What are the diseases caused by air pollution in big cities?

Air pollution leads to environmental damage and can be dangerous for people’s health. Pollutants in the air lead to respiratory disorders and cause other diseases by affecting other parts of the body. What are the most common diseases caused by air pollution? How can we protect our health from air pollution? Stay with us in this article from the positive green online pharmacy magazine.

Investigation of the most common diseases caused by air pollution

Air pollution-related illnesses hospitalize or kill millions of people every year.

The World Health Organization estimates that one out of every eight deaths in the world is due to conditions related to air pollution.

In the following, we will examine the most important diseases whose cause can be related to air pollution:

Ischemic heart disease or coronary heart disease

Ischemic heart disease or coronary heart disease is associated with the accumulation of calcium or other substances such as fat in the coronary artery. Due to the accumulation of fat plaque or other substances, blockages are created and blood is prevented from reaching the heart and other parts of the body. In cardiac ischemia, the heart does not receive enough blood that contains oxygen and nutrients and is unable to function properly. Research shows that air pollution accelerates the process of artery blockage and increases the risk of ischemic heart disease.

stroke

Air pollution is a known cause of stroke. Over the past decades, the level of air pollution has been continuously increasing, and statistics show that air pollution is responsible for 14% of all stroke-related deaths. Particulate matter pollution disrupts the blood supply to the brain and leads to brain damage or death.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Another disease caused by air pollution is COPD, which refers to several diseases that make breathing difficult. These diseases include bronchitis and emphysema, both of which can be caused by damage to the lungs from air pollutants. In this case, the air flow in the lungs will be blocked and breathing will be severely disturbed. COPD can lead to hospitalization or even death. Statistics show that this disease is very common in infected areas.

Lung cancer

Lung cancer occurs due to the uncontrolled division of cells in the lung, but due to the presence of air pollutants and cigarette smoke, the possibility of contracting it increases. Particulate matter in polluted air can damage the DNA of cells and cause lung cancer. These particles may accumulate in the lungs, change the way cells multiply and thus cause lung cancer. An increase in the level of pollution in the air can be the cause of other cancers. For example: mouth and throat cancer, bladder and urinary tract cancer.

Pneumonia

Lower respiratory tract infections often present as pneumonia. Children are especially vulnerable to acute lower respiratory tract infections. Children’s bodies and lungs are still developing, and pollutants in the air can harm them more than adults.

Exacerbation of asthma attacks

Asthma is a disease that affects the lungs and is seen in children more than adults. Wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and cough are symptoms of asthma. Pollutants can directly affect the exacerbation of asthma. Research shows that the probability of having acute episodes of asthma on days when the air pollution index is high is 40% higher than when the pollution is at an average level. Particles in polluted air can have a negative effect on breathing and endanger the health of people with asthma.

Chronic bronchitis from diseases caused by air pollution

Inflammation of the respiratory tubes is called bronchitis. This inflammation causes excessive production of mucus and causes problems. Long-term inflammation of the bronchi is called chronic bronchitis. Lung infection occurs earlier in people with bronchitis than others. Inhaling polluted air that is full of exhaust fumes from cars and other vehicles increases the risk of chronic bronchitis. Shortness of breath and cough with sputum are symptoms of bronchitis.

The relationship between mental illness and air pollution

Researchers have found that air pollution causes changes in the brain and increases the risk of developing mental illnesses, dementia, Alzheimer’s and learning difficulties. Even if the pollution in the air increases slightly, it can be associated with an increase in depression and anxiety.

Air pollution and allergies

Air pollution can have a serious effect on allergic rhinitis and aggravate the symptoms of this disease. Allergic rhinitis sometimes becomes so annoying that it directly affects the health of the body and mind. Some people who are allergic to air pollution experience symptoms such as itching, burning throat, runny nose, sneezing and teary eyes on polluted days. But people who are allergic to other triggers may show more symptoms and even need to be hospitalized.

Ways to deal with air pollution

Diseases caused by air pollution can shorten people’s lives, change the routine of life and make life harder and harder. The most important and effective way to deal with air pollution is to remove the cause of it, for which measures should be taken by the government officials of each country. But the things you can do yourself include the following:

• On polluted days, use public transportation and do not drive your car.
• Save electricity so that less energy is used and less harm is done to the environment.
• Use recyclable products to help reduce pollution emissions.
• Plant flowers and plants in the garden.
• Check your car regularly so that it does not consume excess fuel.
• Avoid smoking and other tobacco products.
• Use a fan instead of an air conditioner.
• Use fableter to reduce chimney emissions.
• Do not burn your garbage.
• Keep the windows of your home closed.
• Use a sanitary mask outside.

final word

Diseases caused by air pollution include lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, bronchitis, exacerbation of asthma and pneumonia. Of course, air pollution can even affect the occurrence of mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety. If you live in a polluted city, take help from the solutions mentioned in this article to deal with air pollution. O3, CO, SO2, No2 and lead are the most important compounds in polluted air that directly affect human health. In Iran, about 5,000 people die every year due to complications caused by air pollution. Air pollution can be very dangerous not only for adults but also for children. Is the air polluted in the city where you live? Have you ever felt that air pollution has affected your health?