Often breathe dust? this is a danger to your breathing

No matter where you live, dust is a part of your everyday life. In nature, dust is formed from the natural erosion of soil, sand and rock. Living things in nature also contribute to dust in the air: pollen, microscopic organisms, plant particles are also part of the dust in the environment. In urban areas, industrial activities, gardening, motorized vehicles, etc., are the main causes of dust.

Surely you have wondered, what will happen if we often breathe in dust?

The types of dust particles you need to know

Because they come from many sources, there are many types of dust. Some dust particles can be seen, some are invisible. The smaller the dust particles, the less likely you will be able to see them. Tiny dust particles can stay in the air longer and travel longer distances.

The larger dust particles you can see are those that accumulate on the surface of your car or furniture after a certain period of time. The body protects itself from these particles by trapping them in your nose and mouth when you breathe. In fact, even if you accidentally swallow them, they are quite harmless and can be easily exhaled by breath.

Dust particles that are smaller or finer are even more dangerous. These particles penetrate deeply into the lungs, and even the smaller and very fine dust particles can be absorbed directly into the bloodstream.

What is the danger of dust to health?

As mentioned above, the smaller the dust, the more harmful it is to health. Other factors to consider are the amount of dust in the air and how long you have been exposed to the dust.

Dust particles small enough to be inhaled can cause:

• eye irritation
• cough
• sneezing
• allergic rhinitis
• asthma attack

For people with respiratory disorders, such as asthma, chronic obstructive respiratory disease (COPD) or emphysema, a small amount of dust can block breathing and make their symptoms worse.

Although there are no studies to prove that dusting causes asthma, many people with this condition report that inhaling large amounts of dust reduces their lung function over time and contributes to disorders such as chronic bronchitis and heart and lung disorders.

What is asthma?

There are many triggers for asthma: smoke, allergens, and exercise.

• Asthma is a chronic lung disease in which the airways become inflamed.
• Inflammation makes the airways more sensitive to dust, smoke, animal dander and cold air.
• When the lungs come into contact with this trigger, an asthma attack occurs, which causes the airways to constrict and swell. Mucus is produced and can cause airway obstruction, making breathing difficult.

Asthma triggers

A number of other triggers can also cause an asthma attack, including:

• airborne irritants, such as smoke (from cigarettes or burning wood or grass) industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust fumes, ozone, fog, or sulfur dioxide
• some foods and preservatives
• respiratory infection
• hyperventilation (heavy and rapid breathing)
• strong emotional conditions, such as stress, anxiety, depression, or fear
• certain medications, including aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

How to prevent asthma?

• Avoid areas where people smoke. Smoking is one of the most common triggers of asthma. Cigarette smoke, even secondhand smoke and smoke on clothes or furniture, can trigger an asthma attack.
• Avoid asthma triggers . You have to find out what triggers your asthma. Different people can have different triggers, such as cold air, dust, or pollen.
• Control your asthma. Consult with your doctor what medication is suitable to control your asthma condition and when you need to use the drug.

What is chronic bronchitis?

Bronchitis is a condition in which you experience a cough with mucus that lasts for at least two months. This cough and mucus is produced when the throat and airway become inflamed due to infection or irritation.

What causes chronic bronchitis?

Chronic bronchitis is most severe in cold and flu season, when the air is cooler and it's harder to breathe with lots of irritants in the air. Chronic bronchitis usually causes upper respiratory tract infections.

• Smoking is one of the main causes of chronic bronchitis.
• Irritants that can be inhaled from the workplace, pollution, or secondhand smoke is another common cause of chronic bronchitis.
• Inhalation of irritating fumes or dusts can also cause chronic bronchitis to get worse.

How to prevent chronic bronchitis?

• Quit smoking.
• Avoid exposure to irritants and dust. Proper protection in the workplace is essential to prevent exposure.
• Avoiding prolonged exposure to air pollution from congestion can help prevent bronchitis.
• Avoid being close to other people who you know have a cold or flu. You can use a mask.
• Wash your hands frequently to prevent the spread of infection.

For carpenters who are frequently exposed to wood dust, you should have frequent medical checks and install a good ventilation system in the workplace, and have protective equipment ready, such as face masks. Further routine lung monitoring should be carried out to detect negative impacts on the respiratory system early and prevent the spread of disease.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.