Dangers of Air Pollution to Allergic Colds

Air pollution can cause interference with the respiratory tract, one of which is allergic colds or allergic rhinitis. Air pollution is not only found outdoors, but can also be indoors. For example, in a factory, office, or even at home. Substances that are pollutants (causing pollution) in the air are carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), formaldehyde, phthalate, and polluting particles (PM). These various types of substances can trigger allergic colds in some people. Indoors, air pollution comes from toxic gases, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), mites, pet dander, fungi, bacteria, and viruses. These pollutants are generally produced from emissions of vehicles, building materials, household furniture, air freshener, cooking, smoking, or when someone coughs and sneezes in the room. According to research abroad, the cause of air pollution can reach 5 times more when indoors than outdoors. This happens due to lack of ventilation to ensure air circulation, increased synthetic materials as building materials and furniture, as well as the use of home cleaning products. In fact, from the same study states that people who often experience allergies spend more time indoors.

Dangers of Air Pollution to Allergic Colds

Allergic colds or allergic rhinitis are different from colds due to infections. Allergic rhinitis is inflammation of the inside of the nose caused by allergens, which are allergens, such as dust and particles of pollution. While colds due to infections are caused by viruses and bacteria. When exposed to allergens that come from air pollution, the immune system reacts because it considers allergens as dangerous objects. As a result, the body produces a number of chemicals that make the nasal mucous membranes swell and the production of mucus in the nose increases. Although different, allergic rhinitis has several symptoms that are similar to runny nose infections, namely sneezing, runny nose, itching, and congestion. These symptoms usually appear shortly after exposure to allergens. To treat allergic colds, you need to avoid the triggering factors for allergic reactions. In addition, you can also take medicines, especially if complaints are very disturbing. If left untreated, allergic rhinitis can cause:

• Sinusitis

Sinus cavities around the nose naturally produce mucus. However, when it is blocked or inflamed due to allergic rhinitis, mucus cannot flow out so there is easy infection and inflammation of the sinuses, which is called sinusitis. Sinusitis can cause breathing difficulties, decreased sense of smell, snoring during sleep, or even sleep apnea.

• Otitis media

Otitis media is inflammation of the middle ear. This condition occurs when rhinitis causes inflammation and swelling of the eustachian tubes that connect the nose and ears. If the duct is blocked due to swelling, fluid can accumulate in the middle ear and behind the eardrum, making infection and inflammation easy. Otitis media can cause hearing loss.

• Nasal polyps

Nasal polyps are lumps that grow in the lining inside the nose or sinuses. If the size is large enough or the amount is large, nasal polyps can block breathing and reduce the sharpness of smell. Large polyps usually need to be treated with surgery.

United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that air pollution is one of the main causes of the emergence of health problems, especially in breathing. The effects of air pollution on health can be exacerbated by the conditions of a narrow room, damp, and inadequate ventilation. If a house is poorly ventilated, air circulation will not run smoothly, so pollutants accumulate in the house. This is what triggers allergic rhinitis. In addition, studies show that children who live close to pollution or are often exposed to dust and mites, are more at risk of developing allergies as adults. Allergic triggers for each person is different, but the most common cause of allergic colds is air pollution. To prevent allergic colds, clean the house regularly and make sure the air circulation is good, so that the air quality in the house is maintained.