Asthma
Air pollution can make it harder to breathe. It can also cause other symptoms, like coughing, wheezing, chest discomfort, and a burning feeling in the lungs.
Several air pollutants can affect asthma. In the Sydney region the two key air pollutants for people with asthma are ozone and particles. When ozone and particle pollution is high, adults and children with asthma are more likely to have symptoms.
Air pollution can make asthma symptoms worse and trigger attacks.
People with asthma will generally experience health effects earlier and at lower ozone levels than less sensitive individuals.
Ozone can aggravate asthma. When ozone levels are high, more people with asthma have attacks that require a doctor's attention or the use of additional medication.
Ozone makes people more sensitive to allergens, which are the most common triggers for asthma attacks. People with asthma are also more severely affected by the reduced lung function and irritation that ozone causes in the respiratory system.
Particle pollution contains microscopic solids or liquid droplets that are so small that they can get deep into the lungs and cause serious health problems. The size of particles is linked to their potential for causing health problems.
If you have lung disease, and you are exposed to particles, you may not be able to breathe as deeply or vigorously as normal. You may have respiratory symptoms including coughing, phlegm, chest discomfort, wheezing and shortness of breath. Particles can also increase your susceptibility to respiratory infections.
If you have these symptoms talk with your doctor.
