• Air pollution is a growing problem

• How does air pollution affect the lungs?

• Non-smokers are also at risk

Currently of air pollution Lungs are severely affected. Many are experiencing complaints such as sore throat, pain, cough and wheezing while breathing. You may be surprised to know that increasing air pollution is silently affecting lung health and increasing the risk of respiratory diseases even for non-smokers.

Air pollution due to heavy traffic, construction and industrial activities has become a concern. Now, even people who have never smoked are suffering from lung diseases due to poor air quality. The microscopic harmful particles in polluted air can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause long-term damage without immediate symptoms. So awareness and prevention are very important. Dr. Abhijit Mantri, ENT Specialist, Apollo Spectra Hospital Pune has given more information about this.

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Why are non-smokers at risk?

Even non-smokers daily Polluted air face While travelling, at work or even at home. Fine particles like PM2.5, toxic gases and dust irritate the respiratory tract and gradually reduce lung function. Prolonged exposure to pollution increases the risk of developing asthma, chronic bronchitis and even lung cancer.

Children, senior citizens and patients with certain pre-existing diseases are more susceptible. But even healthy adults who don’t smoke can suffer respiratory problems from poor air quality. The use of incense sticks, cooking smoke, poor ventilation and second-hand smoke can damage the lungs by degrading indoor air quality. Symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, wheezing or frequent respiratory infections should not be ignored. Even if you don’t smoke. Therefore, it is very important to protect the lungs.

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Follow these important things

A few simple habits are important to protect the lungs:

• Check the AQI (Air Quality Index) in your area and avoid going out if the air is bad
• Avoid outdoor activities during high pollution hours (morning-evening).
• Use a mask when going out
• Keep windows closed if the outside air is bad
• Using an air purifier in the home improves the air
• Plant plants indoors and outdoors—they are natural air purifiers
• Exercise for 45 minutes daily (at home if needed)
• Eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants
• Avoid junk, processed and canned food
• Drink enough water
• Stay away from second-hand smoke

Note that pollution is higher in the morning and evening due to less wind flow. Lung health should not be neglected. Regular health checkups and lung function tests (lung function tests) can detect problems early.