Home > Health A to Z > 5 Ways Air Pollution Is Affecting Your Health

5 Ways Air Pollution Is Affecting Your Health

Dr. Abhishtita Mudunuri

2 Min Read

The human nose has over 400 types of scent receptors and can detect over 1 trillion kinds of odour. While walking through a garden full of flowers, this thought feels sweet. However, what we are most accustomed to, is walking down a road in the hustle-bustle of a city amidst the waft of vehicular emissions, unpleasant chemical odours, etc while longing for the smell of the mud when it rains. However, the effects of pollution go further than the foul smell in the air.

Air pollution is a major environmental health risk and can have devastating, long-lasting consequences on the human body. The main sources include- industries, vehicles, forest fires, aerosols and radiation. About 91% of the world lives in places that have air quality levels that exceed WHO limits. This staggering figure translates into the detrimental burden of 7 million deaths per year that is owed to exposure to outdoor and household air pollution.

While short term effects on health include headache, fatigue, irritation to the eyes, nasal passage & throat, cough, skin reactions, wheezing, pneumonia & bronchitis, long-term consequences of air pollution are often less talked about. Here are 5 harmful air pollution health effects you should know about-

Respiratory diseases like COPD

Particulate matter, ozone, sulphur dioxide, etc can lead to exacerbation of already existing diseases like COPD and asthma. They can, however, also be contributory factors to the development of emphysema, bronchitis, pneumonia, allergic asthma, etc.

Ischemic heart disease

The growing number of people diagnosed with ischemic heart disease is synonymous with increasingly harmful lifestyle habits, including exposure to pollution. Air pollution facilitates the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, thereby increasing the risk of heart attack and high blood pressure.

Stroke

Gaseous pollutants and airborne particulate matter can have damaging effects on the circulatory system. Air pollution is one of the modifiable risk factors that contribute to the occurrence of strokes in the global population. This especially is riskier for those already suffering from heart disease & diabetes.

Cancers like lung cancer

A toxic environment is directly contributory to the rise in cancer cases. While smoking and second-hand smoke are major risk factors in the development of lung cancer, living in a metropolitan city dramatically increases one’s chance of having lung cancer, despite not having lit a cigarette.

Reproductive system

Recent studies have found that the fertility of a lot of couples living in larger cities may be affected by rising air pollution levels. This is especially true with respect to male fertility, as outdoor pollutants have been shown to decrease semen quality in urban men.

Additionally, air pollution is linked to liver, spleen and bone damage, as well as hair fall, acne outbreaks and allergic reactions. To stay safe and protect yourself from air pollution, make it a point to:

Check air quality index in your area
Avoid congested places
Use indoor air purifiers
Eat well and stay hydrated
Wear a mask when stepping out

With the addition of the ongoing pandemic, usage of masks and the importance of keeping your surroundings clean and disinfected has grown exceedingly. If you develop any symptoms related to air pollution effects, make sure to stay home to prevent further exposure and consult a doctor online from the comfort of your home.

Some of the symptoms that mimic those of respiratory effects from air pollution could also be symptoms of COVID-19 such as cough, shortness of breath and sore throat. In that case, make sure to reach out to a doctor on MFine and get an at-home RT-PCR test done to be doubt-free. #Consultonline #CareComesHome

Request a Call Back

Call us:

+91 80619 70525

Was this article helpful?
0 0

Facebook

Twitter

Love reading our articles?

Subscribe to never miss a post again!

Written by

Dr. Abhishtita Mudunuri

Dr. Abhishtita Mudunuri is an Internal Medicine Physician Diabetologist with over 10 years of experience in treating lifestyle disorders like Diabetes, Hypertension, Dyslipidemia, etc. She has worked previously at Columbia Asia, Sunshine Hospitals, and Apollo Group of Hospitals. Currently, she is working as a Senior Manager and Diabetologist at MFine.

5 Ways Air Pollution Is Affecting Your Health

Respiratory diseases like COPD

Ischemic heart disease

Stroke

Cancers like lung cancer

Reproductive system

Request a Call Back

Was this article helpful?

Share

Share

Love reading our articles?

Read more on Health A to Z

Share

Share