Actually, turmeric does have an anti-inflammatory effect within the body, including the lungs.
The problem is, that as a supplement and long-used ayurvedic medication, it has not necessarily been quantitatively studied for its effect on specific organs or ailments.

While I primarily use it for osteoarthritis & muscle pain, I have noticed that I need to use my Symbicort (combo LABA/ICS) inhaler less, and my budosenide nebs not at all, as long as I take 900-1000 mg of curcumin daily. The next month will be a great test - because I have 2 surgeries coming up, I must stop the curcumin because it also has anticoagulant properties. We'll see how my joints & lungs fare!