Lung diseases caused by breathing in polluted air

Neha Ghosh
Free Press Journal

The air we breathe is essential to our survival, yet it can also pose significant threats to our respiratory health. In today’s modern world, the quality of the air we inhale is increasingly compromised by pollution. From the dense smog of urban areas to the invisible toxins drifting through our atmosphere, polluted air is a silent adversary that can have dire consequences.

This article delves into the alarming world of lung diseases caused by breathing in polluted air, shedding light on the insidious health risks that pollutants like dust particles, smoke, and noxious gases pose. From the familiar foe of asthma to the lesserknown but equally insidious dangers like bronchitis, emphysema, and even lung cancer, we will explore the profound impact of polluted air on our respiratory wellbeing.

Additionally, we will discuss the alarming rise of respiratory infections, particularly in children, brought on by exposure to harmful air pollutants. Recognizing these threats is crucial for safeguarding our lungs and the air we depend on.

ASTHMA: Asthma is a chronic disease of the lungs which causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways. Dust particles, smoke, pollen and volatile organic compounds trigger asthma attacks, but the most common outdoor air pollutants that trigger asthma attacks include carbon monoxide, ozone, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide.

Exposure to air pollutants not only causes inflammation, but also alters the functioning of the lungs. Bronchitis Bronchitis is the inflammation or swelling of the bronchial tubes (bronchi), the air passages between the mouth, nose and lungs. Exposure to dust and fumes from the environment, vapour and air pollution causes bronchitis. According to a study, outdoor nitrogen dioxide was the primary risk factor for chronic bronchitis among females.

RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS: Respiratory infections in children and adults due to prenatal and perinatal exposure to air pollutants is a rising concern. According to a study, air pollution increases the severity of respiratory infections in children. Outdoor air pollution in large cities is linked to various acute respiratory infections which is responsible for nearly a third of all deaths in children under 5 years of age.

EMPHYSEMA: Emphysema is a chronic disease in which the tissues of the lungs are destroyed and unable to effectively transport oxygen throughout the body. According to a new study funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) showed that long - term exposure to air pollution increased the risk of emphysema.

LUNG CANCER: Cigarette smoke is the leading cause of lung cancer, however, cigarette smoke isn’t the main cause of lung cancer. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), outdoor air pollution and particulate matter are carcinogenic to humans.

COPD: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is most commonly caused due to smoking, however, the high incidence of COPD among non-smokers is associated with indoor air pollution from biomass combustion and second-hand tobacco smoke and also outdoor air pollution.