The alarming rise in air pollution—set to worsen with the onset of winter—is not just affecting lung and respiratory health but also triggering many other concerns in the cardiovascular, digestive and neurological systems, besides increasing vulnerability to cancer. Dr Sushila Kataria, senior director, internal medicine, at Medanta, Gurugram, points out five signs to look out for:
- Changes in heart rate or pain: Pollution has been associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. It can cause inflammation and injury to the heart and blood vessels. Exposure to air pollution increases chances of a heart attack, stroke or other heart ailments. The particulate matter in the air can enter the lungs, causing irritation. This can cause a rise in blood pressure and damage the artery walls. Pollutants can cause fluctuations in heart rate and rhythm, which can result in cardiac arrest.
- Fatigue and headache: Persistent inhalation of contaminated air can affect functioning of the brain. Fine particulate matter and harmful substances such as lead or carbon monoxide have the potential to hamper cognitive functions, resulting in problems with memory, focus and persistent tiredness. Long-term neurological effects have also been linked to a higher likelihood of developing neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
- Digestive issues: Exposure to toxins and microplastics in the air, water and soil can have an effect on digestive health. Frequently experiencing issues such as bloating, constipation or acidic reflux can occur due to air pollution. Pollutants have the potential to disrupt the balance of microorganisms in the gut, resulting in digestive issues and inflammation. Prolonged exposure has been associated with gastrointestinal conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- Skin irritation and premature ageing: Pollutants drain the skin’s antioxidants, including Vitamin C, causing inflammation, dryness and early indications of ageing, such as wrinkles and dark spots. Pollutants such as sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide can worsen preexisting skin disorders, including eczema and acne. Polluted environments, in extreme situations, raise the risk of skin cancer by exposing people to hazardous chemicals over time.
- Higher cancer risk: Cancers are among the most prominent air pollution-related conditions. They are caused by exposure to carcinogenic airborne particles, such as those produced by the combustion of fossil fuels. Persistent exposure to such toxic substances in polluted environments raises the risk of cancer, not only of the lungs but also of the liver, bladder and skin. Non-small cell lung cancer is the more frequent kind of lung cancer.
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