Air pollution and respiratory diseases

According to data from IQAir – an Air Quality Technology Company headquartered in Switzerland – in 2023, Vietnam will be the second highest air polluted country in the ASEAN region and have the 22nd poorest air quality in the world. global. Hanoi is the 8th most polluted city in the world. Many recent air pollution statistics show a worrying picture in our country.

Also according to IQAir, on average in 2023, Vietnam’s PM2.5 fine dust index is nearly six times higher than the level recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). The time when the air has high concentrations of fine and ultra-fine dust is usually at night and early morning. These are periods when the wind is calm and the temperature drops compared to the daytime, making polluted air unable to diffuse and remain at high levels.

According to the World Health Organization, the source of air pollution comes from human activities such as emissions from motor vehicles, industrial activities, infrastructure construction, thermal power, oil refining, Incineration of industrial and agricultural waste, cooking activities, heating fuel.

Air pollution – cause of respiratory diseases

Increasing pollution levels and photochemical smog have a direct impact on human health. The World Health Organization continuously warns of the threat from air pollution to human health. According to WHO, air pollution exposes people to fine particles containing various pollutants and toxins that exist in the air. These fine particles penetrate deep into the lungs and cardiovascular system, causing stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and respiratory infections.

Regarding respiratory diseases, for children and the elderly, exposure to air pollution can lead to reduced lung function, respiratory infections and more severe bronchial asthma.

Adults with normal health may also experience symptoms such as eye, skin, nose and throat irritation; cough, expectoration, chest tightness, difficulty breathing when breathing in polluted air.

For people with existing lung diseases such as bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, fine dust and air pollution can increase symptoms of the disease such as increased difficulty breathing accompanied by chest tightness, increased coughing, and wheezing. wheeze.

Studies show that in times of extreme weather or high air pollution, the frequency of hospitalization due to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases increases.

Proactively take precautions to minimize the impact

Experts recommend that to protect their own health, people should form the habit of wearing masks every time they go out. Cotton masks can help block about 30% of dust particles in the air. Specialized masks for surgeons block about 80% of dust. When the air is heavily polluted, vigorous exercise should be avoided to limit deep breathing.

Avoiding coal stove smoke, wood stove smoke, cigarette smoke, pipe tobacco… also helps reduce respiratory symptoms.

To reduce air pollution, you need to keep your house clean and plant many trees around the house.

Increasing resistance is also important to protect the body against adverse agents from the air. Accordingly, each person should eat a lot of foods rich in antioxidants such as vegetables, fruits…. Side meals can be supplemented with preparations rich in vitamins and minerals, and beneficial bacteria necessary for the body. enhance health.

Patients with chronic respiratory diseases such as bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis, and cor pulmonale need to proactively receive preventive treatment to reduce the risk in times of adverse environmental conditions. . Use ancient remedies such as Tieu Long Thang, To Tu Giang Khi Thang or benign herbs such as To Tu, Tran Bi, Can Khuong, Pi Ba Diep, Schisandra, Bo Mau, Cat Canh, Te Tan, Licorice… helps prevent symptoms of cough, phlegm, wheezing, and difficulty breathing caused by air pollution.

Phuc Hung’s lung-clearing health protection food can also help reduce coughs, help reduce phlegm caused by bronchitis, and help clear the airways.

Diep Chi