As we are progressing towards a modern world where we will possibly witness flying cars and industrial goods flooding the streets one day, we should keep our eyes open to the downsides of modernization as well. One of these is the rising pollution levels. Because of the growing number of industries and cars on the road, air pollution across the globe is increasing.
Air pollution refers to the contamination of air because of the presence of pollutants that can cause harm to the health of humans and other living beings. Mainly, these pollutants damage your well-being by affecting your respiratory organs. As a result, they may put your lungs at risk and cause severe and irreversible harm in the form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma. Both indoor and outdoor pollutants can exacerbate the condition of COPD patients and worsen their health.
In order to find out why air pollution is detrimental to the well-being of COPD patients, read further!
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) refers to a group of lung problems that causes obstructive airflow. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are two common issues that lead to this problem. Its symptoms include breathing difficulty, cough, mucus production, and wheezing. The condition is a result of exposure to irritants that can damage the airways and lungs. These include smoke, dust, fumes, and chemicals.
Long-time exposure is one of the risk factors associated with developing COPD. In patients who are already suffering from this condition, poor quality air can deteriorate lung health. It can cause constant coughing and breathing problems and increase morbidity. Besides, air pollution can also lead to respiratory infections resulting in COPD attacks.
Many people consider themselves safe inside their homes. But, did you know that the air inside the house can be more harmful than the outside air in some cases?
Here are some indoor pollutants that may lead to breathing difficulties:
Biological Pollutants: The presence of mold, pollen, and pet dander at home can cause breathing problems. Besides, particles from dust mites and cockroaches can also be dangerous. They can trigger allergy and asthma attacks.
Urban areas featuring a high population, especially the metro cities, are excessively polluted. Ozone and airborne particulate matter are two common pollutants found in the outdoor air at such places. While inhaling them can be dangerous for just about anyone, the risk factor is exceptionally high for the vulnerable sector, including the elderly, children, and people with health conditions like COPD and asthma.
Long-term exposure to outdoor pollutants increases the risk of developing COPD. Also, it has been revealed that over time exposure to particulate matter can make COPD symptoms worse. It can significantly increase the risk of death in patients with COPD.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a severe health condition that can hinder breathing. In addition, inhaling polluted air can cause exacerbation and further degrade the health of COPD patients. Thus, COPD patients are advised to follow the tips mentioned above to live a healthy and happy life.