On the days when we people of Chiang Mai look at the sky filled with toxic dust, PM 2.5, until we can’t see the beautiful mountains and the sun, which also obstructs driving visibility and makes breathing difficult, with some experiencing eye and throat irritation. Many studies have found that air pollution, especially from PM 2.5, increases the severity of respiratory diseases, causing inflammation and swelling, which exacerbates chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and allergies, leading to an increasing number of patients seeking hospital treatment at all times.
Who would have thought that tiny dust particles PM 2.5 would follow us as a danger even in our sleep!
Many studies have found that pollution, especially PM2.5, increases the severity of respiratory diseases because it causes inflammation and swelling, which can lead to exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and allergies.
It is well known that snoring and sleep apnea have numerous harmful effects on our bodies.
By causing various diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, stroke or cerebral hemorrhage, obesity, depression, insomnia, and others….
Many studies have found that pollution, especially PM2.5, increases the severity of respiratory diseases because it causes inflammation and swelling, which can lead to exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and allergies.
Besides this….. what is more alarming!
Recently, one study conducted in the United States found that prolonged exposure to pollution increases the risk of snoring and sleep apnea.
This study monitored pollution around the homes of 1,974 people in the United States for 5 years, excluding other risk factors that may increase the risk of sleep apnea, such as gender and obesity.
The study found that exposure to PM2.5 dust pollution increases the risk of sleep apnea.
- Breathing in every 5 µg/m
- 3 of PM2.5 that increases (annual average)
- will increase the risk of developing sleep apnea by up to 60%
However, the cause has not been definitively identified. Still, from the study, it is suspected that it may arise from inflammation and swelling of the upper respiratory tract, and also the fact that PM 2.5 dust can directly enter the brain, possibly affecting the brain area that controls breathing directly….
Therefore, we should wear masks…. and operate air purifiers with the ability to…. to avoid direct PM 2.5 exposure even while indoors.
In conclusion, pollution dust factors have become another risk factor that is dangerous to humans while awake and asleep. It is necessary for all sectors, public, private, and ourselves, to give importance and cooperate to solve these toxic dust problems as sustainably and quickly as possible.
Because it causes numerous subsequent health problems indeed.
Neurology and Brain Center Bangkok Hospital Chiang Mai
