Expert Talk: Impact Of Air Pollution On Lungs

Even short-term episodes of air pollution in children can heighten their risk of developing respiratory infection and it’s severe symptoms.

In an exclusive interaction with OnlyMyHealth editorial team, Dr Ravi Shekhar Jha, Director & Unit Head Pulmonology, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad explains that these symptoms include non-allergic rhinitis and nasal mucosal erythema, sinusitis, nasal itching, runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, dry mouth and throat, productive cough and dry cough, wheezing and dyspnoea.

Impact Of Air Pollution On Lungs

The environment has great impact on people living with a lung disease. It is well known that higher levels of air pollution can lead to severe symptoms, worse lung function and more hospitalisations in patients with airway diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD.

1. Non-allergic rhinitis (irritant) and nasal mucosal congestion, sinusitis, nasal itching, runny nose, nasal stuffiness, recurrent sneezing, dry mouth and throat, productive cough and dry cough, wheezing and breathlessness.
2. Particulate matter that penetrate the lung epithelium lining can initiate lung inflammation leading to COPD and Asthma.
3. Increased pollution exposure to the pregnant ladies can lead to preterm delivery, low birth weight and asthma.
4. Children living in polluted atmosphere can develop premature asthma, lung irritation and early COPD.
5. Elderly people develop reduced lung capacity, COPD and are at high risk of developing lung cancer
6. People with preexisting lung condition develop more frequent asthma and COPD attacks.