How Does Air Pollution Affect Allergies, Cough and Throat Irritation?

Delhi’s winter air can leave you with a blocked nose, a scratchy throat or a cough that keeps returning. You might think you have caught a winter cold. But there are other reasons, too, which include dust, smoke and gases and particulate matter.

Air pollution and respiratory health are important concerns, especially for young children, senior citizens and those already dealing with breathing disorders. It is important to know what can trigger these symptoms so that you can protect yourself accordingly.

Air Pollution Effects in Delhi

Traffic emissions, dust from construction, industrial emissions and crop residue burning cause poor air quality in Delhi NCR.

The air contains pollutants that affect different parts of your respiratory system.

Pollutant	Common Source	Possible Effect
PM2.5	Vehicle exhaust, stubble burning	Cough and breathing difficulties
PM10	Construction and road dust	Nasal and throat irritation
Nitrogen dioxide	Traffic and industry	Increased asthma symptoms
Sulphur dioxide	Industrial emissions	Wheezing and throat irritation
Ozone	Sunlight reacting with fumes	Cough and chest irritation

When inhaled, tiny pollutants can reach the lower parts of the lungs, and worsen existing breathing conditions.

How Air Pollution Affects Allergies

Polluted air may make existing allergies worse. For example, if you are sensitive to pollen, it may cause sneezing when you are outside. Other people may develop watery eyes or blocked nose.

Dust and fumes can irritate the airways, thus making allergy even worse.

People with asthma and allergic rhinitis could experience even more discomfort in case of poor outdoor air quality.

Air Pollution Causing Cough

Cough is a mechanism for getting rid of particles and extra mucus from the breathing passages.

When you inhale polluted air, it may irritate these passages and lead to the formation of extra mucus. This may cause a dry cough or a cough with phlegm.

Wheezing may also happen, especially in cases of sensitive airways. But infections and other diseases can also cause similar symptoms.

Throat Irritation Due to Air Pollution

Fumes, dust, and smoke can make your throat feel dry or sore. Some people experience burning, hoarseness or even frequent throat clearing.

These are just some of the effects of air pollution on the throat.

In case of nasal irritation, there can be a postnasal drip. Mucus drips down to the back of your throat and causes a cough.

How Can You Reduce Your Exposure to Pollution?

Here are some small steps that you can take to breathe cleaner air.

• Look up your area’s current pollution levels before planning any outdoor activities.
• Choose indoor physical activities on days, when the outdoor air is heavily polluted.
• Wear an N95 mask to limit exposure to fine particles.
• Close your windows, in case of poor outdoor air quality.
• Do not smoke and stay away from indoor sources of smoke.
• Sip water regularly throughout the day to help relieve throat dryness, and discomfort.

These steps may help to decrease your exposure but not eliminate all health risks.

When Should You See a Doctor?

If you have been suffering from a persistent cough for more than two weeks, then you must get your condition examined by a doctor. See a doctor if you are having continuous wheezing, fever or soreness in your throat.

It is also necessary to contact a doctor immediately, if you have serious trouble breathing or chest pain.

Visit a General Physician in Dwarka to find out the cause of your symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Does air pollution cause coughing and throat irritation?
  Yes, inhaling dust, smoke, gases and particulate matter can irritate your airways and cause discomfort.
• How are air pollution and throat irritation connected?
  Airborne pollutants can irritate the throat mucous membrane and can lead to dryness, soreness or constant throat clearing.
• Does pollution worsen existing allergies?
  Yes, air pollution may worsen sneezing, nasal congestion, etc., in sensitive people.
• Can air pollution-caused cough be confused with an infection?
  Yes, they both can cause similar symptoms. A medical examination can help you figure out the reason.

Consult Ayushman Hospital and Health Services

Knowing about air pollution and respiratory health helps you understand when it is time to visit a doctor.

Get in touch with Ayushman Hospital and Health Services to learn about visiting a General Physician in Dwarka.