India=the Land of the Cough?

Jacob Ruiz · Nov 23rd, 2005, 10:07

..."the coughing is mainly in the cities due to the air pollution"....It's not just the large cities, crvlvr. I travelled in Rajasthan for 18 days and the air is filthy there as well. Vehicle emission controls are non-existant and every wheeled thing is belching blue, white or black smoke into the air. Add to that the ever-present dust and smoke from the odd fire and it makes for air quality not unlike that of being in a constant forest fire. Agra was the absolute worst of it. We had a room just 2 kilometres from the Taj Mahal with an unrestricted view...and we could not even see it! The air quality improved a bit in Rishikesh but again went south in Varanasi. It's a very real factor after a month of travelling. I've been home 10 days now and I have a constant low-grade cough (as does my wife), my nose is extremely dry and feels burned and I suspect it's going to be a while before my respiration is back to what it formerly was. I don't know if there's any defense against this, either. I suppose a full-time surgical mask would help but it's not really practical. I think air quality will be a big factor in any future travel that I do...Having said all that you won't see the Taj Mahal, forts, incredible temples or all the other fantastic sights you'll see in Canada, Europe or the US so you may as well just bite the respiratory bullet and go.

crvlvr · Nov 23rd, 2005, 12:42

Jacob,

Just to put things in perspective

Population of Jaipur = 2.8M; Population of Chicago = 2.9M

Even an average city in India has population comparable to some of the largest cities in the west. Of the top 100 cities (ranked by population) 13 of them are in India. Agreed, pollution controls in India are severly lacking and that makes the problem worse. Actually cities like Delhi have passed strict pollution controls rules. http://cities.expressindia.com/fulls...p?newsid=85665
Lets hope it spreads to smaller cities.

Jacob Ruiz · Dec 6th, 2005, 17:31

After almost a month home from India I'm still experiencing respiratory problems. I thought they would dissipate in time but, so far, that's not the case. My nostrils have a constant slight burning sensation and I can't get a full night's sleep due to congestion, a problem I never had before. Also, I have a constant low-grade cough. I'm not worried about any of this....but I AM concerned. I'm using a neti pot with a saline solution as a cleanser now but only sporadically and realize that I need to become a lot more pro-active with this ailment because time alone doesn't seem to be curing it. My lung capacity seems good as I play tennis regularly and feel no diminishment there. Sooo....I'm looking for help and advice from you because I suspect I'm not the only one out there experiencing this. I saw a Tumeric remedy mentioned earlier in this thread and will look into that. Does anyone else have a treatment that worked? My preference is to try natural remedies as my body has received enough chemical assaults from simply breathing Indian air. I'm getting quite an education into the effects of pollution as I research my problem on the web. It may be India's greatest problem as they continue to develop. But, for now, it's MY greatest problem. Any advice?

ladyvetphd · Dec 6th, 2005, 18:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by lotus blossom

i did not experience a coughing problem whilst in india, though i generally have a bout at home once a year that can go on and on. in fact, it started a few weeks ago when the seasons changed. i got right on the turmeric, a cheap and safe remedy for the lungs and liver and in two days i was completely cleared. india is full of turmeric; you may want to find some and take a teaspoon or two a day. it really works well. i mix it in a bit of water and down the hatch. in ayurveda they advise mixing it with milk.

Hi that turmeric is good. Boil some milk with turmeric and add some crushed balck pepper corns, will certainly provide relief!

Nick-H · Dec 6th, 2005, 18:21

I'd see a doctor....

but in the meantime I'd eat lots of garlic.

Jacob Ruiz · Dec 6th, 2005, 20:05

Why garlic, Nick? I use quite a bit of it in my food for both taste and general health reasons but I've always looked at it as having anti-biotic properties and what I have, I feel, is not an infection. I used Doxy as an anti-malarial in India and infection should not be a problem. The problem, from my reading, is SPM (suspended particulate matter) but those particles in the Indian air could be anything from inorganic compounds to lead from the fuel exhaust. Thank you, ladyvet, for your response. As soon as I find a source of good, fresh turmeric I'll begin taking it. Are there any MDs, NDs or Ayurvedic medicine buffs out there who can enlighten us, who have knowledge about this? I'd like to start a conversation about this for the general health and well-being of those travelling to India (and other air-polluted countries). There must be some basic things we can all do before, during and after our travels to assure good health. As for your suggestion, Nick, to see a Doc I'd probably do that as a final resort because, from experience, I know he's going to prescribe some very potent medicine and I don't want that right now. My wife's suggestion is to see an accupuncturist and have her work on my lung meridian which is a great idea. So please post your thoughts...for the benefit of all of us. Wouldn't it be nice if whenever we travelled to suspect places we could be assured of reasonably good health by taking some simple precautions?

k-roc · Dec 6th, 2005, 21:58

Hi all, my name is kerry and i haven't stopped coughing since i got off the airplane in the mumbai airport a week ago. what did it to me was the 5 hour layover i had in mumbai. i take as much vitamins as i possibly could take and pray it will end soon.

Nick-H · Dec 6th, 2005, 22:30

I regard garlic as being drying, when it comes to mucousy things.

Honestly don't know if that is real herbl medicine, an old wives' tale, or even just me... ... ...

I do find that my doctor here is more free with the prescribing than the one back in London, but, you don't have to take all the stuff they write down!

Sama · Dec 13th, 2005, 04:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jacob Ruiz

After almost a month home from India I'm still experiencing respiratory problems. I thought they would dissipate in time but, so far, that's not the case. My nostrils have a constant slight burning sensation and I can't get a full night's sleep due to congestion, a problem I never had before. ...I'm using a neti pot with a saline solution as a cleanser now but only sporadically and realize that I need to become a lot more pro-active with this ailment because time alone doesn't seem to be curing it. ...Any advice?

yes, see a doctor, like I finally did today, after being back for two months.

I got back from Chennai on Oct. 1. Ever since then, my sinuses have been congested and I even had an open sore inside one nostril (since gone). Never had any allergies or sinus problems in my life. I also thought they would get better with time, however, over the weekend my sinuses got much worse combined with ear discomfort. I always do natural stuff first, but the neti pot (twice daily) only temporarily relieved my symptoms for only a short time.

Doctor said sinus infection (again, never had before) and prescribed a massive dose of antibiotics for 10 days. He just stared at me and shook his head when I said I'm going back in March.

This time I'm going to cover my mouth and nose with a bandana when I get stuck in traffic....

Aussie 5 · Dec 13th, 2005, 04:27

I thought that my hacking cough and very sore throat would clear up once I got home, but after four weeks of misery (one of them back home), I finally went to the doctor yesterday and he put me on Amoxycillin.

I suppose I should have gone to the doctor in India, but I kept on thinking it was going to get better ....... Wishful thinking!!

freenote · Dec 13th, 2005, 04:47

After first three weeks ,never had a problem .

PeakXV · Dec 13th, 2005, 05:15

Shahnaz Husain products sell an excellent Herbal Ayurvedic Cough Syrup that will stop a productive or non productive hack in its tracks. You can find her products at Central Cottage Emporium on Janpath in Delhi. It may not totally cure your problem but it will definitely soothe it in so you don't break any ribs before you get home or to a doctor. Recommended to throw a bottle in your backpack before you hit the trail.

http://www.shahnaz-husain.com

Sama · Dec 13th, 2005, 05:25

what about sinus problems tho? I was just about the ONLY one in my yoga school WITHOUT a cough. Any ayurvedic recommendations for sinuses?

Jacob Ruiz · Dec 13th, 2005, 06:01

I began acupuncture seesions last week to try to get on top of my respiratory problems. My 2nd visit is tommorrow and I honestly felt an improvement during this week. My acupuncturist worked my lung meridian primarily and my kidney and bladder meridians (I'm not completely clear on how those meridians support the lung problems) as well and I'm somewhat less congested with less burning in the nostrils and able to sleep through the night every 2nd night. So, I guess things are better. If any of you are experiencing similar problems lay off the dairy, especially cheese as it's such a concentrated food, use a neti pot and pick up a saline nostril spray at your drugstore. All these things have helped me. Also, I've ordered an Ayurvedic respiratory remedy from these people http://ayurveda-herbs.com/3.htm as I've tried their products before and like their service and attitude. So, my respiration is beginning to improve, albeit slowly. I don't think people are aware of just how toxic Indian air is. My only advice is to not take this lightly if you're going to India and take all precautions before, during and after your trip.

Sama · Dec 13th, 2005, 06:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jacob Ruiz

I don't think people are aware of just how toxic Indian air is.

I'm curious as to the incidence of cancers of the respiratory system in India such as lung, sinus, throat, etc. also the incidence of emphysema, since I always saw lots of people smoking, too....

View Poll Results: How's your respiratory system in India?
Kind of crappy all the time.	25	40.98%
I got used to it.	16	26.23%
Never had a problem.	14	22.95%
Who cares, when good food is so cheap!	6	9.84%
Voters: 61. You may not vote on this poll

Nov 23rd, 2005, 10:07	#31
Jacob Ruiz Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: West Indies Posts: 20	Indian air ..."the coughing is mainly in the cities due to the air pollution"....It's not just the large cities, crvlvr. I travelled in Rajasthan for 18 days and the air is filthy there as well. Vehicle emission controls are non-existant and every wheeled thing is belching blue, white or black smoke into the air. Add to that the ever-present dust and smoke from the odd fire and it makes for air quality not unlike that of being in a constant forest fire. Agra was the absolute worst of it. We had a room just 2 kilometres from the Taj Mahal with an unrestricted view...and we could not even see it! The air quality improved a bit in Rishikesh but again went south in Varanasi. It's a very real factor after a month of travelling. I've been home 10 days now and I have a constant low-grade cough (as does my wife), my nose is extremely dry and feels burned and I suspect it's going to be a while before my respiration is back to what it formerly was. I don't know if there's any defense against this, either. I suppose a full-time surgical mask would help but it's not really practical. I think air quality will be a big factor in any future travel that I do...Having said all that you won't see the Taj Mahal, forts, incredible temples or all the other fantastic sights you'll see in Canada, Europe or the US so you may as well just bite the respiratory bullet and go.

Dec 6th, 2005, 17:31	#33
Jacob Ruiz Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: West Indies Posts: 20	Remedies? After almost a month home from India I'm still experiencing respiratory problems. I thought they would dissipate in time but, so far, that's not the case. My nostrils have a constant slight burning sensation and I can't get a full night's sleep due to congestion, a problem I never had before. Also, I have a constant low-grade cough. I'm not worried about any of this....but I AM concerned. I'm using a neti pot with a saline solution as a cleanser now but only sporadically and realize that I need to become a lot more pro-active with this ailment because time alone doesn't seem to be curing it. My lung capacity seems good as I play tennis regularly and feel no diminishment there. Sooo....I'm looking for help and advice from you because I suspect I'm not the only one out there experiencing this. I saw a Tumeric remedy mentioned earlier in this thread and will look into that. Does anyone else have a treatment that worked? My preference is to try natural remedies as my body has received enough chemical assaults from simply breathing Indian air. I'm getting quite an education into the effects of pollution as I research my problem on the web. It may be India's greatest problem as they continue to develop. But, for now, it's MY greatest problem. Any advice?

Dec 6th, 2005, 18:21	#35
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 28,426	I'd see a doctor.... but in the meantime I'd eat lots of garlic. __________________ . Just one member of the IndiaMike Mod Team

Dec 6th, 2005, 20:05	#36
Jacob Ruiz Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: West Indies Posts: 20	Garlic? Why garlic, Nick? I use quite a bit of it in my food for both taste and general health reasons but I've always looked at it as having anti-biotic properties and what I have, I feel, is not an infection. I used Doxy as an anti-malarial in India and infection should not be a problem. The problem, from my reading, is SPM (suspended particulate matter) but those particles in the Indian air could be anything from inorganic compounds to lead from the fuel exhaust. Thank you, ladyvet, for your response. As soon as I find a source of good, fresh turmeric I'll begin taking it. Are there any MDs, NDs or Ayurvedic medicine buffs out there who can enlighten us, who have knowledge about this? I'd like to start a conversation about this for the general health and well-being of those travelling to India (and other air-polluted countries). There must be some basic things we can all do before, during and after our travels to assure good health. As for your suggestion, Nick, to see a Doc I'd probably do that as a final resort because, from experience, I know he's going to prescribe some very potent medicine and I don't want that right now. My wife's suggestion is to see an accupuncturist and have her work on my lung meridian which is a great idea. So please post your thoughts...for the benefit of all of us. Wouldn't it be nice if whenever we travelled to suspect places we could be assured of reasonably good health by taking some simple precautions?

Nov 23rd, 2005, 12:42	#32
crvlvr Guru Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: On the move in India.. Posts: 4,535	Jacob, Just to put things in perspective Population of Jaipur = 2.8M; Population of Chicago = 2.9M Even an average city in India has population comparable to some of the largest cities in the west. Of the top 100 cities (ranked by population) 13 of them are in India. Agreed, pollution controls in India are severly lacking and that makes the problem worse. Actually cities like Delhi have passed strict pollution controls rules. http://cities.expressindia.com/fulls...p?newsid=85665 Lets hope it spreads to smaller cities.

Dec 6th, 2005, 21:58	#37
k-roc Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: New Jersey, USA Posts: 3	Hi all, my name is kerry and i haven't stopped coughing since i got off the airplane in the mumbai airport a week ago. what did it to me was the 5 hour layover i had in mumbai. i take as much vitamins as i possibly could take and pray it will end soon.

Dec 6th, 2005, 22:30	#38
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 28,426	I regard garlic as being drying, when it comes to mucousy things. Honestly don't know if that is real herbl medicine, an old wives' tale, or even just me... ... ... I do find that my doctor here is more free with the prescribing than the one back in London, but, you don't have to take all the stuff they write down!

Dec 13th, 2005, 04:27	#40
Aussie 5 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Brisbane Australia Posts: 278	I thought that my hacking cough and very sore throat would clear up once I got home, but after four weeks of misery (one of them back home), I finally went to the doctor yesterday and he put me on Amoxycillin. I suppose I should have gone to the doctor in India, but I kept on thinking it was going to get better ....... Wishful thinking!!

Dec 13th, 2005, 04:47	#41
freenote senior member refused Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: cornwall UK Posts: 1,601	After first three weeks ,never had a problem .

Dec 13th, 2005, 05:15	#42
PeakXV Naan.tering Nabob Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Abode of Glooscap Posts: 4,515	Cough arrest Shahnaz Husain products sell an excellent Herbal Ayurvedic Cough Syrup that will stop a productive or non productive hack in its tracks. You can find her products at Central Cottage Emporium on Janpath in Delhi. It may not totally cure your problem but it will definitely soothe it in so you don't break any ribs before you get home or to a doctor. Recommended to throw a bottle in your backpack before you hit the trail. http://www.shahnaz-husain.com __________________ What lies behind us and what lies ahead of us are tiny matters compared to what lives within us. ~ Oliver Wendell Holmes Don't go to India ~ Pre-trip Warnings & Misconceptions?

Dec 13th, 2005, 05:25	#43
Sama a pain in the asana Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: the India inside my heart Posts: 5,545	what about sinus problems tho? I was just about the ONLY one in my yoga school WITHOUT a cough. Any ayurvedic recommendations for sinuses?

Dec 13th, 2005, 06:01	#44
Jacob Ruiz Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: West Indies Posts: 20	Acupuncture I began acupuncture seesions last week to try to get on top of my respiratory problems. My 2nd visit is tommorrow and I honestly felt an improvement during this week. My acupuncturist worked my lung meridian primarily and my kidney and bladder meridians (I'm not completely clear on how those meridians support the lung problems) as well and I'm somewhat less congested with less burning in the nostrils and able to sleep through the night every 2nd night. So, I guess things are better. If any of you are experiencing similar problems lay off the dairy, especially cheese as it's such a concentrated food, use a neti pot and pick up a saline nostril spray at your drugstore. All these things have helped me. Also, I've ordered an Ayurvedic respiratory remedy from these people http://ayurveda-herbs.com/3.htm as I've tried their products before and like their service and attitude. So, my respiration is beginning to improve, albeit slowly. I don't think people are aware of just how toxic Indian air is. My only advice is to not take this lightly if you're going to India and take all precautions before, during and after your trip.

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