Delhi prepares for 6 days of pollution (Credits: iStock)
\n\nWith Delhi’s air quality expected to remain in the ‘poor’ category for 6 days, concerns about the impact of pollution on respiratory health are once again coming into focus. While prolonged exposure to polluted air is known to affect lung health, even a few hours in poor air quality can trigger coughing, throat irritation and breathing difficulties, particularly among vulnerable individuals.
\n\nThe danger is not limited to people who already have asthma or other respiratory conditions. Pollutants such as fine particulate matter (PM2.5), dust, smoke and ozone can irritate the airways and trigger inflammation, sometimes causing symptoms within minutes to hours of exposure.
\n\nDr. Sunil Naagar, Senior Consultant and Head, Paediatric Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, Accord Super Speciality Hospital, Faridabad, explains that short-term exposure can have noticeable effects. “Even short-term exposure to poor air quality can trigger respiratory symptoms, worsen existing lung conditions, and sometimes may lead to breathing difficulties,” he says.
\n\nWhen polluted air enters the respiratory tract, it can irritate the airways and trigger an inflammatory response. This may lead to persistent coughing, increased mucus production, wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. People may notice these symptoms even…
Original source: https://www.timesnownews.com/lifestyle
