Air pollution increases respiratory diseases, and effects go beyond immediate symptoms
August and September are known to be the months of Brazil. To make matters worse, during this period there are also frequent ones, especially in the North and Midwest of the country, an environmental problem that aggravates pollution. Therefore, experts warn that this season should be of health care with health.
“During the burning and dry season, air quality worsens significantly due to the increase in unreachable particles, such as soot, toxic smoke and dust gases, which irritate and harm mucous membranes, making us more sick.”explains pulmonologist Fernanda Miranda de Oliveira, from Einstein Hospital Israelita in Goiânia.
This dry, polluted air compromises the bronchi and facilitates the entry of viruses and bacteria into the body, which leads to a significant increase in hospitalizations for respiratory reasons. “Smoke [das queimadas] and dryness create a combo that compromises the airways, worsens chronic respiratory diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cause discomfort even in healthy people ”warns.
Children under 5 years old, elderly, pregnant women and people with chronic respiratory and cardiac diseases are among the most vulnerable groups to these effects.
Health impacts may appear immediately or after a while. “When we breathe this dry, polluted air from burning, we have problems that are immediate, such as increasing cases of bronchiolitis and rhinitis crises, but there is also a long term impact.”warns Pulmonologist Eduardo Algranti, coordinator of the Scientific Committee on Environmental and Occupational Respiratory Diseases of SBPT (Brazilian Society of Pulmonology and Tisiology).
According to Algranti, frequent exposure to this air pollution can even increase the risk of lung cancer. “All burnt is harmful, but those of urban environment are even worse for this. We are talking about burning plastic, chemicals, metals and waste, which adds toxic and potentially carcinogens to the air we breathe.”explains the SBPT expert.
Simple measures at home help
Because of these serious health effects, protecting the home environment is essential. Experts advise to close windows at times when there is intense smoke. The ideal is to ventilate the house only in the moments with lower concentration of pollutants, such as early in the morning or at night. Keeping the environment clean and damp is also a recommended measure to avoid dryness and reducing soot accumulation.
Another guidance is to moderate in the use of air conditioning, as these devices further dry the air. “Humidifiers are very useful, but we can not overdo it either. They should not be linked to closed environments and need to be sanitized frequently to avoid mold proliferation or exceed the ideal moisture recommendation, which is 40% to 60%”, Guides Einstein’s pulmonologist. She suggests measures such as distributing wet towels or buckets with water in the rooms to humidify the environment more controlled.
Care of hydration and exercises
The best measure, however, is to drink plenty of water. Eating liquids regularly compensates for the effects of dryness and helps the body avoid cardiorespiratory problems caused by dehydration and smoke. At least 35 ml of water per kg of body weight is recommended to ensure good hydration.
Also, you need to avoid sweating too much. During extreme hot days, wear light and breathable clothes that help regulate body temperature. Avoid sun exposure from 10am to 4pm and the practice of outdoor physical activity, especially if there are nearby burning. “The exercises, in addition to making us sweat excessively, open the airways further, which increases contact with pollutants, which do not disperse properly without rainfall.”observes Eduardo Algranti. On the highest smoke concentration days, the ideal is to wear PFF₂ masks, especially those in risk groups or already have previous respiratory conditions.
Even with these measures, it is important to observe symptoms of respiratory problems. Signs such as persistent cough, burning eyes, wheezing and constant tiredness sensation indicates that the respiratory system was affected by air quality. Those who have chronic diseases should seek medical attention.
People with asthma, COPD, emphysema or other diseases that compromise pulmonary capacity need to keep control drugs up to date according to their medical recommendations and rigorously follow the same care guidelines for the general population. It is also recommended to create an action plan for crisis and not postpone medical attention in the face of any worsening.
With information from the agency Einstein.
