World Asthma Day: Both Indoor And Outdoor Air Pollution Are The Main Cause Of Asthma

Outdoor and indoor pollution both contribute to chronic airway diseases. Everything from the carpets to the utensils we use for cooking can contain harmful chemicals and toxins. The sources of indoor air pollution can be dust, pets in the house, lack of proper ventilation, sprays and perfumes, liquidators, mosquito repellent and coils and agarbatti. Whereas, outdoor pollutants like a dusty environment, pollen and the dust owing to construction activities can trigger asthma. Even a person who wasn't having asthma is facing breathing problems. There are places in Mumbai where air quality is poor. The reason behind this can be the increased number of cars and two-wheeler. All these are pollutants and we never cared to look after them. Thus, these problematic factors should be addressed properly.

Dr Kedar Toraskar, Pulmonologist, Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai Central says, “Asthma attacks have been linked to exposure to environmental factors like allergens, tobacco smoke, and indoor and outdoor air pollution. The episodes of attacks can be curbed by taking medication and avoiding exposure to known triggers.”

Are you aware of the fact that air you are breathing indoors is far more toxic than the air outside? The interiors of our homes that have synthetic carpets, sofas and upholstery emit many chemicals that are harmful when inhaled. These household stuffs mainly emit benzene which is highly toxic when inhaled and is a proven carcinogen. Benzene is also emitted by the car indoors especially when the car is heated.

Other harmful chemicals that we inhale on a day to day basis are formaldehyde and volatile chemicals that are emitted by articles like mattresses, new clothes, paints, cosmetics, shampoos and shaving creams. Regular exposure to these can cause respiratory allergies, skin rashes, asthma and breathing difficulties.

Air pollution, such as ozone and particle pollution, may worsen your asthma symptoms and trigger attacks too. Elderly and children with asthma are more likely to have symptoms when ozone and particle pollution are in the air. Ozone is often found in smog and particle pollution is often found in haze, smoke, and dust. Important asthma triggers can be environmental tobacco smoke, also known as secondhand smoke, dust mites, outdoor air pollution, cockroach allergen, mold and bad weather, such as thunderstorms, high humidity or freezing temperatures. Dr Toraskar adds, “Shortness of breath, chest tightness or pain and coughing or wheezing, are some of the symptoms which people with asthma may notice. Hence, people having asthma should avoid stepping out of the house during bad weather.”

Dr Samir Garde, Chest Physician at Global Hospital Parel Mumbai mentions that air pollution comes from many different sources – some are man-made and some occur naturally. It includes gases, smoke from fires, and dust particles. Small particles in the air can pass through your nose or mouth and get into your lungs. Dr Garde says, “Airborne particles, which are found in haze, smoke and airborne dust, present serious air quality problems. People with asthma are at greater risk of breathing in small particles. Hence, these particles can worsen your asthma symptoms. Both long-term and short-term exposure can cause health problems like reduced lung function and invite asthma attacks. "  

 Owing to pollution, there has been a surge in the number of patients with allergy and allergic bronchitis. If there is more pollution or dusty climate then there are more chances of exacerbation of asthma. Dr Rajratan Sadawarte, pulmonologist, Kohinoor Hospital says, The number of patients with asthma is increasing day by day. The best way to deal with asthma is to plant more trees, keep the environment clean and cities should be made pollution-free. Using a mask while going out can also be helpful for asthmatics.”

Talking about precautions Dr Sadawart mentions that we must limit your outdoor activities during times of high pollen, that is in the early morning. Also, stay indoors during humid or windy days when pollen counts are high. Avoid hanging clothes or linens out for drying purpose, as pollen may collect in them and can worsen your allergy. Also, to prevent asthma, Keep track of your asthma symptoms in a diary. If you have allergies and asthma, it’s vital to minimize your exposure to allergens (substances to which you are allergic). This will help you prevent an asthma attack. Do not allow smoking in your home or car, and avoid public places that permit smoking. It can worsen your asthma.