Three simple ways to check your lungs when the air is polluted

Check morning mucus

In the morning, mucus can reflect the health of your lungs. Clear or white discharge is usually normal, but yellow, green, brown, or bloody discharge can be a sign of an underlying problem. Common causes include infection, irritation, or lung strain from exposure to pollution.

Monitor sleep and fatigue

Lung health affects sleep. Fatigue after waking up or shortness of breath when lying down can be a sign of lung problems or low oxygen levels.

When the above signs appear, you should consider seeing a doctor. To protect lung health, avoid places with polluted air, wear a mask when going out, drink enough water and practice breathing exercises. Smoking aggravates the harmful effects of pollution, while secondhand smoke has the same effect.

Hygiene measures help reduce the risk of respiratory infections such as frequent hand washing and keeping distance from people with colds or flu. Families can limit indoor pollution with an air purifier and avoid using carpets because they easily accumulate mold and pet hair.