How smog affects your lungs and overall health

Here is what you are doing to yourself by inhaling the deadly smog.

Debjani Arora | Updated: November 20, 2017 12:48 pm

Air pollution is the biggest environmental menace we are facing in the modern times. With Delhi air quality deteriorating with every passing day, we are in dire need of some solution to take control of the matter. Meanwhile, as we inhale the poisonous air surrounding us we are subjecting our health and internal organs to too much of an abuse. The most affected of all is the lungs. Of course, smog basically smoky fog, a type of air pollution derived from emission from internal combustion engines of vehicles and industrial smokes is making things worse for us.

It is hazardous because it consists of fine particles, gases like carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NO2), and ground-level ozone, which are very harmful pollutants. These chemicals are both highly reactive and oxidizing. So, this might be giving you a fair idea how it can affect your health and make you sick. We spoke to Dr Arvind Kate, Chest Physician, Zen Hospital, Mumbai to know how it affects the lungs and our overall health:

It can lead to a number of respiratory problems

When smog is inhaled for too long it can make the respiratory passage of the lungs irritable and lead to swelling. This could lead to breathing problems like an upper respiratory infection or a lower respiratory infection. Too much pollutant when inhaled interferes with the blood’s ability to reach the vital organs. It can also cause swelling and reduce the lungs capacity to pump and thus lead to wheezing or breathlessness.

It can give rise to allergies

Smog doesn’t only affect the lungs and cardiovascular health it also causes irritation in the eyes and can lead to problems like conjunctivitis and infections.

It can make one fatigued

Chronic exposure to smog can make one fatigued and tired all the time.

It worsens other health conditions

If someone is already suffering from respiratory conditions like asthma or bronchitis or COPD, exposure to smog can only worsen it. Smog can make your airways (breathing passages) swollen and filled with mucus. It can make you cough and wheeze, and make your chest feel tight. In fact, smog can also trigger symptoms, later on, even the next day, even if you stay indoors. Some people might feel suffocated and breathless all the time.

Image source: Shutterstock

Published: November 12, 2017 8:22 pm | Updated:November 20, 2017 12:48 pm

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