In 2024, winters in North India started with high AQI levels. This results from high emissions of dust and pollution. It is surrounded by everyone indoors and outdoors. Everyone consciously and unconsciously inhaled the toxic mix of pollution. It resulted in high pollution exposure and hospitals see patients surge in facing pollution-related health issues. Now what to do after inhaling dust and pollution? Here know some practical steps that can help you in protecting yourself.
Air pollution is not just a mere seasonal issue, it is a silent killer that takes the lives of millions each year. According to a report, over 2 million people are losing their lives due to air pollution-related illnesses every year. It does not just stop here because many families suffer the loss, diseases and other problems. Preventing is the only solution that can help make the air breathable for everyone. As you can save yourself from air pollution. Here is a practical guide to help you.
« Clean air isn’t just for your lungs—it’s for your life! »
How Dangerous is it to Inhaling Dust and Pollution?
Dust and pollution contain many toxic pollutants. Majorly it has a high amount of PM2.5 and PM10 particles. These are microscopic toxins that can easily enter the lungs and bloodstream of any person. Inhaling dust and pollution containing PM2.5 can result in inflammation in the body. Here is what you can feel after inhaling dust and pollution for a long time:
- Breathing difficulties: In this condition, you may experience heavy breathing or a feeling of weight on your chest.
- Allergies: persistent allergies such as colds, continuous sneezing or coughing can happen due to air pollution.
- Fatigue or less productiveness: Air pollution exposure also affects the mental health of any person.
- Fever and weakened immunity: High pollutant levels can result in immunity weakness and the person can face fever conditions often.
Severe health issues:
These are the symptoms you can face after inhaling toxic air. Without taking the required steps, you can also experience severe health conditions such as:
- Lung cancer
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Asthma
- Heart diseases
Silent Killer no one talks about:
The aftermath of air pollution exposure does not just result in the above-mentioned health issues. Some conditions go unnoticed but cause many problems such as:
Affecting liver and brain function: Yes, not just your lungs PM2.5 particles can affect your liver and brain. According to the article published in the National Institute of Health (NIH), the pollutant can disrupt the normal function of these organs. As a result, the person can face cognitive decline, memory issues and liver stress.
Resulting in Chronic inflammation: PM2.5 and black carbon can stay in your lungs for a long period. These are the silent triggers that result in chronic inflammation, oxidative stress and long-term cell and tissue damage.
5 practical steps to take after inhaling dust and pollution:
Easy steps can make big changes in your life when you are struggling with air pollution! Make your surroundings better and discover a place with the cleanest air possible. Here are some steps to take that help in making the air quality around you better:
1. Immediately look for the clean air:
Check which place has a better AQI level outdoor or indoor. For outdoor, you can check AQI levels on your phone or if you have a monitor it is the best. For indoor AQI levels, use a monitor to check the indoor air quality index. It is necessary because your lungs need a break from inhaling dust and pollution.
2. Drink Water as much as you can:
Hydration is your best buddy after inhaling toxic pollutants. You can include some natural teas to make your airways moist and hydrated. You can drink green teas, turmeric or ginger water which are antioxidants. Another study published by NIH found water can help in reducing inflammation caused by air pollution.
Note: Don’t add coffee, tea or any caffeinated drink for hydration because it will make you more dehydrated.
3. Make yourself clean and comfortable:
Small dust particles stick to the clothes for a long time and result in long-term exposure to pollution. Thus, take a shower as quickly as possible and change your clothes with clean and fresh clothes. And make yourself comfortable by practising some breathing exercises. Also, you can use a saline spray for nasal passage cleansing.
4. Check your symptoms:
Take some rest and keep an eye on if you are having any heaviness in your chest, coughing continuously, runny nose, headache, chest pain, heaving breathing or any other issue. These symptoms can indicate health issues related to inhaling dust and pollution.
5. Don’t ignore these symptoms:
If you have the above-mentioned symptoms consult a doctor immediately as ignoring your situation can result in severe health problems. Thus, explain everything to your doctor and get a proper treatment.
What Can You Do to Protect Yourself in the Future?
The air pollution conditions tell the same story every season so why not act yourself before exposing to dust and pollution? Here are some more practical points to can add in your life to protect from severe air pollution episodes every season:
Always consider monitoring air quality before anything:
Yes, a simple step can help make big decisions to save yourself from exposure to air pollution. Checking the air quality conditions of each place can help you in avoiding the visit or staying for long. For it, you can use a monitor that is available with a handy option. And for outdoor AQI levels, visit AQI.in.
Make a place with clean air for your lungs:
Cleaning the indoor air is only possible with air purifiers. Advanced air purifiers have filters that trap many toxic pollutants including dust, PM2.5 etc. Your air purifier can make your indoor air healthy and clean. Do not forget to wear an N95 mask during each outdoor visit.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle:
Increase the more healthy days for your lungs by living a healthy life. For it, make a lifestyle with regular exercising, eating healthy, staying hydrated and better stress management. It helps your respiratory system to live a better life.
Live a green life:
Learn the importance of planting around you. You can go for indoor plants that require less maintenance and sunlight. Many plants can work as natural air purifiers. Besides, you can think about the rooftop garden if possible. It can support you in clean eating and clean breathing too.
Final Thoughts
Air pollution impacts are not just limited to your lungs because it is affecting your entire well-being. Some easy and practical steps you can consider just after inhaling smog, dust and pollution. These can help in improving your health and reduce the chances of developing any chronic illness related to air pollution. Take control of the air quality you are breathing.
