Air pollution : Respiratory symptoms to be careful of with severe pollution

Pollution levels continue to be at an all time high across Delhi NCR, and doctors are seeing increasing rates of hospitalization and respiratory complaints even amongst those healthy or fit. Breathing difficulties, headaches caused by smog, allergic fever, symptoms, and suffocation are all symptoms expected with the air quality levels depleting. In the long term, air pollution can also impact vital health, worsen existing health conditions and lead to early ageing and deaths for those with serious issues, including lung and heart problems.

While pollution and depleting air quality have become a hazardous 'seasonal' woe that comes up every year, air pollution can be the most difficult for those who suffer from lung disorders and respiratory issues. COVID survivors, and those dealing with long COVID have been asked to follow extra care and avoid exposure. With poor air pollution levels, asthma-like symptoms can become common, even a normal viral cough can linger on for days, and cause long-term health effects. Having said that, while issues like breathlessness, coughing, throat irritation can plague an individual in the short time when pollution spikes, there can also be severe respiratory complaints ghastly air quality levels could lead to. We detail a few symptoms to be careful about:

Air pollution can be a concerning issue which can have long-term health consequences. For someone with prior respiratory conditions, or serious comorbidities, air pollution levels can lead to heavy inflammation and actually speed up the ageing process of lungs, more specifically in relation to outdoor air pollution and severely concentrated levels of PM 2.5 and PM 10 levels in the air. When the lungs age, there can be a serious risk of fighting chronic lung diseases, and experiencing vulnerabilities. This can make breathing slightly more difficult than usual.

Decreased or restrictive lung function and capacity is associated with problems like reduced ventilation, affected oxygen intake and it can also impact vital functions like sleep. With extreme levels of pollution and choking air, lung capacity can reduce considerably and cause complaints. Studies have showcased that excessive exposure to pollution can considerably decrease lung function and induce symptoms which would be associated with COPD. A reduced level of lung functioning capacity could also lead to respiratory problems like COPD, pulmonary fibrosis and increases the risk of other chronic inflammatory complaints.

There have also been multiple complaints of children developing breathing difficulties and other respiratory complaints. While children have a higher risk of developing pollution-related symptoms, it has also been seen that problems like asthma have become a cause of concern for kids. Even for healthy individuals, pollution can fuel breathing difficulties and symptoms similar to asthma, and require critical care. For those with asthma, high levels of air pollution are linked to increased asthma attacks.

Those battling respiratory disorders, or the ones who have recently recovered from COVID need to be very careful about their health right now, since pollution can not only aggravate respiratory issues, but also worsen the symptoms of conditions like COPD and bronchitis. People with such comorbidities are extremely vulnerable because air pollution can induce the acute exacerbation of COPD and onset of asthma, increasing the respiratory morbidity and mortality.

Pollution levels, be it indoors or outdoors can be detrimental for those suffering from respiratory disorders and other pre-existing illnesses. While it's extremely vital to limit one's exposure to pollutants and dilapidated air, it's also important to map out symptoms , watch for signs of condition worsening, disease progression and seek help. Individuals should also make sure that prevented medications aren't missed, and inhalers are also used proactively. If you must step out, consider using masks which are protective, and take remedial steps to undo the effects of air pollution.

Needless to say, lungs are vital for healthy living and it's quite important to keep them safe and healthy at all times. While our body has a natural defense system in place to tackle germs and pathogens, here are some additional steps you can take to keep lungs healthy:

-Avoid smoking and tobacco consumption

-Avoid exposure to indoor pollutants

-Prevent chronic infections and manage them well

-Exercise well and do breathing exercises which promote increased lung capacity