Our body is conditioned to the breathing process carried out by the respiratory tract functions as well as adapted to deal with pollutants that enter our breathing tract via nose and mouth. Air passes through the respiratory organs to our lungs that exhales the carbon dioxide and inhales the oxygen, thus keeping us alive. We breath because of the air around and hence the air around us affects out entire body system. Various pollutants enter our body and that is when the respiratory tract acts as a mechanical filter. It is the gatekeeper of the body that limits the passage of dangerous pollutants and bacteria from entering one’s body. With rising levels of pollution, the air we breath is not clean. It is filled with pollutants, many of which are responsible for outbreak of deadly diseases. No wonder, people all over the world are suffering from numerous respiratory conditions. Even though our respiratory tract acts as a filter some particles characterized as harmful pollutants may still enter the body.

How does the air we breathe affect the functioning of our body?

When our body comes in contact with these pollutants various filters like the hair-like cilia in the nose or the branching bronchi limits and traps the pollutants. However, not all pollutants are trapped and some end up going towards the direction of the lungs. They reach the pulmonary air sacs and start causing irritation and discomfort in the lungs. Our body’s immune system gets triggered and recognizes them as foreign bodies and responds through the process of inflammation. Even though this process helps in expelling the pollutants, it may cause damage to the lungs. This attack of foreign bodies can cause critical conditions as some particles have the tendency to enter the body’s blood flow from the lungs thus reaching various other organs. In the process, some pollutants might get trapped or destroyed, but some can reach the body’s placenta and damage the functioning of the brain. Once the particles reach this stage, it becomes quite impossible to eliminate them. As a result, they keep on accumulating making the condition even worse which may become the cause of grave chronic conditions in the future.

N95 Respirator: This mask has respirators that filter around 95% of very small particles with a capability of trapping virus as well as bacterial particles up to 0.3 microns in size. This polypropylene mask is not recommended for routine use of the general public. Highly recommended for doctors, front-line workers, people meeting COVID-19 confirmed patients etc.

Coronavirus and the air around us

Coronavirus is one such deadly virus transmitted through air and is highly responsible for deteriorating the functioning of the respiratory tract as well as the lungs. It is transmitted through the air around us causing serious complications, in some cases even death. Hence, controlling and filtering the air we breath has become the essential need of the hour. Today, because of the COVID-19 pandemic people are resorted to wear gloves and layered masks to avoid any impurities from entering the body. Social-distancing, coughing in a closed-elbow or using a tissue while sneezing and washing hands with an alcohol-based rub are some of the essential rules that should be religiously followed. Following these guidelines will not only prevent and control the spread of coronavirus but also other respiratory diseases.

How pollution and its effects affect the air we breathe?

Due to advanced development in the technology and infrastructure in the urban areas, most of the air-borne diseases spread rapidly in the urban environment as compared to rural environment. Lungs control the effective breathing process of the body and hence are continuously exposed to the air we breathe. The pollutants from the pollution around favour respiratory diseases like asthma, bronchitis, other chronic respiratory diseases and infections.

The air that we breath also reaches our heart thus affecting it to great extent. High air pollution levels releases stress hormones increasing the chances of cardiac arrest or stroke. The pollutants also hamper the mucus removal process of the body.

Air pollution also leads to inflammation that can harden our arteries thus helping the cholesterol to stick to its walls. Air pollution leads to chronic cardiovascular diseases and weakened cognitive ability in a person.

We are constantly exposed to air as well as also air pollution. And both cannot be avoided. Breathing is an inevitable part to stay alive and cannot be stopped. Hence, it is essential to control and curb the problem of air pollution, decrease the pollution levels as much as possible to facilitate filtered ambient air.

The air we breath affects every possible functioning of our body. If you ever experience symptoms pertaining to any respiratory functions always make sure to seek medical assistance or contact a pathology lab like Pathkind Pathology Labs. Pathkind Pathology Labs offer all kinds of diagnostic tests that help you to assess your condition. Our experts carefully analyse your condition through reliable tests and give you an accurate conclusion. Along with medical assistance it is also important to take care of yourself by practicing safe and hygienic respiratory practices.