Smog and dry winter air can dry up our mucus membrane and make us prone to getting sick
The current weather changes along with smog and air pollution have led to raising concerns surrounding our short-term and long-term health. It is no surprise that with the weather changes come a lot of cases of flu and other diseases that can make us sick.
Besides the weather getting cooler, the poor air quality also might worsen our health as per research. A combination of these two currently can hinder one's immunity. In this article, we discuss how these two factors affect our health and what we should do about it.
How does air pollution affect our bodies?
When air pollution reaches high enough concentrations, it can be harmful to humans. Millions of Americans reside in places where toxic chemicals, urban haze, and particle pollution offer major health risks. People who are exposed to high enough concentrations of some air pollutants may experience eye, nose, and throat irritation, wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and breathing problems.
It could also cause chronic issues such as worsening of current heart and lung conditions, including asthma, and an enhanced risk of a heart attack. Long-term exposure to air pollution can also harm the immunological, neurological, reproductive, and respiratory systems in addition to causing cancer. It may even result in death in severe circumstances.
Chronic exposure to contaminated air, according to a study, results in cardio-respiratory disorders. Inflammation may arise from breathing contaminated air because it might cause the release of white blood cells into the bloodstream.
The immune system becomes out of balance when PM, or fine particulate matter, is present. When exposed to particulate matter, molecules in the cells can begin to respond. As the molecules begin to change, Toll-like Receptor 4 is activated (TLR4). TLR4 recognises the distinctive traits of infections and causes the white blood cells to become active.
“Air pollution has started worsening rapidly soon after Diwali and Faridabad is one of the most polluted cities in the world. Both indoor and outdoor air pollution are worsening. Air pollution is mainly measured by AQI or Air Quality Index which mainly relies on Particulate Matter (PM2.5) concentration. However, there are many other constituents of polluted air, but PM2.5 and Carbon Monoxide are the most dangerous ones.” further explains Dr. Ravi Shekhar Jha, Director of Pulmonology, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad.
“Our airways are not designed to filter such small particles and it enters deep into our respiratory system. Smaller the particle size, the deeper it goes into our system. Short exposure to polluted air can lead to irritation in the eyes, nose, throat, and skin and also to asthma attacks. Prolonged exposure can lead to COPD, Pneumonia, and Lung Cancer. Therefore, it is very important that we protect ourselves, and only by being aware can we help ourselves and our nation from the ill effects of air pollution.” Elaborates Dr. Ravi Shekhar Jha.
How does weather change affect our bodies?
Variations in weather conditions can make you more susceptible to getting sick than changes in temperature. Additionally, the drier, colder air of winter dries up the mucous membranes and makes it easier for viruses to enter your body. These viruses can enter your body and settle in mucus membrane cracks.
Furthermore, as the temperature drops, our immune systems deteriorate, leaving us more vulnerable to illnesses. In addition to exposure to the cold, there is also exposure to sick people. Winter's cooler temperatures cause us to spend more time indoors with more people, which provides viruses with plenty of food sources. The ventilation indoors isn't as good as it is outside, and there are more germs there.
While many people deal with allergies all year long, seasonal allergies that start in the fall when the temperatures start to drop can cause enduring problems for many. And as discussed above, the temperature drop isn't what's making you ill. Nevertheless, some circumstances that arise when the temperature drops unquestionably render you more exposed.
How can we protect ourselves?
There are various ways through which we can lower the negative effects of air pollution and weather change on our bodies. Dr. Jha suggests, “Always wear a mask while going outside, especially when the air quality is bad. Try avoiding going out when AQI is high and when there is visible smog. Practice carpooling and plant more trees. These small steps can help keep your lungs and your fellow citizens' lungs safe.”
Along with this, you can also try:
- Eating a well-balanced diet rich in immunity-boosting foods.
- Work out indoors and engage in indoor activities for the next few weeks.
- Avoid going outside unnecessarily.
- Keep your surroundings clean to ensure lowered contact with pathogens that are active during this season.
- Stay hydrated as the winter weather dries our mucus membrane and makes it prone to catching viruses.
- Wear a mask even if you are going out for a short period.
Keep these things in mind to keep yourself the same from the current weather changes and poor air quality.
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.