Tech and tips to breathe easy

Every winter, North India faces a severe air and water pollution crisis, as smog envelops the region, leaving millions vulnerable to respiratory and systemic illnesses. The combination of air pollution and cold weather exacerbates breathing difficulties, especially for children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

However, the impact of pollution extends beyond the respiratory system, affecting other major organs. Its adverse impact on gastrointestinal tract and liver, two critical systems, is often overlooked.

As a senior doctor practising in Delhi, I have seen an increase in emergency visits as patients face exacerbations of asthma and COPD, digestive discomforts and signs of liver strain.

Understanding the effects of pollution and adopting preventive measures — both behavioural and technological — can mitigate this public health challenge to a large extent.

Impact on airways, GI tract, and liver: Air pollution is composed of harmful elements such as particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Among these, PM2.5 (particles smaller than 2.5 microns) is especially dangerous because it penetrates deep into the lungs, enters the bloodstream, and impacts other organs.

Respiratory system: Pollutants irritate the airways, triggering inflammation, narrowing bronchi and impairing oxygen exchange. In asthma and COPD patients, this leads to exacerbations, breathlessness and prolonged recovery.

Children exposed to polluted air risk stunted lung growth, while adults face accelerated lung function decline.

GI system and liver: I have seen a rise in incidences of bloating, inflammation and altered nutrient absorption as soon as smog starts. Pollutants can get ingested through food or water or inhaled particles. When they enter the bloodstream, the gut microbiota gets disrupted, leading to various digestive issues.

Micro-pollutants like heavy metals and pesticides strain the liver, the body’s primary detoxifying organ, leading to oxidative stress and increasing the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Long-term exposure can result in chronic liver inflammation or fibrosis.

Respiratory and other issues: Winter aggravates pollution’s impact due to environmental and human factors. These include:

• Cold air traps pollutants near the ground, increasing concentrations at breathing levels.
• Stubble burning and vehicular and industrial emissions add to the air pollution.
• Low wind speeds allow smog to accumulate and persist.
• Cold air irritates the airways and slows the breakdown of pollutants in the atmosphere.

These factors contribute to a rise in acute cases of asthma, bronchitis, and systemic conditions like gastritis and liver inflammation.

Technology to the rescue

While tackling the sources of pollution requires systemic reforms, technology can help reduce exposure to pollution and safeguard health.

Air purifiers: HEPA-based purifiers trap up to 99.97 per cent of particles like PM2.5, offering immediate indoor protection. Advanced models have activated carbon filters to neutralise harmful gases and VOCs and UV-C technology to kill pathogens. Smart purifiers now detect air quality levels in real time.

Water purification systems: Contaminated water carrying micro-pollutants like heavy metals and pesticides impacts liver and GI health. Reverse osmosis (RO) systems and UV water purifiers ensure clean, pollutant-free drinking water.

Smart air quality monitors: These devices provide real-time data on indoor and outdoor air quality. Many of these connect to apps, offering information about when to activate purifiers or limit exposure.

N95 masks and advanced respirators: N95 masks effectively filter airborne particles, including PM2.5. Advanced designs with PM2.5 filters or battery-operated powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) enhance protection during prolonged outdoor exposure.

Wearable air purifiers: Compact devices using ionisation technology create a personal clean air zone, offering supplementary protection in crowded or polluted environments.

Emerging technologies: AI-based systems integrate air-quality sensors with ventilation and filtration controls, adapting to pollution levels. These innovations are particularly effective in large spaces like hospitals, offices and public buildings.

Preventive measures beyond technology, such as limiting outdoor exposure, hydration and nutrition, maintaining hygiene and limiting intake of processed foods containing chemical additives are critical.

While individual interventions like air purifiers and masks provide immediate relief, systemic solutions remain vital. Cleaner fuels, stricter vehicular emission standards, and sustainable agricultural practices must be prioritised. Additionally, raising awareness about pollution’s far-reaching effects on overall health and encouraging small but impactful changes — like carpooling, reducing waste burning, and supporting green initiatives — can collectively drive change.

Winter smog is not just a respiratory threat, it is a systemic health hazard. By understanding how pollution affects various organs, adopting simple preventive measures and leveraging technological solutions, we can reduce its impact on our lives. The time to act is now.

With lifestyle changes, technology and collective commitment, we can ensure cleaner air, healthier bodies, and a brighter tomorrow.

— The writer is a liver transplant and robotic surgeon, Aakash Healthcare Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi