Most of us believe that it is safe to breathe the air of our homes. However, the indoor air is sometimes even more polluted than on the outside. Common indoor air pollutants can cause respiratory discomfort, lung disease and exacerbations of COPD.
Indoor air pollution is an important risk factor for the development of chronic respiratory diseases.
What is COPD?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common, preventable, treatable respiratory disease characterized by persistent symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, and sputum production.
Tens of millions of people around the world suffer from COPD, a life-threatening lung disease that encompasses several diseases such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
COPD: in numbers
More than 400 million people around the world suffer from COPD. In India, about 15 million cases of COPD are expected, including 9 million men and 6 million women.
COPD is currently the fourth leading cause of death in the world, accounting for about 6% of all deaths.
Risk factors
Smoking is a major risk factor for COPD worldwide. However, there is an increase in the number of cases of tobacco-free COPD, especially in developing countries like India, where the quality of indoor air is mediocre.
World No Tobacco Day: Smoking Can Hurts Eyes, Bones and Brain
Thrill Kills
May 31, 2018
Most smokers think that smoking is cool. No matter how you do it, tobacco is dangerous for your health. Tobacco contains more than 7,000 toxins and 70 known carcinogens (chemicals that increase the risk of cancer) and can damage almost any organ in the body.
Dr. Sachin Kumar, Senior Consultant in Respirology at Sakra World Hospital, explains how smoking affects all parts of your body.
The next time you're tempted to make an effort, stop for a minute and think about the consequences of your indulgence.
Brain
May 31, 2018
Smoking generally helps smokers to relax in the short term. But, this has a huge price in the long run. Smoking causes addiction and anxiety. It changes brain chemistry and can increase the risk of stroke.
Mouth and throat
May 31, 2018
Cancer of the mouth and throat is common among smokers. In addition, smoking can also lead to gum disease, premature tooth loss, tooth discoloration, etc.
lungs
May 31, 2018
Lung cancer, one of the leading causes of death in the world, is growing because of smoking. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which causes breathing difficulties, is another common cause of death among smokers. Chronic bronchitis, bronchial inflammation that also causes breathing difficulties, is mainly due to smoking.
Smoking also increases the risk of other infections such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, etc.
Heart
May 31, 2018
Smoking is one of the main causes of heart disease. Regular smokers, as well as passive / passive smokers, are at high risk for heart disease.
Tobacco also contributes to heart disease by reducing the good cholesterol (HDL) and increasing the bad cholesterol (LDL and triglycerides) in the body.
Passive smoking or environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) has been shown to contain the same dangerous chemicals as cigarettes, including formaldehyde and carbon monoxide. It is estimated that 7% of women who use biomass and who have never smoked in their lifetime also suffer from COPD.
The majority of our rural population still uses biofuel for cooking. Fumes emitted by these fuels generate dangerous chemicals that can cause respiratory problems such as COPD, if people are exposed to it longer.
Other risk factors for people who stay indoors are common biological pollutants such as molds, pollen, pet dander and dust mite particles.
Can we reverse COPD?
This condition can not be completely reversed, but a healthy lifestyle and proper treatment can help control the disease.
Overall, men and women are exposed to heavy indoor air pollutants and are 2 to 3 times more likely to suffer from breathing problems. People spend most of their time indoors. Therefore, it is essential to take immediate action to improve the quality of indoor air.
Steps to improve the quality of indoor air: – Wash the sheets frequently to get rid of dust mites. Maintaining an indoor humidity level of less than 50% can also help.
– Avoid smoking indoors to improve the quality of the air.
– Keeping plants indoors can be a health benefit. Various studies suggest that indoor plants can significantly reduce indoor air pollution.
– Air filtration units can also be used to improve the quality of indoor air. The use of LPG instead of biofuel for cooking can significantly reduce the level of indoor pollution.
Simple steps taken to improve indoor air quality in homes and offices can significantly reduce the burden of chronic respiratory disease.
(The author is a consulting pulmonologist at BGS Gleneagles Global Hospitals in Bengaluru)
Better skin, more savings and other surprising benefits of saying no to smoking
Kick The Butt
June 11, 2018
Usually, the urge to smoke lasts only a few minutes. Whenever you feel the need to take a whiff, drink plenty of water to lessen the urge.
One of the main reasons for the urge to smoke is stress. So, avoid stress by practicing yoga and engaging in therapeutic activities such as dancing, gardening and practicing your favorite sport.
Quitting is the best thing for yourself. Quitting smoking can reduce the risk of cancer and various other diseases. However, Pooja Duggal, CEO of HealthHunt, shares five other benefits of refusing to smoke.
Improved senses
June 11, 2018
Smoking can tarnish your sense of taste and smell. However, the damage is reversible. A few days after quitting, your food will taste better and smell better. Over time, your taste will return to your normal taste and you will enjoy your meals to the fullest.
Better levels of energy
June 11, 2018
Once you stop smoking, the level of oxygen increases in your body. Oxygen stimulates energy, which facilitates physical activity. Stopping this pack of cigarettes could help you get those six pack abs.
Better skin, younger
June 11, 2018
Smoking can lead to premature signs of aging, such as fine lines, sagging skin, wrinkles and irregular tone. By refusing to smoke, you will get perfect and younger skin.
Additional savings
June 11, 2018
Cigarettes have become more expensive than ever after the 28% GST on tobacco. If you smoke a cigarette a day at Rs 15, you end up spending Rs 450 a month. For people who smoke more than one cigarette, the value keeps going up. For a month, if you deposit the money you spend on cigarettes and smoking equipment in a piggy bank, you will be surprised to see everything you have been able to collect.
