Air Pollution in Delhi: Effects on Lung Health & At-Home Tests | MaxAtHome

1. How Delhi’s Air Pollution Impacts Lungs and Why Lung Function Tests Are Essential

2. What Makes Delhi’s Air Hazardous? Delhi’s poor air quality results from multiple overlapping factors that release harmful pollutants, particles, and gases into the atmosphere. These combined sources contribute to the city’s recurring air pollution crisis. PM2.5 and PM10: Fine Particles That Damage Lung Health Delhi’s poor air quality results from multiple overlapping factors that release harmful pollutants, particles, and gases into the atmosphere. These combined sources contribute to the city’s recurring air pollution crisis. PM2.5 and PM10: Fine Particles That Damage Lung Health Delhi’s poor air quality results from multiple overlapping factors that release harmful pollutants, particles, and gases into the atmosphere. These combined sources contribute to the city’s recurring air pollution crisis.

3. Short-Term Effects How Air Pollution Affects Lung Health Air pollution directly impacts how well the lungs function and how efficiently they supply oxygen to the body. Prolonged exposure to polluted air allows harmful particles and gases to enter the respiratory system, causing inflammation and damaging delicate lung tissue. The effects can be both short-term and long-term, depending on the level and duration of exposure. In the short term, exposure to polluted air can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. People often experience coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath after being outdoors for extended periods, especially during high-pollution days. For those with asthma or allergies, symptoms can worsen as pollutants inflame the airways and reduce airflow. This is how air pollution causes respiratory problems such as acute bronchitis or asthma flare-ups, even in otherwise healthy individuals. Long-Term Impact Continuous exposure to toxic air can lead to lasting damage. Fine particles and gases gradually weaken lung tissue, resulting in conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and an increased risk of lung cancer. Over time, lung capacity decreases, making breathing more difficult and reducing overall stamina. Children, older adults, and people with pre-existing respiratory conditions are particularly vulnerable to these effects, as their lungs are either still developing or already weakened.

4. Warning Signs That You May Need a Lung Checkup Prolonged exposure to polluted air can gradually reduce lung function, often without obvious symptoms at first. Recognising early warning signs is essential to prevent long-term damage. Some common air pollution symptoms that suggest it may be time for a lung check-up test include: • Persistent cough or breathlessness: If you experience continuous coughing, wheezing, or find it hard to breathe even after mild activity, it could signal underlying respiratory irritation or inflammation. • Chest discomfort or recurrent infections: Frequent respiratory infections, tightness, or pain in the chest may suggest your lungs are struggling to filter out pollutants effectively. • Unexplained fatigue or wheezing: Feeling unusually tired or noticing a whistling sound while breathing can point to reduced oxygen exchange or airway constriction caused by pollution-related damage. Additional Blood Tests A group of blood tests, including CBC, CRP, ESR, IgE, LDH, Carboxyhemoglobin, Ferritin, D-Dimer, and Allergy Panel, can reveal inflammation, infection, allergic sensitivity, or cell damage caused by poor air quality. Together, these evaluations offer a complete overview of lung health and can guide timely medical action to minimise the effects of Delhi’s rising pollution levels.

5. Conclusion While the effects of air pollution on the lungs can be serious, timely prevention and early detection make a significant difference. Regular lung function tests help identify early signs of damage, allowing for prompt care before symptoms worsen. With MaxAtHome, you can conveniently schedule a lung check-up at home, ensuring continuous monitoring and professional guidance without stepping out. From complete body checkups in Delhi to specialised lung function tests, MaxAtHome provides comprehensive testing facilities to help safeguard your health against Delhi’s persistent pollution and support long-term wellness.Reference Link: https://www.maxathome.in/blogs/air-pollution-in-delhi-causes-effects-lung-health