Muscat: There is no vital organ in the body that is more susceptible to diseases than the lungs. Not being able to breathe is the most painful and tormenting experience for a human being. The lungs are the largest internal organ in the body and the only internal organ that is constantly exposed to the external environment. Everyone who breathes is exposed to infectious and toxic agents in the air. At a time when respiratory diseases are causing death around the world, one must be cautious to avoid environmental hazards.
It is now widely accepted that climate change is caused by anthropogenic factors. Climate change is increasing water and air pollution that can cause and exacerbate chronic respiratory diseases, such as asthma. Increased temperatures due to climate change causes inflammation in the airway and tissue damages in the lungs.
Dr Dilip Singhvi, Specialist in Internal Medicine, said, “Due to the change of season, we experience frequent storms with rain or dust in the air.”
The change of season usually affects a large part of the community, especially people who suffer from respiratory diseases such as asthma, which is accelerated by an allergic reaction to dust or particles, causing shortness of breath and coughing. Patients with chronic lung diseases such as emphysema or bronchitis can develop them. Seasonal influenza (influenza virus) that comes every year will increase when there is a decrease in temperature.
Dr Viresh Chopra of Oman Dental College said to avoid respiratory infections due to changing weather one should wash hands, wear warm clothes and keep the body dry, and avoid inhaling smoke. If you have asthma or COPD, keep your inhaler nearby, avoid exposure to indoor pollutants that can harm your lungs, exercise, take precautions against exposure to dust and cold, use a mask, and avoid going out if not necessary.
People with respiratory illnesses are advised to take influenza vaccines.
