What Are the Symptoms of Poor Air Quality?

Symptoms of poor air quality can include coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezing, and increased asthma symptoms.

Air pollution is a major environmental problem that affects the health of millions of people around the world. Poor air quality can cause various health symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness, chest pain, and respiratory problems.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the most common symptoms of poor air quality and how to protect yourself from its harmful effects.

Headaches

Headaches Home Poor Air

When the air is polluted, it can cause inflammation in the body, leading to headaches. This is especially true for people suffering from migraines or other chronic headaches.

Inhaling polluted air can trigger a headache due to the toxins and irritants in the air. Pollutants such as ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter can all contribute to headaches when inhaled over long periods.

Exposure to smoke from burning wood or coal can also lead to headaches due to its high levels of carbon monoxide and other pollutants.

Fatigue

Fatigue Poor Air

It occurs when the body is exposed to pollutants in the air, such as ozone, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter. These pollutants can cause inflammation in the lungs and other organs, leading to fatigue.

People exposed to high levels of these pollutants may experience extreme tiredness or exhaustion that does not go away with rest or sleep. They may also have difficulty concentrating and feel weak or dizzy.

In some cases, long-term exposure to poor air quality can lead to more severe health problems, such as respiratory illnesses and heart disease.

Coughing

Cough Home Polluted Air

When air quality is poor, it can contain a variety of pollutants that irritate the lungs and respiratory system. This irritation can cause coughing as a reaction to the foreign particles in the air.

Coughing may be dry or productive, meaning it produces mucus or phlegm. It may also be accompanied by other symptoms such as chest tightness, wheezing, shortness of breath, and sore throat.

People with asthma or other respiratory conditions are especially vulnerable to coughing due to poor air quality and should take extra precautions when exposed to polluted environments.

Wheezing

Wheezing Polluted Air

It is characterized by a whistling or squeaky sound when breathing, usually during inhalation. This sound occurs when the airways become narrowed due to inflammation caused by pollutants in the air.

People with asthma and other respiratory conditions are more likely to experience wheezing due to poor air quality, but it can affect anyone who breathes in polluted air. Wheezing can accompany shortness of breath, chest tightness, coughing, and difficulty breathing.

If you experience any of these symptoms after exposure to poor air quality, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately.

Chest Tightness

Chest Tightness At Home

It occurs when the air contains high levels of pollutants, such as dust, smoke, and other particles. These particles can irritate the lungs and cause chest tightness.

The feeling is similar to having a heavy weight on your chest or difficulty breathing deeply. Chest tightness can be accompanied by coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and fatigue.

People with asthma or other respiratory conditions may experience more severe symptoms when exposed to poor air quality.

Shortness of Breath

Shortness of Breath Polluted Air

It occurs when the air contains pollutants that irritate our lungs and make it difficult to take in enough oxygen. This can cause us to feel out of breath, even after minimal physical activity.

Sometimes, shortness of breath can be accompanied by chest tightness or wheezing. Poor air quality can also worsen respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD, making it even more difficult for those affected to breathe normally.

Eye Irritation

Eye Irritation Polluted Air

It occurs when particles in the air, such as dust, pollen, smoke, and other pollutants, come into contact with the eyes. These particles can cause inflammation and discomfort in the eyes, ranging from mild to severe.

Symptoms may include redness or burning sensation in the eyes; itching; watery or dry eyes; blurred vision; sensitivity to light; and a feeling of having something stuck in your eye. In some cases, people may also experience headaches or fatigue due to prolonged exposure to poor air quality.

Sore Throat

Sore Throat

A sore throat is an irritation or scratchiness in the back of the throat that can be accompanied by pain and difficulty swallowing. It is often caused by exposure to pollutants such as smoke, dust, pollen, and other airborne particles.

These particles irritate the throat’s lining and cause inflammation, leading to soreness. In addition to causing soreness, poor air quality can lead to coughing, sneezing, watery eyes, headaches, and fatigue.

Runny Nose

Runny Nose Home

It occurs when the air contains irritants like dust, smoke, or pollen. These particles can cause inflammation in the nasal passages, leading to a runny nose.

The mucus produced by a runny nose may be transparent or yellowish-green in color and can range from thin and watery to thick and sticky. Other symptoms of poor air quality that may accompany a runny nose include sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, sore throat, headaches, fatigue, chest tightness, or pain.