Air Pollution: Respiratory Health and Beyond

Air Pollution Health Hazards

The world is vehemently confronting many problems which have been affecting human lives. These problems make people suffer; worst, it is the people’s health that is at stake.

In a world where we live, things appear too fast. This planet is becoming gradually more industrialized. As you have observed, more people can readily afford to drive cars and motorcycles. With this scenario, you can perhaps assume that air pollution is becoming a larger problem. Some would contest and argue whether or not our air pollution is setting off global warming, against the earth’s natural warming process since the last Ice Age which is not the issue. Authoritative confirmation and proof may or may not be found soon. What is guaranteed, on the other hand, is that there are long-established harms, and troubles caused by air pollution. These problems take account of respiratory problems and they also embrace problems regarding what we consume.

Having been a big issue around the world, air pollution is indeed accountable for the many major health problems that people experience. Every year, the health of numerous people is damaged or endangered by air pollution. Good health has been dying out because of this air pollution.

Undoubtedly, many diverse chemicals in the air affect the human body in harmful ways. Studies have projected that the number of people being killed per annum in the US alone could be over 50,000.

Older people are highly susceptible and exposed to acquiring diseases generated by air pollution. Those with heart or lung ailments are under supplementary risks. Also, children and infants are at serious risk.

Since people are exposed to so many potentially dangerous pollutants, it is often arduous to identify exactly which pollutants are responsible for triggering these illnesses. Furthermore, because a mixture of various pollutants can heap on sickness, it is often difficult to separate those pollutants that are at fault.

According to the World Health Organization, 2.4 million people die each year from the causes unswervingly associated with air pollution, with 1.5 million of these deaths attributable to indoor air pollution.

Many diseases could be unquestionably caused by air pollution devoid of their becoming noticeable and visible for a long time. Diseases including bronchitis, lung cancer, and heart disease may all sooner or later appear in people who are exposed to air pollution.

Presented in this section are the possible and known illnesses and diseases that can be brought about by air pollution.

Asthma

As defined, asthma is the common persistent inflammatory disease of the airways that is exemplified by variable and habitual symptoms, reversible airflow difficulty, and bronchospasm. Asthma attacks can be activated by incalculable factors, including physical activities, several infections, exposure to pollen, allergies, and stress. They can also be generated by sensitivity to non-allergenic pollutants in the air such as fog or haze.

CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE (COPD) –

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is caused by toxic particles or gas, most commonly coming from tobacco smoking, which prompts an irregular, inflammatory response in the lung.

COPD includes two primary troubles: emphysema and interminable bronchitis. Emphysema is a relentless infection characterized by injuries and loss of elasticity in the alveoli. Inflammation characterizes chronic bronchitis of the lining cells inside the airways, which increases the danger of infection and obstruction of the entry and exit of air from the lungs. While other forms of air pollution can affect the expansion of these diseases, smoking is liable for about 80% of gear of frequent obstructive pulmonary disease.

LUNG CANCER

Lung cancer is a disease that is characterized by uncontrolled cell growth in the tissues of the lungs. It is the foremost root of death among women and men. Cigarettes being smoked contain different carcinogens and are the primary cause of this momentous disease- lung cancer. Lung melanoma generally does not start indications and symptoms in its early stages. When the disease is unconventional the symptoms of lasting cough, a deficit of desire, wheezing, and chest pain can happen. Scientists have discovered a correlation between air pollution and lung cancer.

CYSTIC FIBROSIS

Cystic fibrosis also branded as CF or mucoviscidosis is a common recessive genetic disease that disturbs the whole body, beginning progressive disability and often early death. Cystic fibrosis is a serious disease that can further be aggravated by air pollution.

BRONCHITIS

This is the swelling of the lining of the bronchial tubes, the airways that join the trachea or windpipe to the lungs. This subtle, mucus-producing lining envelops and protects the respiratory system, the organs and tissues that are involved in breathing.

Bronchitis can be considered as acute or chronic. An acute medical condition comes on rapidly and can instigate rigorous symptoms, but it lasts only a short time usually no longer than a few weeks. Acute bronchitis is mainly often rooted in viruses that can taint or infect the respiratory tract and attack the bronchial tubes. On the other hand, chronic bronchitis can be mild to harsh and is longer lasting — from more than a few months to years. With chronic bronchitis, the bronchial tubes continue to be inflamed characterized as red and swollen, aggravated, and produce too much mucus over time. Smoking is the most common cause of chronic bronchitis.

PNEUMONIA

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs being caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. It is described primarily by inflammation of the alveoli in the lungs or by alveoli filled with. There are times of very serious condition when pneumonia can make a person very unwell or can even cause death. Even though the disease can take place in young and healthy people, it is most dangerous for older adults, babies, and people who have other diseases or weakened immune systems.

The diseases and illnesses are only a few of those that can be brought about by air pollution. Air pollution also contributes to some other problems related to human health. People who are distressed and suffering from recurring chronic health conditions like heart disease and diabetes have an elevated probability of complications and death. This is especially true if these people are residing in areas with intense air pollution.