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World Asthma Day: Air pollution alone causes respiratory disorder, and other myths busted

The inflammatory disorder causes swelling of airways lining, leading to narrowing of airways and reduced expiratory air flow.

By ET CONTRIBUTORS |
ThinkStock Photos
By Dr Anand Jaiswal

Asthma is a common chronic disease of the respiratory tract that can affect people of all age groups in every part of the world imposing substantial economic and health burden. It is characterised by recurrent episodes of breathlessness, cough, wheezing, and chest tightness that vary overtime in their occurrence, frequency and intensity. It is an inflammatory disorder that causes swelling of airways lining, leading to narrowing of airways and reduced expiratory air flow.

Asthma is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors including inhaled allergens and pollutants. Factors that may trigger or worsen symptoms include indoor allergens (for example house dust mites in bedding, carpets and stuffed furniture, pollution and pet dander) outdoor allergens (such as pollens and moulds) tobacco smoke, chemical irritants in the workplace, and air pollution.


According to a Lancet study released last month, 350,000 children in India were reported asthmatic due to traffic-related pollution in 2015, second only to China. The exposure to increasing levels of outdoor and indoor air pollution contributed to over 1.2 million deaths in India in 2017 as per the reports by State of Global Air 2019.

Invest In The Right Masks, Consumer Immunity-Boosting Foods: Tips To Stay Healthy As Delhi Chokes
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The past week has seen hazardous air quality levels in India's National Capital. Delhi has been covered in a thick layer of haze and dust, compromising the health of its residents.

As air quality worsens, a health emergency has been declared in Delhi - schools are closed, cars on the roads have been reduced with the 'odd-even' scheme, and construction has been halted.

The current crisis, that led Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal to describe the National Capital as a 'gas chamber', has turned into the worst in three years. Smog levels have exceeded those of Beijing by more than three times, according to a report in news agency AFP.

Fourteen Indian cities including the capital are among the world's top 15 most polluted cities, according to the World Health Organization.

Even as environmentalists and residents call for measures to fight the pollution, there are some precautions that you need to take to stay safe during such severe conditions.

The past week has seen hazardous air quality levels in India's National Capital. Delhi has been covered in a thick layer of haze and dust, compromising the health of its residents. As air quality w..
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Small dust particles can lead to moderate to severe respiratory conditions like hay fever, common cold, cough, eyes and throat irritation, asthma, dust pneumonia chronic obstructive airways disease (COAD) and emphysema. It is advisable to spend more time indoors, rather than venturing out unnecessarily. Do keep the doors and windows closed as much as possible.

Small dust particles can lead to moderate to severe respiratory conditions like hay fever, common cold, cough, eyes and throat irritation, asthma, dust pneumonia chronic obstructive airways disease..
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The quality of air takes a deep dip during and after the dust storms. The miniscule dust particles that include pollens, heavy metals, arsenic, fertilizers, virus, bacteria, salts, sulphur and pesticides can easily enter the lungs. People with respiratory problems and allergies face a lot of difficulty during this time. Health experts suggest wearing a mask both indoors and outdoors. Avoid the basic surgical and comfort masks. Opt for N95/N99/FFP3 or 'NIOSH Approved' that filter out more than 95% of particles (larger than 0.3 microns).

The quality of air takes a deep dip during and after the dust storms. The miniscule dust particles that include pollens, heavy metals, arsenic, fertilizers, virus, bacteria, salts, sulphur and pest..
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Sticking to the right dietary plan is one of the most crucial things to do during dust storms. The weather can lead to various illnesses like common cold, tiredness, sore throat, irritation in eyes and nose, ceaseless cough, wheezing and other respiratory problems.

To keep yourself safe and boost immunity in the changing season, plan your diet properly and include gooseberries, flaxseed oil, hot soups, olive oil, vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables, vitamin E-rich diet, omega-3 diet, honey, garlic, neem, oatmeal, green tea, carrot juice, and pineapple extract.

Stay hydrated, opt to drink lukewarm water, and working out regularly to stay healthy.
Sticking to the right dietary plan is one of the most crucial things to do during dust storms. The weather can lead to various illnesses like common cold, tiredness, sore throat, irritation in eyes a..
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No matter how many precautions you take, the indoor air quality is bound to get impacted by the outside air. If it becomes too oppressive, it makes sense to invest in an air purifier that helps remove up to 99.99% pollutants.

When deciding to buy an air purifier (starting from Rs 10,000), avoid ionizers and UV light-based air purifiers as they produce ozone. Always look for high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. The size of the room, the device placement, air changes per hour (ACH), and clean air delivery rate (CADR) are few factors that determine the efficiency of the air purifier.

No matter how many precautions you take, the indoor air quality is bound to get impacted by the outside air. If it becomes too oppressive, it makes sense to invest in an air purifier that helps rem..
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Ensure that children, elders and ill people stay at home, and are well hydrated. Keep a constant check on their health and look for flu-like symptoms. If the condition persists for long or gets severe, visit a doctor immediately.

Ensure that children, elders and ill people stay at home, and are well hydrated. Keep a constant check on their health and look for flu-like symptoms. If the condition persists for long or gets sev..
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Management and treatment
Asthma can be diagnosed by detection of symptoms, and with help of some objective tests like spirometry. Although asthma cannot be cured, but it can be treated effectively by appropriate medicines including inhalers, nebulisers and other bronchodilators (medication administered to increase airflow to the lungs). Recognition and avoidance of potential allergens, regular exercise, good personal and environmental hygiene can significantly reduce the episodes of asthma in patients.
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Increasing vulnerability to asthma
While due to the high pollution levels, the condition of an asthmatic patient worsens and they have to step up their medications, it has an adverse effect on a normal healthy individual as well. During high pollen season or high pollution, a person who does not have asthma develops chest spasms. In this case, the nasal airways become slightly more reactive thereby becoming more constricted. They also feel a sense of breathlessness and coughing. Sometimes, these individuals need to be put on inhalers and medication like those of asthmatic patients. The rate is higher in children and the elderly.

Better Skin, More Savings and Other Surprising Benefits Of Saying No To Smoking
1/6
Usually, the urge to smoke lasts only for a few minutes. Every time you feel the need to take a puff, drink lots of water to diminish the urge.

One of the main reasons behind the urge to smoke is due to stress. So, keep stress at bay by practicing yoga and involving yourself in therapeutic activities such as dancing, gardening, and playing your favourite sport.

Quitting smoking is the best thing you can do to yourself. Giving up smoking can reduce the risk of developing cancer and various other diseases. However, Pooja Duggal, CEO of HealthHunt, shares five other benefits of saying no to smoking.
Usually, the urge to smoke lasts only for a few minutes. Every time you feel the need to take a puff, drink lots of water to diminish the urge. One of the main reasons behind the urge to smoke is du..
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Smoking can dull your sense of taste and smell. However, the damage is reversible. A few days after quitting, your food will taste and smell better. With time, your sense of taste will restore to normal, and you will be able to enjoy your meals to the fullest.
Smoking can dull your sense of taste and smell. However, the damage is reversible. A few days after quitting, your food will taste and smell better. With time, your sense of taste will restore to nor..
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Once you quit smoking, the oxygen level goes up in your body. Oxygen boosts energy which further helps in physical activities. Ditching that pack of cigarettes might help you get those six pack abs.
Once you quit smoking, the oxygen level goes up in your body. Oxygen boosts energy which further helps in physical activities. Ditching that pack of cigarettes might help you get those six pack abs.
Smoking can lead to premature signs of ageing like fine lines, sagging skin, wrinkles and uneven tone. By saying no to smoking, you can achieve a flawless and younger looking skin.
Smoking can lead to premature signs of ageing like fine lines, sagging skin, wrinkles and uneven tone. By saying no to smoking, you can achieve a flawless and younger looking skin.
Cigarettes have become more expensive than ever after GST of 28% on tobacco. If you smoke one cigarette per day at Rs 15, you end up spending Rs 450 per month. For people who smoke more than one cigarette, the value keeps increasing. For a month, if you put the money you spend on cigarettes and smoking materials in a piggy bank, you will be surprised to see how much you have been able to collect.
Cigarettes have become more expensive than ever after GST of 28% on tobacco. If you smoke one cigarette per day at Rs 15, you end up spending Rs 450 per month. For people who smoke more than one ciga..
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According to World Health Organisation, second-hand-smoking or passive smoking kills six lakhs annually, including 1.65 lakh children before they reach their 50th birthday. By kicking the butt, you can not only add years to your life, but also prevent lakhs of untimely and premature deaths of non-smokers.
According to World Health Organisation, second-hand-smoking or passive smoking kills six lakhs annually, including 1.65 lakh children before they reach their 50th birthday. By kicking the butt, you c..
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Myths and Facts

Myth: Asthma can only be induced by air pollution
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Fact: Asthma can also be triggered by dehydration, water contaminated with chlorine, emotional stress, drugs such as beta blockers, aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Myth: Asthmatic patients should avoid physical activity
Fact: The goal should be to lead a healthy life which involves physical exercise. The activity should be able to control asthma symptoms for people with this condition. Some exercises are better than others with short voluntary intervals such as walking, gymnastics, etc. Swimming is the best exercise because it is performed in a warm, moist air environment.
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World No Tobacco Day: Smoking Can Hurt Eyes, Bones And Brain
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Most smokers believe smoking is cool. No matter how you indulge in it, tobacco is harmful to your health. Tobacco contains over 7,000 toxins and 70 known carcinogens (chemicals that increase cancer risk) and can damage nearly every organ of the body.

Dr Sachin Kumar, Senior Consultant - Pulmonology at Sakra World Hospital explains how smoking affects every part of your body.

The next time you are tempted to take a drag, just pause for a minute and think of the consequences of your indulgence.
Most smokers believe smoking is cool. No matter how you indulge in it, tobacco is harmful to your health. Tobacco contains over 7,000 toxins and 70 known carcinogens (chemicals that increase cancer r..
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Smoking usually helps smokers relax on a short-term basis. But, it comes at a huge price in the long-term. Smoking results in addiction and anxiety. It alters the brain chemistry and can increase the risk of stroke.
Smoking usually helps smokers relax on a short-term basis. But, it comes at a huge price in the long-term. Smoking results in addiction and anxiety. It alters the brain chemistry and can increase the..
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Cancer of mouth and throat is common among smokers. In addition, smoking can also result in gum disease, premature tooth loss, discolouration of teeth, etc.
Cancer of mouth and throat is common among smokers. In addition, smoking can also result in gum disease, premature tooth loss, discolouration of teeth, etc.
Lung cancer, one of the leading causes of death in the world, develops due to smoking. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease which causes difficulty in breathing is another common cause of death among smokers. Chronic Bronchitis, the inflammation of the bronchial tubes which also results in difficulty in breathing, is caused primarily due to smoking.

Smoking also increases the risk of other infections like pneumonia, tuberculosis, etc.
Lung cancer, one of the leading causes of death in the world, develops due to smoking. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease which causes difficulty in breathing is another common cause of death amon..
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Smoking is one of the leading causes for heart diseases. Regular smokers, as well as second-hand/passive smokers, are at high risk of heart disease.

Tobacco also contributes to heart conditions by reducing the good cholesterol (HDL) and increasing the bad cholesterol (LDL and Triglycerides) in the body.
Smoking is one of the leading causes for heart diseases. Regular smokers, as well as second-hand/passive smokers, are at high risk of heart disease. Tobacco also contributes to heart conditions by r..
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In men, smoking can result in abnormality of sperm, impotence, erectile dysfunction and prostate cancer.

In women, smoking can result in infertility, miscarriage, early menopause, and cervical and ovarian cancer.

Smoking can impact the future generation, and can lead to physical deformities and sudden infant deaths.
In men, smoking can result in abnormality of sperm, impotence, erectile dysfunction and prostate cancer. In women, smoking can result in infertility, miscarriage, early menopause, and cervical and ..
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Smoking increases the risk of eye-related problems like stinging, excessive tearing, glaucoma and cataract. It can result in partial or total blindness if untreated.
Smoking increases the risk of eye-related problems like stinging, excessive tearing, glaucoma and cataract. It can result in partial or total blindness if untreated.
The kidney's main function is to clear the toxic wastes from our body. But, smoking does exactly the opposite.

It increases the chances of kidney failure, bladder cancer and other urinary tract-related problems.
The kidney's main function is to clear the toxic wastes from our body. But, smoking does exactly the opposite. It increases the chances of kidney failure, bladder cancer and other urinary tract-rela..
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Bones provide structure to the body. Due to the toxins present in tobacco, smoking can result in osteoporosis (weakening of the bones), increasing the risk of hip fracture, spine-related problems, bone marrow cancer and also rheumatoid arthritis.

In addition to the above-mentioned problems, tobacco can also result in premature ageing, hair loss, weak immunity etc.
Bones provide structure to the body. Due to the toxins present in tobacco, smoking can result in osteoporosis (weakening of the bones), increasing the risk of hip fracture, spine-related problems, bo..
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Smoking reduces appetite. It prevents adequate nutrition to the body which makes the body weak. It can also up the insulin resistance of the body which makes people susceptible to type 2 diabetes. It also has a negative impact on the liver and intestine, and can increase the risk of ulcers in the stomach and intestine.
Smoking reduces appetite. It prevents adequate nutrition to the body which makes the body weak. It can also up the insulin resistance of the body which makes people susceptible to type 2 diabetes. It..
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Myth: Asthma medication stops working over time
Fact: Asthma medication remains effective if used regularly in the dosage prescribed.

Myth: Dietary supplements can ease asthma symptoms
Fact: One must have a well-balanced diet low in fats and red meats and high in whole grains, fruits and vegetables.

Myth: A person cannot die because of asthma
Fact: According to WHO and Asthma Society of India, of the 300 million people who suffer from asthma, 25,000 of them died due to the disorder in 2005.

(The author is director of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine at Medanta, Gurgaon)

The Smog Can Choke You: Eat These Five Foods To Protect Yourself
1/6
Changing weather and a thick layer of smog can result in various kinds of illnesses like common cold, sore throat, ceaseless cough and other respiratory problems.

While staying hydrated and working out is a must, one must consume the right foods to boost their immunity.

Dolly Kumar, founder and director at Gaia, and a wellness enthusiast, shares benefits of five foods that help build immunity and keep you healthy in the changing season.
Changing weather and a thick layer of smog can result in various kinds of illnesses like common cold, sore throat, ceaseless cough and other respiratory problems. While staying hydrated and working ..
Read More
Bugged with a sore throat and the medicines just don't work? Rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, honey is proven to have a soothing effect on sore throat.

Grate half a ginger, add a spoonful of honey, and voila! You have the perfect home-made remedy for sore throat.

A spoonful of honey in warm water is one of the perfect ingredients to solve many health problems like high blood pressure, blood purification, etc.
Bugged with a sore throat and the medicines just don't work? Rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, honey is proven to have a soothing effect on sore throat. Grate half a ginger, add a spoonfu..
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Neem has blood purifying properties which helps clear toxins and impurities from the blood. It also helps boost the immune system while cooling down the body, internally.

Neem also possesses both anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties that help keep the skin clean, radiant and healthy.
Neem has blood purifying properties which helps clear toxins and impurities from the blood. It also helps boost the immune system while cooling down the body, internally. Neem also possesses both an..
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The best way to keep yourself nourished from the inside is to indulge in a bowl of oats. Rich in dietary fibre and protein, oats are a low-calorie food that keeps you fuller for longer.

Oats also help manage cholesterol levels, maintain healthy body weight, and reduce the risk of blood sugar and diabetes.
The best way to keep yourself nourished from the inside is to indulge in a bowl of oats. Rich in dietary fibre and protein, oats are a low-calorie food that keeps you fuller for longer. Oats also he..
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Reach out for a warm cup of green tea and give your body the best detox it needs.

Green tea contains various powerful anti-oxidants and nutrients that regulate blood sugar, improve brain function and enhance metabolism.

This 'super-drink' also has essential minerals, bioactive compounds and fat-burning qualities that helps you stay in shape.
Reach out for a warm cup of green tea and give your body the best detox it needs. Green tea contains various powerful anti-oxidants and nutrients that regulate blood sugar, improve brain function an..
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Olive oil is rich in mono-saturated fatty acids and has a light texture that works as a great alternative to regular cooking oil.

Packed with anti-oxidants, it also reduces the risk of cancer, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and breast cancer.
Olive oil is rich in mono-saturated fatty acids and has a light texture that works as a great alternative to regular cooking oil. Packed with anti-oxidants, it also reduces the risk of cancer, type ..
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(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of www.economictimes.com.)
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