Source article credit to : https://www.facebook.com/TaksuUbudBali/posts/1853938157968691
Mount Agung as Bali Most Beautiful & The Best Point of Inters
If you are feeling a bit under the weather then you may be experiencing symptoms of VOG or Volcanic Smog. VOG forms when a volcano erupts and releases gases into the atmosphere.
Mount Agung Volcanoes release plumes of ash, dust, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and other harmful gases into the air. Sulfur dioxide is the most harmful of these gases. When the gases react with oxygen, moisture, and sunlight in the atmosphere, volcanic smog forms. This smog is a type of air pollution.
Volcanic smog also contains highly acidic aerosols (tiny particles and droplets), mainly sulfuric acid and other sulfur-related compounds. These aerosols are small enough to be breathed deep into the lungs.
Breathing in volcanic smog irritates the lungs and mucous membranes. It can affect how well your lungs work. Volcanic smog may also affect your immune system.
Symptoms of volcanic smog exposure include:
Breathing problems, shortness of breath.
Coughing.
Flu-like symptoms.
Headaches.
Lack of energy.
More mucus production.
Sore throat.
Watery, irritated eyes.
Vog is unpleasant to anyone and can produce headaches as well as irritation to the lungs and eyes at higher concentrations.
For people with asthma and other respiratory problems, the effects are much more serious, causing a tightening of the airways in the lungs and making it very difficult to breathe.
Studies are being done to learn the long-term effects of Vog but, to date, there’s been no clear evidence that Vog causes lingering damage to normally healthy individuals.
TAKSU TIPS TO PROTECT AGAINST VOLCANIC SMOG
(From our friends and wellness associates in Hawaii and other volcanically active locations.)
If you already have breathing problems, taking these steps can prevent your breathing from getting worse when you are exposed to volcanic smog:
Stay indoors as much as possible. People who have lung conditions should limit physical activity outdoors. Keep windows and doors closed and the air conditioning on. Using an air cleaner/purifier can also help.
If you must be outdoors, the first rule is “listen to your body”: if you find yourself being fatigued quickly, reduce your level of activity; if you start to have difficulty breathing, then it’s essential that you move to an area that is free of the irritating vog; if your symptoms don’t improve, then get medical assistance ASAP.
When you do have to go outside, wear an N95 rated mask that covers your nose and mouth.
There are specialty masks with filter cartridges that remove both dust and acid gases as well as organic vapors however they are not readily available in Bali so baking soda is the next best option.
Wet the mask with a solution of baking soda and water to further protect your lungs. The baking soda will neutralize the sulfur compounds and the moisture will help remove particles from the air. It is most effective when kept damp so a small spray bottle with clean water is helpful to carry with you.
In Hawaii a local remedy includes hanging up sheets that have been soaked In a mixture of one teaspoon of baking soda to one liter of water (which can help trap acid aerosols and gases.)
Do not smoke. Smoking can irritate your lungs even more.
Drink a lot of fluids!! If your body is hydrated your respiratory system will be better able to deflect irritants. Warm fluids such as green and black caffeinated teas contain theophyliine – a bronchial dilator – that will help open bronchial passages. Warm water with lemon juice and ginger will assist in cleansing mucus from the system. Warm water with a pinch of sea salt and lemon juice will help to make the water more absorbable.
Magnesium is great for a whole lot of things, and it also happens to be a natural bronchodilator. Bronchodilators are agents that relax your bronchioles, tiny breathing tubes inside of your lungs. Magnesium can be taken internally as Magneisum Sulfate (also known as Epson salt) or preferably however it does have a laxative effect and should be used wisely and with discretion. Magnesium Ascorbate is preferable for internal use if available. Magnesium oil (Magnesium Chloride) is very effective when used on the skin for transdermal absorbtion. We have several Magnesium Oil massages and reflexology services at Taksu which are intended for deep relaxation and stress reduction however with current vog conditions they can be beneficial for supporting healthy respiratory functions.
Eating fresh pineapple which naturally contains the enzyme bromelain can assist in balancing histamine levels.
For people with Asthma and COPD:
Take your COPD or asthma medicines as prescribed.
Bend forward at the waist slightly to make it easier to breathe.
Practice breathing exercises indoors to keep your lungs as healthy as possible. With your lips almost closed, breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. This is called pursed-lip breathing. Or, breathe deeply through your nose into your belly without moving your chest. This is called diaphragmatic breathing.
Stay Safe, be prepared, stay healthy!
