Air pollution: How toxic air triggers asthma and breathing problems

Rising air pollution can trigger asthma attacks, worsen COPD symptoms and make breathing difficult. From understanding the impact of PM2.5 to recognising warning signs and taking precautions, here's how to protect your lungs when AQI levels are high.

In Short

• PM2.5 penetrates deep into lungs, while PM10 irritates respiratory tracts
• Children and older adults face greater risks during respiratory stress
• N95 masks reduce particulate exposure but cannot filter every pollutant

For people living with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), worsening air quality can make everyday activities more difficult. A short walk may leave them breathless, a persistent cough may worsen, or they may need their inhaler more frequently.

According to Dr. Arup Halder, Consultant Pulmonologist, CK Birla Hospitals, CMRI, these problems can become more common during the post-monsoon and winter months, when air pollution levels rise across several parts of India.

The concern goes beyond the visible haze outdoors. Fine particulate matter such as PM2.5 can penetrate deep into the lungs, while larger particles such as PM10 can irritate the respiratory tract. Ground-level ozone can also inflame the airways and make breathing uncomfortable.

While pollution can affect even people without a diagnosed respiratory condition, those already living with asthma or COPD are particularly vulnerable.

HOW DOES AIR POLLUTION WORSEN ASTHMA AND COPD?

Asthma causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and breathlessness.

Exposure to air pollutants can worsen this inflammation and trigger an asthma attack. In people with COPD, polluted air may aggravate coughing and breathing difficulties and increase the risk of an exacerbation, sometimes requiring medical treatment.

Children, older adults and people with existing respiratory conditions need to be especially careful when air quality deteriorates. Children's lungs are still developing, while older adults may have other health conditions that make it harder for them to cope with respiratory stress.

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR LUNGS WHEN AQI IS POOR

The local Air Quality Index (AQI) can help you plan your daily activities and reduce exposure to harmful pollutants.

Here are some precautions to follow:

• Limit outdoor exercise: Avoid strenuous outdoor activities when pollution levels are high, particularly near busy roads.
• Move workouts indoors: Exercise indoors if the air quality inside your home or fitness facility is better than outdoors.
• Wear a well-fitted N95 mask: It can reduce exposure to particulate pollution when worn correctly, although it does not filter every type of pollutant.
• Reduce indoor pollution: Avoid smoking, burning incense and other activities that release smoke indoors.
• Improve indoor air quality: Keep windows closed during periods of poor outdoor air quality, where practical, and use an air purifier with an appropriate filter if available.

SHOULD YOU CHANGE YOUR INHALER ROUTINE DURING POLLUTION SEASON?

People who have been prescribed inhalers should continue using them as directed by their doctor and ensure they know the correct inhaler technique.

Do not stop prescribed controller medication or increase your dosage without medical advice.

If symptoms become more frequent or you find yourself relying on a rescue inhaler more often, consult your doctor. Your existing treatment plan may need to be reviewed rather than relying only on temporary relief from symptoms.

WHEN SHOULD YOU SEEK MEDICAL HELP?

Do not ignore changes in your breathing, especially if you already have asthma or COPD.

Seek medical advice if you experience:

• Worsening or persistent coughing
• Frequent wheezing
• Chest tightness or increasing breathlessness
• More frequent use of your prescribed inhaler

Severe breathlessness, difficulty speaking in full sentences, bluish lips, confusion or symptoms that do not improve with prescribed rescue treatment require emergency medical attention.

Air pollution exposure cannot always be avoided, but its impact can be reduced through timely precautions. For people living with asthma or COPD, checking daily AQI levels, limiting exposure to polluted air and following prescribed treatment are particularly important.

Paying attention to early changes in breathing and seeking medical advice when symptoms worsen can help prevent a routine respiratory flare-up from becoming a medical emergency.

- Ends