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Air pollution is a significant risk factor for lung health, affecting millions of people around the world and causing an array of respiratory diseases. As we become more aware of the impact of air pollution on your lungs and how to mitigate its effects, understanding air pollution levels and the best ways to mitigate risks are all the more important, especially in urban areas where air pollution is a growing concern. At Apex Multispeciality Hospitals, we prioritize preventive care and advanced treatment options for our patients to help safeguard their respiratory health in an ever-changing environment.
How Air Pollution Affects Your Lungs
Air pollution is made up of harmful particles and gases, including particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), ozone (O3), and volatile organic compounds. When inhaled, these pollutants travel deep into the lungs where they cause inflammation, damage lung tissue, and reduce lung function.
- Inflammation and Irritation: Pollutants irritate the airways and spark inflammatory responses. This inflammation may contribute to worsening chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including symptoms of coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.
- Reduced Lung Function: Pollutant exposure over time reduces lung capacity and function, making it more difficult to breathe and increasing the likelihood of infection and other diseases.
- Increased Risk of Respiratory Diseases: Air pollution contributes to the development and/or worsening of asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, and even lung cancer. Small particulate matter can also enter the circulation and spread their effects past the lungs.
Vulnerable Populations Most at Risk
Particular groups are impacted more by air pollution’s effects on the lungs:
- Children: Their lungs are developing, and they breathe at a faster rate, which increases the amount of pollutants they take in. Upon exposure, the child can experience lung function for the rest of their life. An example would be asthma when a child is exposed at an early age to high concentrations of pollution.
- Elderly: With the aging of lungs, the ability to repair itself is diminished and older adults also tend to have more chronic disease, making older adults more likely to be negatively impacted by pollution.
- People with Existing Lung or Heart Disease: Existing health problems and air pollution can worsen the symptoms, and individuals may have more hospital admissions because of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or cardiovascular disease.
- Pregnant Women: The fetus can be affected by the mother’s exposure, and babies are more likely to develop respiratory health problems upon exposure.
Common Respiratory Symptoms from Pollution Exposure
- Persistent cough and mucus production
- Wheeze and tightness in the chest
- Shortness of breath while active or at rest
- Irritation of the noes, throat, and eyes
- Increased frequency of asthma attacks or exacerbations of COPD
How to Protect Your Lungs from Air Pollution
- Be Aware of the Air Quality: Pure Air that Provides local air quality by city. You may also use other apps or Google to check local air pollution and plan outdoor activity accordingly.
- Limit Outdoor Activity on High Pollution Days: When air pollution is high, especially if you are part of a vulnerable group, limit the time outdoors.
- Use Air Purifiers: Counteract indoor air pollution by using quality purifiers to filter air indoors at home or work.
- Wear Protective Masks: Wear high-quality masks (N95, etc) to filter harmful particles at times of air pollution spikes.
- Avoid Tobacco and Secondhand Smoke: Tobacco worsens lung irritation and increases the effects of air pollution on the lungs.
- Be a Conscious Eater: Consume antioxidant-rich foods in conjunction with physical activity indoors whenever outdoor air pollution levels are high.
Role of Apex Multispeciality Hospitals
Apex Multispeciality Hospitals offer high quality respiratory care for patients with adverse effects from exposure to air pollution. Services provided include:
– Advanced diagnostic evaluations of lung function and imaging;
– Treatment for lung disease/exacerbations associated with air pollution such as, asthma, COPD, infections, and lung cancer;
– Education for patients about preventive health and lifestyle changes; and
– Multidisciplinary teams to provide individualized therapeutic and rehabilitative care plans.
Conclusion
Air pollution has dire effects on the lungs, including inflammation, decreased lung function, and greater risk for serious respiratory disease. Keeping yourself safe involves remaining informed about the air quality updates, limiting exposure, and practicing preventative health measures. If you are experiencing prolonged respiratory symptoms or have a pre-existing lung condition, Apex Multispeciality Hospitals can provide an expert diagnosis and tailored treatment plan for today’s inhospitable environment.
