Be Wary of the Effects of Air Pollution on Allergic Diseases

Exposure to air pollution, such as cigarette smoke, dust, or vehicle gas, can cause health problems. One of them is allergic disease, which is often associated with respiratory problems, ranging from asthma attacks to chronic coughs. Air pollution contains substances that are harmful to the respiratory tract. These substances can trigger recurrence of symptoms in people with allergies and asthma. Not only that, if inhaled by pregnant women, air pollution can also increase the risk of the baby they are suffering from asthma. The impact of air pollution can also cause asthma attacks in patients with a history of allergic colds or respiratory disorders, such as chronic bronchitis. According to one study, children who live in areas with heavy air pollution are more at risk of developing allergies than children who live in areas with good air quality.

Air Pollution Can Cause Allergic Diseases

According to one study, there is an increased risk of allergic diseases as air pollution worsens. Allergens or things that trigger this allergic reaction are usually found in dirty air. If inhaled, these substances will trigger the body to release antibodies that trigger allergic symptoms, such as sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, itchy or runny eyes, and cough. Examples of allergic diseases that can be triggered by air pollution are allergic colds, asthma, allergic conjunctivitis, and skin allergies. Research data show that around 18% of asthma cases occur after sufferers are exposed to dirty air. Exposure to pollution from road traffic to pregnant women and infants under one year of age can also cause allergic colds in children later in life.

Type of Pollutant Cause Allergies

There are several types of air pollution that cause allergic colds, namely:

Outdoor pollution

According to one study, the level of pollution from outside the country in Asian countries is higher when compared to in western countries. This can have a devastating effect on health, especially regarding lung function, for people living in Asia, including Indonesia. Which includes types of outdoor pollution include road dust, vehicle fumes, factory fumes, and gas emissions from fuel. There is some scientific evidence which states that air pollution from traffic is proven to worsen asthma, trigger allergic reactions, and interfere with lung function.

Pollution in the room

Many do not realize that indoor air pollution can have levels 5 times higher than outdoor pollution. In addition to allergic diseases, indoor pollution can cause chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, to the risk of lung cancer. Allergy symptoms that can be caused include itchy and red eyes, itchy throat, headaches, nausea, sneezing, and cough colds. This symptom can be experienced by infants, children, and adults. Pollution in the room can come from cigarette smoke, kitchen smoke, wall paint, dust, room cleaning liquid, air freshener, mosquito spray or burning, and building materials.

Tips for Reducing the Impact of Air Pollution

The following are some ways to minimize outdoor pollution exposure:

• Try to keep the distance of residence with the highway around 200 meters.
• Avoid traveling during rush hour so as not to be exposed to a lot of vehicle fumes.
• Limit activities outside the home if the air quality is poor, for example a lot of smoke and dust.
• When driving a car, close the window glass tightly, especially if the road is jammed.

Meanwhile, to reduce the impact of indoor pollution, a number of things can be done:

• When painting the walls of a house, open the window for several days until the paint is dry. Store the rest of the paint outside the house to reduce pollution.
• Do not smoke inside the house.
• Install properly kitchen gas-fired furniture, such as stoves or ovens, to avoid leakage. Use cooking vents that can get gas and smoke out of the house.
• Avoid using household cleaning fluids that contain ammonia and chlorine, as they can irritate the airways. Instead, clean the house with hot water, microfiber cloth, or a product that does not contain toxic ingredients.
• Some air freshener products can cause allergic colds. As an alternative, use air freshener from natural ingredients, such as flowers or spices.
• If you buy new household furniture, because sometimes the smell is very thick, wind it outside and wipe the furniture before putting it in the house.
• Do not put pets in the bedroom.
• Take probiotics. Research shows that probiotics can reduce the recurrence of allergic symptoms.
• Use nasal spray containing saline water to reduce allergy symptoms.
• Bathing and washing clothes worn after activities outside the home to clean dust and pollutants from the body.

Air pollution has negative effects that are harmful to health. But by maintaining air quality and applying various tips above, we can minimize the impact. If you experience allergies or respiratory problems due to air pollution, immediately consult a doctor.