5 ways how toxic smog in Delhi NCR is affecting your lungs

Every winter, Delhi residents have to grapple with health issues caused by toxic smog which is essentially a mix of fog and pollutants. Smog other than affecting the visibility and preventing proper sunlight from reaching the surface also has serious consequence for our lung health. In a conversation with HT Digital, Dr Manav Manchanda, Director & Head Respiratory, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, Asian Hospital Faridabad shares ways toxic smog is affecting our lung health.

(Pexels) The impact of smog extends to various aspects of our health, affecting our lungs, heart, and brain. Prolonged exposure to air pollution in the form of smog can lead to respiratory issues such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). "Individuals experiencing the effects of smog filled air may observe increased coughing, breathing difficulties, wheezing, irritation in the nose and throat, discomfort while breathing, heightened breathlessness during outdoor activities, exacerbated lung symptoms, frequent asthma attacks, or more frequent use of reliever inhalers for COPD flare ups," says Dr Manchanda.

(AP PHOTO) "The type and combination of pollutants, their concentration, and the extent to which they infiltrate the lungs collectively determine the impact of smog on respiratory health," says the expert, as he explains 5 ways the toxic smog can impact our well being. (Sunil Ghosh/HT Photo) 1.

Asthma and COPD flare ups: High pollution levels exacerbate lung related symptoms, potentially triggering asthma attacks or COPD flare ups. Asthma patients may find themselves needing their reliever inhaler more frequently during periods of heightened pollution. Consistent use of asthma inhalers is crucial in such circumstances.

(Shutterstock) 2. Lung cancer: Air pollutant filled smog is responsible for diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and even lung cancer. The presence of fine particulate matter and toxic substances in polluted air irritates the respiratory system and worsens existing conditions, leading to breathing difficulties and gradual decline in lung function.

(Shutterstock) 3. Lung diseases: The origin of air pollution—stemming from vehicle emissions, industrial processes, and other sources—is associated with numerous potentially life threatening health issues. Studies indicate that air pollution, particularly ozone, which is on the rise due to climate change, can accelerate lung diseases as severely as smoking a pack of cigarettes.

(Shutterstock) 4. Lung damage in unborn child: Exposure to elevated pollution levels during pregnancy, regardless of personal asthma history, heightens the likelihood of asthma development in the baby. Additionally, air pollution escalates the risk of lung infections like bronchitis and pneumonia. Evidence suggests that inhaling particulate matter (PM) contributes to the onset of lung cancer.

(Photo by Arun SANKAR / AFP) / TO GO WITH: India pollution health children, FOCUS by Abhaya Srivastava(AFP) 5. Allergies in children: Inhaling polluted air increases the likelihood of more children developing asthma and upper respiratory allergies in the near future. (PTI) Dr Manchanda suggests reducing outdoor exposure during days when pollution levels are high, particularly if you have respiratory conditions.

"Make sure to utilize N95 or N99 respirators when venturing outside to filter out fine particles. Lastly, it is in your best interest to keep yourself informed about the air quality in your area and improve indoor air quality by installing air purifiers within your home," says the expert. (Sunil Ghosh/ Hindustan Times).