Effects of air pollution: From heart attack to blood cancer

Effects of air pollution: From heart attack to blood cancer

In the last few days, the amount of air pollution has been high in most parts of the country including Kathmandu Valley. It affects the human body not only immediately but also in the long run. Problems that appear immediately when air pollution is high can include colds, fevers, stuffy noses, coughs, sore throats, itchy eyes, burning eyes, pneumonia, and low oxygen levels.

Also, people with chronic asthma and allergies may have problems such as sudden shortness of breath and allergies. Some patients have to be hospitalized in such cases.

Environmental pollution also affects pregnant women and the unborn baby. This can lead to low birth weight babies and respiratory problems, nausea, future asthma and hormonal disorders.

When the level of air pollution reaches a high point, invisible dust particles and harmful gases (nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide) remain in the atmosphere. These dust particles and gas travel to the inside of the lungs. Sometimes those dust particles enter the bloodstream. When harmful gases and dust particles enter the circulatory system, they begin to affect various parts of the body. In such cases, the risk of heart attack, leukemia, kidney problems, stroke, dementia is 20 percent higher.

Similarly, environmental pollution also affects pregnant women and unborn babies. This can lead to low birth weight babies and respiratory problems, nausea, future asthma and hormonal disorders.

Rising air pollution over the past few weeks has led to an increase in asthma and respiratory illnesses. More than half of the patients I see at the OPD have been diagnosed with asthma and respiratory illnesses caused by air pollution.

Not only that, people living in countries with more pollution are at higher risk of developing high blood pressure and diabetes. Therefore, such pollution can cause problems not only in the lungs but also in various parts of the body.

Respiratory diseases have increased exponentially

The environment was clean during the Kovid period, when there was a fire. At that time, patients with asthma and respiratory problems rarely came to the hospital. However, rising air pollution over the past few weeks has led to an increase in asthma and respiratory illnesses. More than half of the patients I see at the OPD have been diagnosed with asthma and respiratory illnesses caused by air pollution. Similarly, about two-thirds of hospitalized patients have respiratory problems. Healthy people are also coming to the hospital with allergies due to air pollution.

Some studies have shown that Covid-19 virus particles can attach to fine dust particles and spread far and wide when air pollution is high.

The risk of corona

Some studies have shown that Covid-19 virus particles can attach to fine dust particles and spread far and wide when air pollution is high. Therefore, if the rate of infection increases and someone gets covid infection, there is a risk of respiratory problems and other problems during air pollution.

As the amount of air pollution is highest, you should not exercise or walk outside at this time, especially in the morning. Because deep breathing changes while walking or exercising. In this way, when you take a deep breath, harmful gas and fine dust particles get stuck in the inner layer of the lungs.

Measures to stay safe during air pollution

Various measures can be taken to stay safe during air pollution.

Exercise in the morning, do not walk

As the amount of air pollution is highest, you should not exercise or walk outside at this time, especially in the morning. Because deep breathing changes while walking or exercising. In this way, when you take a deep breath, harmful gas and fine dust particles get stuck in the inner layer of the lungs. It also affects those with healthy lungs and attacks those with pre-existing lung problems. So, exercise indoors until the environment is conducive.

Mandatory use of masks

Don't go out of the house as much as possible when the environment is polluted. If you have to go out, use a quality mask. Fine dust and gas are not blocked by a simple mask. Therefore, N95 anti-pollution mask should be worn.

When the amount of air pollution increases, the smoke inside the house also affects a lot. Therefore, we should stay away from burning wood and smoke from incense sticks at home.

Use regular medication

If someone has long-term respiratory problems, they should take regular medication. If asthma starts to attack, the sputum may turn yellow, it may be difficult to breathe, the oxygen level may decrease, and there may be wheezing. In this case, you should be taken to the nearest health facility as soon as possible.

Stay away from smoke

When the amount of air pollution increases, the smoke inside the house also affects a lot. Therefore, we should stay away from burning wood and smoke from incense sticks at home.

If we can do the above, we can avoid it immediately. However, policy measures must be taken to avoid long-term effects.