If you have experienced a headache and a sore throat at the same time, as well as a dry cough and irritation in your eyes, this could be due to air pollution.
Air pollution brings negative health consequences, ranging from common symptoms to life-threatening diseases.
Air pollution can also cause other, more severe diseases and conditions such as lung cancer, heart failure, heart attacks, and other conditions. According to data from the TecSalud portal, air pollution can also affect our mental health, causing anxiety, depression, and other disorders of this nature.
Why does air pollution cause headaches and other health problems?
Particulate matter pollution is one of the causes of damage to health, since the smaller a contaminated particle is, the more easily it penetrates our body and the more serious its repercussions on health will be.
Regarding respiratory diseases, pulmonologist Dr. Alfredo De la Cruz explains that when we are exposed to particles contaminated by wood or tobacco smoke, these are deposited in the pulmonary interstitium, which causes respiratory system conditions.
In this regard, data from the World Health Organization (WHO) confirm that the effect of inhaling polluted air is equivalent to that of smoking tobacco and that the consequences of this are more serious than the effects of ingesting excess salt, for example.
The WHO adds that nine out of 10 people currently breathe polluted air, which causes the deaths of 7 million people every year.
The institution also highlights that one-third of deaths from cardiovascular accidents, heart disease, and lung cancer occur due to air pollution.
On the other hand, some experts indicate that such contamination can cause nervous and reproductive system diseases.
What respiratory diseases does air pollution cause?
Various acute inflammatory symptoms may be experienced in the throat, nose, and eyes. On the other hand, De la Cruz states that an intensification of pre-existing respiratory diseases may be experienced
Regarding lung diseases that can be caused by air pollution, De la Cruz mentions the following:
- Fibrosis in the lungs
- Pneumopathy
- Chronic injuries from particle inhalation
- Pulmonary emphysema (long-term)
- In general, any lung disease can be intensified by air pollution.
How to prevent diseases related to air pollution?
- Wear a KN95 mask when leaving the house. According to De la Cruz, this type of mask is more effective in preventing damage to health.
- Keep doors and windows closed.
- Try not to expose yourself to the hours of greatest air pollution.
- Hydrate yourself constantly.
- Roll up your car windows when driving.
- If you have any symptoms associated with air pollution, go immediately to the nearest health center or contact your family doctor.
- Stay informed through official channels. Remember that prevention is key to saving your life and that of your loved ones.