Know how this double burden affects your body

Exposure to air pollution can increase the risk of infection with the severe form of COVID-19

Many countries around the world are experiencing high levels of air pollution. After a few months of blockade, some cities in India have a fiercely toxic air quality. Experts believe that high levels of air pollution and the COVID-19 pandemic can be a “toxic combination” that can have “disastrous consequences.” Dr. Maria Neria of the World Health Organization said in a video that exposure to air pollution represents the premature death of 7 million people each year. COVID-19 is primarily a respiratory illness, and exposure to toxic air increases the risk of respiratory illness.

Air Pollution and COVID-19: Know How This Double Burden Affects Our Body And What You Can Do

This means that people exposed to toxic air are more sensitive and vulnerable to COVID-19, Dr. Neria says in a video published on YouTube.

Explaining how air pollution affects our body, “If the air quality we breathe during air pollution is poor, we go directly to the lungs. Through the lungs, such as obstructive chronic lung disease, etc. It increases the risk of chronic respiratory illness and can cause significant damage, such as asthma, pneumonia, and lung cancer. “

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Air pollution significantly increases the concentration of particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5), which is a small particle in the air. When these small particles, one-thirtieth the size of human hair, are inhaled, they travel to the base of the lungs into the bloodstream, causing extensive damage to all major organs of the body.

“There is solid evidence to suggest that the proportion of people infected with COVID-19 is much higher in areas with high levels of air pollution. There is a strong correlation between air pollution and the severity of COVID-19 infection. Yes, and the result is an increase. People who recover from COVID-19 infection are also very vulnerable to pollution, “Dr. P Raghu Ram, president of the Indian Surgeons Association, told Doctor NDTV.

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What can you do to maintain protection?

Basic guidelines for protection from COVID-19, such as washing your hands regularly, keeping a physical distance, and always wearing a mask, are of utmost importance. According to WHO advice, it is important to avoid the three Cs: crowded areas, closed environments and poorly ventilated closed areas.

Dr. Lam suggests the following tips to keep in mind:

• Please limit your outing as much as possible. Elderly people, immunocompromised people, and people with chronic respiratory illness must stay indoors.
• Wearing a properly worn mask and keeping a social distance are essential when going out to the community.
• Hand hygiene is very important.
• Outdoor exercise is a recipe for disasters, as increased inhalation of contaminated air can cause serious damage to the respiratory system. Adjust to “new normal” to increase indoor physical activity.
• Indoor air pollution needs to be controlled. Avoid incense sticks and mosquito repellent sprays.
• Do not fire crackers as they only deteriorate the air quality.
• Do simple yoga exercises like Simha Kriya. That way, your immunity can be greatly enhanced. You can also do pranayama (breathing) and mediation to calm your mind and body.
• Eat a healthy diet as it helps boost your immunity.
• Being Positive-Having a positive mindset is very important in this “disastrous situation” around us.

Wash your hands as regularly as possible
Photo courtesy of iStock

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(Dr. P Raghu Ram, President of Indian Surgeon Association)

Disclaimer: This content, including advice, provides general information only. It is by no means a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult your specialist or family doctor for more information. NDTV is not responsible for this information.