Common Health Problems Due To Air Pollution | Detailed Overview

Air pollution is not merely dangerous to the atmosphere but it also threatens our existence. Most people fail to acknowledge this and take the necessary precautions.

Let's first understand what air pollution means.

Air pollution refers to the presence of suspended solids and liquid particles in the air.

This makes breathing a difficult task for most people as these particles tend to settle inside our lungs, leading to several health risks.

In this blog, you will learn about the common health problems resulting due to air pollution and what precautions you can take against them.

What Are Some Of The Health Problems Due To Air Pollution?

We have listed some common health problems due to air pollution:

1) Respiratory Problems – Air pollution can lead to respiratory infections such as asthma, bronchitis, and even lung cancer. It is important that we change our indoor habits - using air purifiers at home can be helpful in this regard. In addition, it's also necessary that we opt for an air filter once you buy a new AC unit. Regular checkups are highly recommended so as not to worsen the condition.

2) Brain-Related Diseases – The effects of pollutants on brain cells usually result in the death of these cells. This can lead to serious brain diseases that include Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Dementia, and even strokes.

3) Skin Diseases – Toxic chemicals produced by air pollutants often lead to skin problems such as rashes and eczema. The allergic reactions on the skin are mainly due to inhaling polluted air.

4) Problems During Pregnancy – Air pollution has been linked with many health issues during pregnancy, including low birth weight in babies, premature births, or miscarriages for mothers having asthma or allergies. Thus, pregnant women are advised not to spend too much time outdoors without protection from masks or other protective gear.

5) Cancer - There is a lot of evidence showing how different air pollutants including diesel fumes, carcinogens, and others are implicated in various types of cancer. Thus, if you have a history or family history of cancer it is important to avoid spending much time outdoors because the risk for your health will be higher.

How Can Online Consultations With MedRec Hospital Help You With These Problems?

Online doctor consultations enable you to seek help from a doctor even if you reside in remote areas and don't have access to specialized medical care.

You can get started with our specialists and help you determine your condition and how to proceed from there.

Every case is different, but many of our patients complain about respiratory problems after having been exposed for prolonged periods when they were outside, which is why they seek our help.

Another common symptom is hair loss, which can be caused by different factors. However, exposure to radiation and chemicals found outdoors are among the major reasons for this condition today.

We can explain how these issues arise and make sure you know why it's important to avoid unnecessary exposure if possible. Needless to say, if you're already experiencing the symptoms we've mentioned, it's best to seek professional help as soon as possible.

We can provide you with prescriptions that will provide instant or gradual relief based on your condition. Moreover, you can seek help at any given hour, at your convenience.

If you are experiencing severe symptoms such as bleeding cough or bleeding vomiting, you should seek immediate help with MedRec hospital through our emergency services.

What Are Some General Prevention Measures For These Health Problems?

The main causes of air pollution are emissions from trucks, cars, factories, and other sources that produce fumes.

Sometimes the problem is due to poor ventilation in certain buildings allowing pollutants to remain indoors.

Thus, there are simple protective measures you can take by reducing your exposure to outdoor air pollution which will help prevent these health problems:

Seek shelter indoors when ozone or particle pollution is high.
Choose an indoor place with good airflow from an open window or choose public places which have better indoor ventilation systems such as malls, libraries, and so on.
Switch off engines when idling in traffic jams or waiting at a red light for more than one minute.
Use public transportation instead of personal vehicles when possible (avoid sitting in traffic jams).
Invest in electric cars and solar devices to avoid emitting unnecessary pollutants from your end. Also encourage your peers, colleagues, and family to do the same.
Combine errands into one trip to limit your exposure.
Keep your home clean and dust-free. Regularly vacuum and sweep floors, carpets, furniture, and drapes. Clean surfaces with a damp cloth to remove particles and pet hair.
Use an air purifier indoors if you are sensitive to air pollution. Choose one with high CADR ratings to remove smoke, particles, and ozone from the air.
Stay cool during the summer months – hot weather can worsen respiratory problems. Drink plenty of fluids, avoid strenuous activities outdoors, use fans instead of air conditioners where possible, and take breaks in the shade.
Talk to your health care provider if you are having trouble breathing. He or she may prescribe medications or other treatments to help you breathe easier.

What Are Some Of The Self-Care Measures To Protect Yourself From Air Pollution?

Self-care becomes extremely important to help your body build resistance and fight again the air pollutants you may intentionally or unintentionally expose yourself to.

Here are some self-care tips to undo the harm of air pollution to some extent:

Drink plenty of fluids, especially water and fruit juices. This will help to flush the pollutants out of your system.
Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which are high in antioxidants that help protect cells from damage.
Limit your intake of processed foods and sugary drinks, which can actually increase the damage done by air pollution.
Avoid outdoor activities during rush hours when air pollution levels are high. If you have to go out, try to do so during the early morning or evening hours when the air is cooler and cleaner.
Get regular exercise, which helps improve your overall health and can also help clear pollutants from your lungs.
Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke since smoking is not only harmful to smokers but also the passive smokers around.
Make sure you use masks when you are in a traffic jam. This will limit your intake of harmful pollutants, harmful gases, and particles so that your lungs stay safe.
As mentioned before, do invest in a good quality air purifier if you live in a region with higher levels of pollution.
Plant trees in your garden and surrounding to result in increased levels of oxygen around you.
You can also be a part of community services that help plant trees around roads to help decrease the levels of pollution.
Have natural green plants around you to reduce your stress levels. A study shows that individuals with living plants around them exercise for longer than those who don't have any plants in their homes or workplaces.
Vitamin C is essential to keep your immune system healthy, so the more fruits and vegetables you eat, the better.