DAMAGE OF THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

The long-term effects of air pollution include serious diseases like cancer. The highly polluted city air slowly metamorphoses our healthy, pink lung tissues into dark particles of smog, dust, and other pollutants, making the lungs more vulnerable to infection. The highly sensitive respiratory system can be damaged in a number of ways.

Environmental pollution: One of the most powerful dangers is environmental pollution. Environmental smog contains many chemicals. Many of these chemicals are depleted by vehicles and industries. Additionally, various household cleaners also emit poisonous gases.

Cigarette smoke – This is another dangerous emission. Passive smokers are the most affected. Lit cigarettes pose a serious threat to our respiratory system. Tobacco smoke contains more than 40 chemicals, including dangerous tar. Most of them are known causes of cancer. About 90 percent of lung cancer cases among men and more than 70 percent among women have been linked to smoking.

Besides tar, several other chemicals enter our lungs from a lit cigarette. The tar from a single cigarette temporarily immobilizes the cilia in the upper and lower respiratory tract. Tar also temporarily paralyzes macrophages in the lung alveoli. When the cleaning and filtering functions are inactive, the lungs and airways are exposed to the different particles, viruses and bacteria that are in the air, in addition to tar, of course.

These substances are deposited in the mucous layers of the lungs. Paralyzed cilia take almost an hour to recover. But the repeated shutdown of the hot tar eventually kills them. Mucus builds up as a result of repeated smoking. The accumulated mucus blocks the smaller air passages. The obstruction triggers the “smoker’s cough.” This familiar reflex cough is the effort of the distressed lung to clear the airway.

Indoor Air Pollution – This is one of the most dangerous but often overlooked dangers. Offices and homes are mostly indoor air pollution bases. Many cleaning compounds in addition to synthetic furniture and carpets, certain building materials, and even air fresheners emit dangerous gases. These remain highly concentrated in unventilated or air-conditioned rooms. The most vulnerable sectors of people exposed to these respiratory hazards are children, the elderly and those with a history of respiratory diseases. These people generally spend most of their time within the four walls. Indoor air pollutants not only weaken our lungs, they also cause infections.

Occupational risks: Many professionals are exposed daily to impurities released by their activities. These workers are at high risk for respiratory diseases. Mention may be made of people who pick cotton, those who work on farms or shipyards, mechanics who install brake insulation or linings. Other people who suffer these risks are miners, construction workers, quarry workers, stone cutters and sandblasters, among others.

MONITORING OF POLLUTION BY THE GOVERNMENT AND NGOs

All governments have their independent agencies to monitor pollution levels. There are also non-governmental agencies (NGOs) that carry out this activity. The US OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), for example, issues regulations for the protection of workers. It has made the use of air masks with filters mandatory for certain jobs. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) monitors and also regulates the pollutants released into the air by different organizations and industries. Despite these efforts, around the world, various types of respiratory diseases have seen an increase.

DISORDERS AND DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

Any part of the respiratory tract can be affected by disorders and diseases of the respiratory system. Although common respiratory system ailments are trivial, they can sometimes be life-threatening as well.

Common cold, runny nose, and nasal congestion – Viruses cause colds by attacking the pharynx and nasal passages. Viruses first infiltrate the body through the respiratory system. Then, they target the cells of the membranes of the nasal passages. But before they can destroy the cells, the body’s immune system fights back. The immune system increases blood flow to the area. Such reinforcement of white blood cells leads to swelling of the membranes. This causes nasal congestion. Increased mucous secretions to neutralize the viral attack leads to a runny nose. It is worth mentioning that the infection can affect the sinuses, membrane-lined cavities located inside the head, as well as the middle ear and the lower respiratory tract.

Hay fever and asthma: these are allergic reactions of the respiratory system. These conditions occur when the immune system is irritated by irritants such as dust or pollen. The symptoms of hay fever are sneezing, watery eyes, and a runny nose. It is a seasonal reaction when there is an abundance of pollen in the air. Asthma attacks are generally mild. But they can also be life-threatening. A person suffering from asthma experiences shortness of breath. It occurs when the bronchi and bronchioles become inflamed and remain temporarily constricted.

Laryngitis: Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx. Laryngitis is caused by several factors. They can be diverse, such as excessive use of the voice, cigarette smoke or viral infection. Laryngitis leaves different effects on the voice. Until the inflammation subsides, it may become hoarse or reduced to a whisper.

Bronchitis – Bronchitis refers to inflammation of the membrane. The membranes that line the bronchioles or bronchi become inflamed. Bronchitis occurs due to a bacterial or viral infection. Bronchitis can also occur from irritating chemicals.

Pneumonia: This infection of the alveoli is caused by viruses or bacteria. Pneumonia is a potentially serious condition of the lungs. In pneumonia, the alveoli become inflamed after fluid builds up. This accumulation of fluid and the consequent inflammation prevents the flow of carbon dioxide and oxygen between the alveoli and the capillaries.

Tuberculosis: Also known as TB, it is caused by the tuberculosis bacteria. The lungs are mainly attacked in tuberculosis. Sometimes other body tissues are also affected. If left untreated, the lung infection can even destroy lung tissues. Before, tuberculosis was controlled with antibiotics. However, the bacterium has developed a strain resistant to antibiotics that poses a serious health problem.

Emphysema: This non-contagious disease that affects alveolar tissue is partially destroyed. The remaining alveoli enlarge and weaken. During exhalation, the bronchioles collapse. As a result, air is trapped within the alveoli. In the long term, emphysema affects the patient’s ability to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. The circulatory system does not work either. This causes breathing problems. Emphysema can occur due to genetic factors in addition to infections, smoke, smog, and cigarettes.

Lung cancer: the main carcinogens are uranium, asbestos and tobacco smoke. Genetic reasons can also cause cancer. Respiratory cancerous tumors form in lung (alveolar) tissue, bronchioles, or bronchi. Early detection of these tumors can stop their progression to other parts of the body. So the treatments are more effective and the prognosis for recovery is quite good. Unfortunately, 85 percent of lung cancers are diagnosed at a later stage, when the tumors have already spread. In such extreme cases, the prognosis is bad.

Respiratory distress syndrome: Also called RDS. Dysfunction refers to a set of symptoms. They all point to a serious malfunction of the lungs.

IRDS: Premature babies can suffer from infant respiratory distress syndrome (IRDS). IRDS occurs when the alveoli do not fully expand during inhalation. The expansion of the alveoli requires a chemical called surfactant. However, among premature babies, undeveloped alveoli do not produce enough surfactant. The common treatment for IRDS is the administration of air and surfactant through a breathing tube. This administration allows the alveoli to produce surfactant.

ARDS: Adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) occurs when the lungs are seriously injured. Many car accidents, poisonous gases, or lung inflammation can cause such dysfunction. ARDS patients generally have to fight for life with a 50 percent survival rate.

ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT FOR RESPIRATORY DISEASES

Many traditional and alternative health systems such as Yoga, Ayurveda, Unani, and Homeopathy have various means of treating different types of respiratory disorders. Yoga has simple breathing exercises called ‘Pranayam’ that have a proven track record. The other alternative health systems such as Ayurveda, Unani, and homeopathy also have viable strategies to effectively treat respiratory ailments.

However, before resorting to any of them, it is advisable to consult the experts of those systems. Obviously, some of the unpleasant habits like smoking and drinking alcohol need to be abandoned for optimal results. This is valid for any treatment.

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