How Air Quality Affects Our Lungs? Know What Precautions Can Be Taken

The rising levels of pollution have become a public health concern and there is a surge in individuals experiencing cough and cold.

Air Quality in urban areas

Pollution is the biggest healthcare challenge in urban areas today. On the backdrop of World Lung Cancer Awareness month, let us throw light on the correlation between degrading levels of air quality and its impact on our lungs. In this regard, Dr Salil Bendre, who is the Head of Department, Chest Medicine, at Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital said, "The rising levels of pollution have become a public health concern and there is a surge in individuals experiencing cough and cold."

"The trend is similar across age demographics, with a notable vulnerability observed among asthmatic patients. Clinically, it is observed that an average of 30 to 35 patients daily, presenting with persistent coughs, a symptom persisting even post-antibiotic treatment. Especially in smokers, deteriorating air conditions aggravates respiratory ailments. Approximately 5% of these individuals require hospitalization, though they remain in stable condition," he added.

Causes Of Air Pollution And Its Effects:

Dr. Ravi Dosi who is a consultant, pulmonary medicine at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Amabani Hospital, Indore said, "Air quality is a topic on which currently all of us are very much concerned, the reason being the increased amount of pollutants and pollution related chemicals in the atmosphere. The common chemicals are nitrous oxide, sulphur dioxide, ozone and particulate matter. These harmful substances tend to cause inflammation. Air pollution not only creates new problems and new diseases but it also worsens pre-existing diseases and it makes the person use a higher dose of medication which is usually not required by him leading to several medicine related side effects."

"Air pollution is usually a human created issue and it should be kept under control because it causes harmful effects on the brain, heart, lungs and pancreas it also causes problems on the reproductive system, alimentary system and cardiovascular system, Growing children and even babies and the mother are not spared by air pollution and it can lead to serious problems in them. Fine particles cause shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain, fatigue whereas ground level ozone causes breething difficulty, sore throat, wheezing, coughing, and can even have as serious problems," he added.

Consequences Of Poor Air Quality:

 Dr. Lancelot Pinto, who is a Consultant Respirologist, at P.D. Hinduja Hospital and medical research centre said, "The acute consequences of poor air quality are equally worrisome. All the surfaces of the body that are exposed to such air can get triggered. These include rhinitis/sinusitis (irritation of the nose and nasal sinuses), allergic/irritant conjunctivitis, bronchitis (irritation of the air passages of the lungs), and skin ailments. The ultrafine particles reaching the bloodstream have been associated with heart problems (increased heart rate, blood pressure, cardiac stress), and vulnerability to infections. Individuals with pre-existing respiratory and/or cardiac illnesses should be particularly cautious about stepping out when the air quality level is poor."

Preventive Measures In The Current Scenario:

In response to the current environmental health crisis, preventative health measures have become critical. Dr Salil Bendre suggested the following:

• It is strongly recommended that individuals, particularly those with asthma, adopt the practice of wearing masks during outdoor activities and ensure that they carry their inhalers at all times.
• Moreover, specific demographic groups, including smokers, diabetics, the elderly, and those suffering from asthma or allergies, are urged to receive vaccinations to strengthen their defenses against the health risks posed by heightened pollution levels.
• Such interventions are crucial to safeguarding respiratory well-being in the face of increasing air quality challenges.