Air pollution and pneumonia: How big is the risk?

Places like Delhi NCR are continuing to witness a spell of unbreathable air and smog, which has now become a yearly phenomenon. Not only are pollution levels outside getting worse, indoor air pollution is just as deadly a problem, and both the factors account for a staggering rise in respiratory symptoms, aggravation of pre-existing conditions, including threatening conditions like pneumonia.

While air pollution is a big problem at hand that can worsen health in general and even make a healthy individual experience symptoms like that of asthma, pneumonia can be one disease aggravated by poor air quality levels. Not only is it a disease spread on by viruses or bacteria, depleting air levels and pollutants present in the air can also increase the level of inflammation in the lungs, and can lead to mortality, if not treated in time. We explain to you why this is a air pollution complication to be careful about:

Also read: Respiratory symptoms associated with severe pollution

Pneumonia refers to an infection wherein the air sacs (alveoli) present in one or both of the lungs get inflamed, and may fill up with fluid. Alveoli are the basic functioning unit in the lungs supporting function. When there's rampant inflammation in the air sacs, it can induce respiratory complications and make it terribly difficult for a person to breathe or carry out core respiratory functions as well. Although common, pneumonia can turn life-threatening for people who have prior respiratory complications, young children or senior citizens (over the age of 65).

Now, while an infection like pneumonia is usually said to be caused by viruses, bacteria or fungi, it can also be caused when an individual comes in contact with a surface contaminated by viruses or other pathogens, such as the ones which suspend in the air and become extremely contagious.

Pneumonia is undoubtedly a risky respiratory health infection which can become a big problem when air pollution levels flare up. Be it indoors or outdoors, scientists have said that during pollution times, the risk of pneumonia and other severe respiratory problems get doubled, and also increase the risk of mortality.

Not only does pollution cause a manifold increase in respiratory and flu-like infections (which, for those at risk, induce pneumonia-like problems), but it can also weaken the body's innate immune response. When an individual is exposed to different pollutants in the air, it leads to significant inflammation in the lungs and respiratory tract, compromises immune cell function that help fight pathogens and inflammation in the respiratory tract, and stops the secretion of helpful cytokines.

With severe pollution levels, such as the ones we face right now, the filtration mechanism of the respiratory tract and airways also gets weak, making one more capable of developing serious lower-respiratory infections.

Pneumonia can often be life-threatening and has a high mortality risk. Pollution, which can be quite concerning for those who have a pre-existing respiratory ailment or are immuno-compromised, can further aggravate symptoms or development of lung disorders. High rates of pneumonia hospitalization and mortality also tend to be higher for the following age groups:

-Children younger than 5

-People older than 65

-Pregnant women

-Those suffering from serious respiratory complications

Pneumonia is also said to be one of the major causes of pediatric mortality worldwide, and hence must be taken care of.

Depending on your risks, stage of infection, pneumonia can often start out mild, present lingering symptoms or be seriously life-threatening. Apart from breathing difficulties, chest congestion, throat irritation, the following symptoms need to be taken into consideration with severe pollution levels:

-Fever, chills

-Cough accompanied by a phlegm

-Shortness of breath and difficulties

-Chest pain worsened by breathing or coughing

-Nausea and vomiting

-Fatigue

-Fast breathing or wheezing (mostly in young kids)

Whether you are someone who has never encountered respiratory symptoms before, or someone with a history of lung or breathing disorders, polluted air can not make it difficult for you to breathe, but also cause substantial risks and lead to health degradation. Therefore, to cut down the effects of pollution and reduce complications like pneumonia and other respiratory symptoms, it's essential all measures are fully taken care of:

-Always ensure you use masks (three-ply cloth masks or N95 ) when you step out.

-Clean out indoor air vents, dust and purify the air inside the home.

-Absolutely avoid stepping out during sensitive times (early morning), and minimize exposure if you have serious comorbidities

-Since flu is the number one cause of pneumonia, get yourself flu vaccinated to keep the risks minimal.

-Avoid smoking, be it active or passive.

-Practice good health hygiene, boost your immunity.

-Steam inhalation, warm water gargles, and intake of detox drinks should be regularized.

-Take note of your symptoms at once, and reach out for medical care.