We all know that feeling – some days, the air just feels heavy, almost like it’s harder to breathe. That’s air pollution, and it’s more than just a hazy day. It can have a real impact on our health, especially for those with asthma or sinus problems. Think back to the recent wildfires in Los Angeles – that thick smoke made it tough for everyone to breathe. That’s because wildfires, along with everyday things like car exhaust and factory fumes, release tiny particles and gases into the air that can irritate our lungs and trigger respiratory issues.1,2
What's Lingering in the Air We Breathe?
Air pollution is a mix of different pollutants, each with its own way of causing trouble:3
- Fine particulate matter (tiny particles like PM2.5 and PM10): These tiny particles, invisible to the naked eye, can travel deep into our respiratory system, triggering inflammation and making existing conditions like asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) worse.4
- Ozone (O3): This gas forms when pollutants from cars and factories react with sunlight. Ozone irritates the airways, leading to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, especially in those with asthma.5,6
- Nitrogen dioxide (NO2): Produced mainly from burning fossil fuels, NO2 can inflame the lining of the airways, making us more vulnerable to infections and aggravating CRS.7
- Pollen and mold: While not pollutants themselves, air pollution can worsen the effects of pollen and mold, common triggers for both asthma and CRS.
Asthma and Air Pollution
For people with asthma, air pollution can be a major trigger for attacks, causing airways to constrict and making it difficult to breathe. Studies have shown that exposure to pollutants like tiny particles and our ozone can increase hospital visits and medication use for those with asthma.8 Furthermore, children exposed to high levels of air pollution are more likely to develop asthma.
Chronic Rhinosinusitis and Air Pollution
Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) involves inflammation of the nasal passages and sinuses, leading to symptoms like congestion, facial pain, and headaches. Air pollution can worsen these symptoms and increase the frequency of sinus infections. Research suggests that long-term exposure to air pollution may even contribute to the development of CRS.9,10
Taking Action for Cleaner Air
While we can’t always control the air we breathe, we can take steps to minimize the impact of air pollution and advocate for cleaner air:
- Stay informed: Check air quality reports and take precautions on bad air quality days.
- Reduce exposure: Limit strenuous outdoor activities when pollution levels are high.11
- Improve indoor air quality: Use air purifiers with HEPA filters.
- Manage existing conditions: Work with your doctor to manage asthma and CRS effectively.
- Advocate for change: Support policies and initiatives that promote cleaner air for everyone.
Remember, breathing clean air is essential for our health. By understanding the impact of air pollution and taking action, we can protect ourselves and our communities.
References
- American Lung Association. (2022). Health Impact of Pollution | State of the Air. Www.lung.org; American Lung Association. https://www.lung.org/research/sota/health-risks
- Jaffe, D. A., O’Neill, S. M., Larkin, N. K., Holder, A. L., Peterson, D. L., Halofsky, J. E., & Rappold, A. G. (2020). Wildfire and prescribed burning impacts on air quality in the United States. Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association (1995), 70(6), 583–615. https://doi.org/10.1080/10962247.2020.1749731
- World Health Organization. (2021). Types of pollutants. Www.who.int. https://www.who.int/teams/environment-climate-change-and-health/air-quality-and-health/health-impacts/types-of-pollutants
- California Air Resources Board. (2015). Inhalable Particulate Matter and Health (PM2.5 and PM10). Ca.gov. https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/resources/inhalable-particulate-matter-and-health
- What is Ozone? | California Air Resources Board. (2020, November 6). Ww2.Arb.ca.gov. https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/resources/fact-sheets/what-ozone
- Research Finds New Cause of Ozone Wheezing and Potential Treatments. (2015, August 28). National Institutes of Health (NIH). https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/research-finds-new-cause-ozone-wheezing-potential-treatments
- Basic Information about NO2 . (2023, July 25). US EPA. https://www.epa.gov/no2-pollution/basic-information-about-no2
- US EPA,OAR. (2016, March 21). Health Effects of Ozone in Patients with Asthma and Other Chronic Respiratory Disease | US EPA. US EPA. https://www.epa.gov/ozone-pollution-and-your-patients-health/health-effects-ozone-patients-asthma-and-other-chronic
- Bose, S., Grammer, L. C., & Peters, A. T. (2016). Infectious Chronic Rhinosinusitis. The journal of allergy and clinical immunology. In practice, 4(4), 584–589. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaip.2016.04.008
- Johns Hopkins Medicine Researchers Show How Air Pollution May Cause Chronic Sinusitis. (2021). Hopkinsmedicine.org. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/newsroom/news-releases/2021/07/johns-hopkins-medicine-researchers-show-how-air-pollution-may-cause-chronic-sinusitis
- US EPA, O. (2021, September 20). Should You Exercise Outside in Air Pollution? Www.epa.gov. https://www.epa.gov/sciencematters/should-you-exercise-outside-air-pollution
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