Health Implications of Air-Pollution

by Scientific Pathology Scientific Pathology & Imaging Center.

Discussions to curb air pollution have been taking rounds for a long time now, but without yielding much results. While many people think that air pollution is a worry, the magnitude of the problem is yet to sink in. According to Global Burden of Disease report, air pollution kills 6,20,000 Indians every year. In fact, the same report suggests that outdoor air pollution has become the fifth largest killer in India after high blood pressure, indoor air pollution, tobacco smoking and poor nutrition. Out of 180 cities monitored, only two districts of Kerala in the whole of India meet the criteria of low pollution standards. Most Indian cities are reeling under severe levels of SO2, NO2 and PM10.

The situation is so critical that people need to frequently visit labs offering diagnostic services to check for diseases.

What are the diseases aggravated or caused by these pollutants?

So far, 4 diseases have been proven to be a consequence or get aggrandised because of air pollution, namely: Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Cystic Fibrosis and Cardiovascular Problems. Regular visits to a certified medical practitioner and diagnostic services are the only way to keep these diseases, at bay or under check.

Asthma
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the air passage ways of the lungs, often exacerbated by the irritants in the air. Naturally, cases of asthma are directly proportional to the levels of air pollution, as is evidenced by available statistics. WHO states that 5% of the world’s asthmatics, 15 to 20 million, live in India.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
COPD is a situation characterised by irreversible constrictions in air passage ways and air sacs or alveoli. This is caused by a sustained exposure to pollutant particles suspended in the air. It leads to an aggravation of bronchitis and Asthma.

Cystic Fibrosis
This a progressive genetic disorder affecting a patient’s lungs and digestive system, characterised by excessive production of mucus leading to blockages in ducts, tubes and passageways. This condition has been observed to worsen with exposure to polluted air. This is serious condition, which requires patients to constantly stay in touch with a certified and appropriate medical practitioner, and laboratories offering diagnostic services.

Cardiovascular Problems
Growing medical evidence have linked pollution and cardiovascular diseases. Pollutants cause plaque in blood vessels to rupture leading to heart diseases and strokes, particularly dangerous in people who already suffer from atherosclerosis.

Dr. Ashok Sharma is a leading name among health practitioners in India. Besides being a great doctor, he has also established a chain of laboratories which makes available affordable diagnostic services to masses in north India without compromising on the accuracy of results. Avail these services, while minimising exposure to polluted air, to ward off these diseases.