Pulmonology and Sleep Disorders, Arete Hospitals, Hyderabad, who explained the hidden link between air quality and seasonal illness.

Why Bad Air Feels Like a Lingering Cold

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"Polluted air is loaded with tiny particles that float around invisibly. These irritants don't need permission; they walk straight into the lungs, settle on the delicate airway lining, and trigger an inflammatory cascade," said Dr Nagalla. The body responds with a cough, its natural way of saying, "Something in here does not belong."

The problem is that when you are exposed every day, the irritation never gets a chance to calm down. So your body keeps coughing, even when there's no infection left.

How Dirty Air Mimics a Seasonal Illness

Poor air quality doesn't just irritate the throat; it acts like a master impersonator. Here's how it tricks you:

• Mimics cold symptoms: Runny nose, post-nasal drip, mild feverishness.
• Makes allergies worse: Dust, pollen, and pollutants join hands to attack your airways.
• Weakens immune defences: It makes you prone to recurrent infections.
• Triggers asthma-like episodes: Even in people with no history of asthma.

So while you're blaming 'AC to outside temperature change,' your lungs are quietly dealing with polluted air every single day.

Signs Your Cough Is Pollution-Related (Not Just Seasonal)

If you're wondering whether your cough is weather-related or smog-related, look for these clues:

• It feels worse in the morning or after stepping outdoors.
• You experience chest tightness or a scratchy throat without a fever.
• The cough reduces when you travel to a cleaner location.
• Your voice becomes hoarse by evening.
• Antihistamines or antibiotics don't help much.

If these sound familiar, your cough might not be 'seasonal' at all; it's your lungs waving a tiny red flag.

Simple Habits That Help Break the Cycle

You don't need a complex lung ritual. A few small shifts can make a big difference. Here are some listed by the expert:

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• Mask up during peak pollution hours, especially mornings and evenings.
• Use cross-ventilation at home for 10-15 minutes during low-AQI hours.
• Keep yourself hydrated so your airways don't dry out.
• Do short breathing exercises, such as pursed-lip breathing, to ease irritation.
• Clean AC filters and dusty fans regularly.
• Steam inhalation 2-3 times a week to soothe the upper airways.

These habits won't fix the air outside, but they can definitely help protect the only pair of lungs you've got.

Bottomline

Dr Nagalla concluded, "When you're exposed every day, the irritation doesn't get any time to settle. A cough that won't go away isn't always 'just the weather.' Sometimes, it's your body's way of reminding you that the air isn't as friendly as it looks. Paying attention to air quality and tweaking your daily routine can help you feel better, breathe easier, and stop that lingering cough from becoming a permanent companion."

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.