The effect of air pollution on asthma sufferers

Air pollution and asthma

Air pollution is a common a problem, especially in large cities. The consequences of this are a high risk of breathing problems, especially for those with lung problems such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the elderly, and those with heart problems.

The UK, does not tend to see the same very high levels as the world’s highest-ranking polluted cities, Beijing, New Delhi, Santiago in Chile, and Mexico City. However, more than 40 UK cities and towns have exceeded the World Health Organization's air pollution limits at some time.

The combination of sulphur dioxide - produced when fossil fuels are burned - and nitrogen dioxide from vehicles and generators, is a toxic mix. Some cities - such as Los Angeles, surrounded on three sides by mountains - find pollutants trapped under a layer of warm air and unable to escape. But low wind speeds found in the UK seem to be contributing to a similar effect, with pollutants not being blown away.

Symptoms of being affected by pollution include sore, irritated eyes and throat, and coughing. If you have asthma and COPD in particular, you may also get short of breath or wheezy - especially if you exercise and particularly outside. Generally, healthy people are unlikely to come to significant harm, but you should look out for these symptoms and avoid over exercising.

Warm weather may be enticing, but if pollution levels are high and you have certain conditions, you should enjoy sunny days through the window from the comfort of their own home.

What makes your asthma symptoms worse?

There are many factors that combined with pollution can make your asthma worse.

Exercise

Reducing the amount of oxygen the lungs can pass on to the bloodstream and the body’s vital organs. Any form of exercise increases the body’s need for oxygen, making symptoms worse when pollution levels are high, the government advises anyone with lung or heart problems to avoid unnecessary exercise and to carry their ‘reliever’ inhaler with them at all times.

Hay Fever

People with hay fever are also more prone to asthma. High pollen counts, causing severe hay fever symptoms, can make asthma worse too. Most hay fever sufferers are allergic to grass pollen, making their peak time for symptoms May to July. Others are more affected by tree pollen and suffer most from March to May.

Allergies

In children, asthma is usually caused by allergy. Young people with asthma often have other ‘allergic’ conditions such as hay fever or eczema in the family.

Other common triggers

When asthma starts in adulthood, the most common triggers include:

• Cigarette smoke - including passive smoking.

• Catching a cold.

• Irritation of your airways from perfumes or chemicals - including home cleaning products.

• Occasionally, chemicals or dust at work.

How can I help avoid asthma symptoms?

• Do not smoke and avoid smoky places.

• Avoid sudden changes in temperature.

• If your symptoms are brought on by exercise or allergy to animals, take your reliever inhaler before you exercise or visit someone who has pets.

• Get a flu jab every winter from early October.

• Get a pneumococcal vaccination every 10 years.

• Take regular treatment, such as tablets, or eye or nose drops for hay fever, if you have it.

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