Kiera Jefferson
Air pollution is known to have a negative impact on asthma outcomes in both adults and children. There are several air pollutants that can aggravate bronchial asthma, including diesel exhaust particles, ozone, sulfur dioxide, and nitrous oxide. These pollutants can irritate the airways and worsen asthma symptoms, leading to an increase in hospitalisations. In addition, particulate matter, which includes solid or liquid particles of varying sizes, can penetrate the respiratory system and reach the bronchial airways, causing further inflammation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Particulate matter | Diesel particles, PM10, PM2.5, PM0.1 |
| Gases | Ozone, Nitrogen dioxide, Sulfur dioxide, Nitrous oxide |
| Other | Second-hand smoke, Diesel exhaust particles |
Diesel exhaust particles
Several studies have postulated that the inhalation of diesel exhaust particles can generate oxidative stress on the bronchial cell surface. This can irritate the airways and make asthma worse. High levels of diesel exhaust particles in the air can increase the number of visits to the emergency services and hospitalizations due to worsening asthma.
Traffic-related air pollution, including diesel exhaust particles, is a significant risk factor for asthma development in children. However, it is important to note that the mechanisms by which air pollution causes asthma are not yet well understood. Direct mechanisms have been proposed, such as the interaction of pollutants with the epithelium of the bronchial tree, but indirect mechanisms, such as epigenetic changes, have also been suggested.
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Ozone
People with asthma are at greater risk from breathing in small particles and irritating gases. Ozone can irritate the airways and make asthma worse. It can also increase the risk of developing asthma in children.
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Nitrogen dioxide
In addition to outdoor sources, nitrogen dioxide can also be present in indoor air pollution. For example, it can be released from gas stoves and other combustion appliances. It is important to ensure proper ventilation in homes and buildings to reduce exposure to this pollutant.
Overall, nitrogen dioxide is a significant risk factor for asthma and can have serious health impacts. It is important to raise awareness about the dangers of this pollutant and to implement measures to reduce emissions and improve air quality. By taking steps to reduce exposure to nitrogen dioxide, people with asthma can help to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
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Particulate matter
PM10 penetrates the respiratory system and is deposited in the bronchial airways, while PM2.5 and PM0.1 can penetrate deeper into the respiratory system, reach the bloodstream and generate oxidation reactions and systemic inflammation. The harmful potential of these pollutants depends on their composition and size.
People with asthma are at greater risk from breathing in small particles and irritating gases. They can irritate the airways and make asthma worse. Particulate matter, especially diesel exhaust particles (DEP), can generate oxidative stress on the bronchial cell surface.
High levels of particulate matter (diesel particles) can precipitate the onset of symptoms in asthma patients, increasing the number of visits to the emergency services and hospitalizations due to worsening disease.
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Second-hand smoke
It is important for individuals with asthma to avoid exposure to second-hand smoke as much as possible. This may include avoiding places where people smoke, such as bars or restaurants that allow smoking indoors, or requesting that family members or friends refrain from smoking around them. Additionally, proper ventilation and air filtration systems can help reduce the impact of second-hand smoke exposure.
Overall, second-hand smoke is a significant contributor to the aggravation of bronchial asthma and should be considered a serious health risk, especially for children.
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Frequently asked questions
Ozone, diesel exhaust particles, sulfur dioxide, and nitrous oxide are all common air pollutants that can aggravate bronchial asthma.
People with asthma are at greater risk from breathing in small particles and irritating gases. These can irritate the airways and make asthma worse.
PM10, PM2.5 and PM0.1 are different types of particulate matter (PM) that vary in size. PM10 penetrates the respiratory system and is deposited in the bronchial airways, while PM2.5 and PM0.1 can penetrate deeper into the respiratory system, reach the bloodstream and generate oxidation reactions and systemic inflammation.
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterised by variable airflow obstruction, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and airway inflammation.
Traffic-related air pollution, nitrogen dioxide and second-hand smoking (SHS) exposures represent significant risk factors for asthma development in children. However, a causal relation between air pollution and the development of adult asthma is not clearly established.
