New Delhi, 6 November (IANS). Regarding air pollution in the national capital, doctors said that there is an increase in digestive problems like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
The air quality of Delhi-NCR remained in the very poor category (between 301 and 400) on Wednesday, moving close to the ‘severe’ category at many places across the region.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s average air quality index (AQI) as of 7:30 am was 358.
In areas like Bawana (412), Mundka (419), NSIT Dwarka (447) and Wazirpur (421) the AQI crossed 400, indicating ‘severe’ level.
Air pollution can cause problems ranging from respiratory, cardiovascular, metabolic and even mental health. It can also lead to digestive problems.
Dr. Harshal R., Additional Professor, Center for Community Medicine at AIIMS, New Delhi. “Prolonged exposure to air pollution activates free radicals, leading to inflammatory reactions. This can lead to cancerous changes or inflammatory disorders in the digestive system,” Salve told IANS.
Dr Sukrit Singh Sethi, consultant in gastroenterology, hepatology and liver transplantation at Narayana Hospital, Gurugram, said, “We are facing many gastrointestinal (GI) and metabolic syndrome related conditions due to air pollution. “When inhaled, harmful particles and gases present in polluted air can cause systemic inflammation and oxidative stress that impair gut health and affect the microbiome.”
Experts said diseases like IBS and IBD, as well as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (a type of IBD), are caused by exposure to pollution.
“Systemic inflammation caused by pollution can cause metabolic disturbances that affect digestion and overall health,” Sethi said.
He said children, the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions are particularly sensitive to the adverse effects of air pollution on digestive health. Children’s immune systems and digestive systems are not fully developed, making them more vulnerable. Older people often have weaker immune responses and are more likely to suffer from stomach ailments.
Research has also linked exposure to air pollution to gastrointestinal diseases. They showed that fine dust particles (PM) and toxic chemicals can enter the digestive tract and lead to digestive problems by disrupting the gut microbiota balance.
–IANS
MKS/AKJ
