We live in an environment where the concentration of dust and toxins is higher over fresh air. Toxics and soot are due to air pollution, which is harder to escape. Air pollution is everywhere irrespective of the area you live in. It emits small micropollutants which can slip out body’s defenses. They often penetrate deep into our respiratory and circulatory system, damaging our lungs, heart, and brain.
Many governments and nongovernmental organizations are conducting campaigns to make people aware of the hazardous health impacts caused by air pollution. Several deaths reported in the past few days due to air pollution-related health issues. Having informed about the causes and effects and air pollution helps you to prevent the long term effects of air pollution on health.
Causes Of Air Pollution:
The significant causes of air pollution include:
- Burning of Fossil Fuels: When fossil fuels like coal, petroleum, and other substances are burnt, there will be some emission of gases. The primary source of the gases is trucks, jeeps, cars, trains, and airplanes. The other significant gases polluting the environment include Carbon Monoxide and Nitrogen Oxides.
- Agricultural Activities: Modern agricultural techniques such as cropping machines, tractors, and other equipment emit hazardous gases into the atmosphere. Further, fertilizers and other chemicals used for agriculture will also release harmful and dangerous pollutants in the air, water, and soil as well.
- Exhaust From Factories and Industries: Every industry irrespective of its types such as manufacturing, construction, and others will emit gases substances, thereby depleting the air. However, the gases that most industries and factories are going to release include hydrocarbons, nitric oxide, and others. All these gases result in air and land pollution. Besides, the mining process also involves some dust, and chemicals into the air creating massive air pollution.
- Indoor Air Pollution: Pollution also takes place indoors. It is mostly during house cleaning, painting, and renovations. All these activities produce some smell which is impossible to breathe.
Long Term Effects Of Air Pollution On Health
Air pollution emits environmental particles which cause several long term health problems when inhaled. They cause inflammation in the lungs, several other respiratory issues, and abnormal health problems. The long term effects of air pollution include:
Increased Respiratory Symptoms:
Air pollution causes respiratory muscle weakness which is the most common cause of respiratory issues. It often triggers previous-respiratory health illnesses and causes chronic respiratory diseases such as lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and emphysema. The restricted muscle function keeps you at an increased risk for respiratory symptoms such as:
Early signs of Respiratory Issues:
- Breathlessness
- Orthopnoea
- Recurrent chest infections
- Disturbed sleep
- Non-refreshing sleep
- Nightmares
- Daytime sleepiness
- Lack of concentration
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Morning headaches
- Fatigue
Later symptoms of Respiratory Issues:
- Increased respiratory rate
- Shallow breathing
- Weak cough
- Weak sniff
- Abdominal paradox
- Reduced chest expansion
Decreased Lung Function:
Pollution worsens and gradually reduces the lung function even in those with healthy lungs. Breathing polluted air makes the lung sick for long term causing specific symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, irritation, and dangerous stress on the cardiovascular system.
Aggravated Asthma:
Frequent or continuous exposure to air pollution exhibits specific symptoms such as irritated airways, feeling out of breath, and coughing. In rare instances, you may also have an asthma attack or COPD flare-up. Many studies have revealed that continuous exposure to air pollution is linked to the development of asthma. It is also known to have a role in causing COPD.
Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease:
Chronic obstructive lung disease or COPD is a life-threatening condition in which you may experience breathlessness, exacerbations, and severe illness. The reason for the occurrence of COPD is higher smoking prevalence and outdoor air pollution. It cannot be cured during the lifetime, but treatment can help you reduce the risk of death.
Irregular heartbeat:
Constant exposure to air pollution triggers your risk of having an irregular heartbeat or arrhythmias. The conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, and irregular heart rhythms are more likely among people who already have or had heart disease.
Conclusion:
Respiratory issues and other lung diseases are harmful. You can prevent them by following some safety precautions. However, all these ailments are curable and treated accordingly. If you suspect or notice any symptoms stated above, then it’s the time to visit Super Specialty Hospitals in Hyderabad. They can help you manage and prevent all these health ailments. For best treatment, visit Sai Sanjeevani Hospital, Best Hospital in Hyderabad.