The COVID-19 (also called SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, first reported in Wuhan, China, is spreading throughout the globe, causing a worldwide public health burden. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a major factor in fatality. Insult or injury to tissues produces oxidative stress due to the rapid release of free radicals and cytokines, which leads to cellular injury, organ failure, and death. In particular, viruses can produce a phenomenon known as the cytokine storm.

Environmental issues due to both manmade and naturally occurring factors have increased the incidence of respiratory diseases. The airways are frequently exposed to oxidative stressors, including infection, hyperoxia, cigarette smoke, ovalbumin, bleomycin, butylated hydroxytoluene, and diesel exhaust particles. Hence, the balance between oxidative stress and antioxidants, also known as the redox balance is important to respiratory health.