Air pollution levels rise: How do pollution levels cause viral fever? What are the symptoms to be concerned about?

Post Diwali, there's been a rampant decline in the air quality levels, particularly in Delhi-NCR, with some AQI levels reaching absolute 'hazardous' levels. If reports are to go by, there's also a steep rise in the PM 2.5 levels in the air.

Now, while the poor air quality is caused by a number of factors, including stubble burning, pollutants, cracker burning, air pollution is an actual problem at hand which can cause several different problems, and manifest into long-term health consequences as well. One of the most prime problems we face is of course, experiencing symptoms like burning, itchiness in the eyes, throat allergies, headaches and breathing difficulties. What we do not realize is that poor air quality levels could also cause difficult problems like viral fevers, complicate respiratory infections and make people vulnerable to additional risks. Pollution levels right now could also be especially concerning, considering that we are already facing a bad influx of viral and seasonal infections.

Also read: Natural tips to protect yourself from harmful health effects of smog and pollution

But how grave can the impact of pollution be on existing illness risks? We try to break it down for you:

There's more than one air pollutant lurking in the air, and what we fail to account for is that depleting air quality can prove deadly in more ways than one. While it is predominantly pegged to be a cause of long-term health consequences, it has now also been seen that poor air quality levels could also cause a lot of premature births, cognitive deficits and gravely impacts respiratory health. As per estimates, there's a steep rise in the number of premature deaths caused due to air pollution. Studies have also shown that air pollution is responsible for an 11% rise in COVID-19 related deaths. Further, for those with existing comorbidities, the risks could be even worse, and lead to complications.

With the seasonal air changing, there's also been an incessant rise in the number of flu and viral infections reported this year, along with speculated COVID-19 cases, which remain an active threat. While the number one cause for viral infections to crop up are seasonal changes and lack of exposure (i.e. immunity), experts also say that the PM 2.5 and PM 10 levels, which choke up breathable air are also factors which can impact the seasonal infections- their symptoms, how prolonged a season is, and make risks worse. Particularly concerning could be the current year, when we are already facing a severe flu season and recording high hospitalization rates as well. Air pollution, is in fact, one of the contributing factors as to why we are seeing more colds, coughs, viral fevers, swine flu and H1N1 influenza cases this year, and in fact, something to be concerned about, if the pollution levels continue to deplete down.

While there are still less conclusive studies on the actual link between air pollution and viral illnesses, anecdotal evidence over the years has showed that pollutants in the air do not just impale the air we breath, cut down oxygen levels, but also cause outbreaks to swell up. Bacterial and viral infections, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, ear infections and other upper respiratory infections are often resultant of pollution. Since pollutants in the air (including nitrogen oxides, ozone, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter) choke up our respiratory passages, and irritate different parts of the lungs and respiratory tract, there's a higher likelihood of encountering respiratory symptoms. Further, when we inhale dirty, polluted air, it can weaken immune defences, leave us susceptible to catching infections. It has also been seen that severe pollutants can trigger the release of white blood cells into the bloodstream, which can imbalance the immune system, lead to inflammation and lower the lung capacity particularly. Of course, some people have a more likelihood of falling sick than others, but even the tiniest rise in pollution levels can impact our health acutely.

The high levels of dust, smog and pollutants in the air tend to largely impact our respiratory system, and complicate matters for someone who is already suffering from compromised health conditions. Along with difficulty breathing and coughing, some of the other symptoms, which can be common with viral illnesses and can be experienced include:

-Redness in the eyes, irritation in the nose and throat

-Rise in body temperature (aka low grade fever)

-Headaches

-Chest congestion

-Hypersensitivity and allergies

-Fatigue

-Dizziness

If you do encounter any of these symptoms, do remember to get them checked out at the earliest, since a lot of these symptoms can overlap with flu and other viral infections circulating in the air right now.

COVID, flu or the pollution, masking remains one of the best ways to limit your contact or exposure to nasty pollutants and safeguard your health. While regular surgical and cloth masks may offer some level of protection from viruses, they are less effective in limiting pollutants. What doctors do suggest is to use N95 masks while one steps out, especially during these times when pollution levels are extremely high. One should also ensure to use masks that fully cover the nose and the mouth, and do not facilitate germ or pollutant entry in any manner. Read here to know more about effective masks which can be used to curb pollution and COVID spread.

Air pollution can be the most difficult ordeal for young children, seniors and those with compromised immunity and severe pre-existing illnesses. Since pollution is also something which can be present indoors, it's important to ensure that every individual acts on preventive measures, and fights pollution levels on the whole. Even though it is advised to avoid any exposure to outside air if you must go out, do so in the safe hours. 10 am- 5 pm would be the least polluted hours. Early mornings can be quite smoggy, and bad for your lungs. Clean out vents, damp areas inside the home. Air-purifying plants, devices and going for regular steam inhalation can lessen your risk of developing COVID-19 and pollution-related problems. One can also sprinkle water outside the home to let the dust settle and not circulate.

Further, it's also recommended that people get their annual flu shots and other vaccinations on time, which can help reduce the severity of your symptoms, and offer some additional reassurance during these testing times. It would also help to minimize chances of flu and viral infections, which can swell and linger with the pollution season.