Delhi air pollution: Doctors report a rise in digestive disorders

Amid continuing poor air quality in the national capital doctors on Wednesday reported a rise in digestive issues like Irritable Bowel Syndrome IBS and Inflammatory Bowel Disease IBD DelhiNCRs air quality remained dangerously poor on Wednesday nearing the severe category in several locations across the regionAccording to the Central Pollution Control Board CPCB Delhis average air quality index AQI stood at 358 as of 730 amThe AQI surpassed 400 marking severe levels in areas like Bawana 412 Mundka 419 NSIT Dwarka 447 and Wazirpur 421Air pollution is a known health risk that can lead to problems ranging from respiratory to cardiovascular to metabolic and even mental health It is also a considerable threat to digestive healthldquoLongterm air pollution exposure is responsible for activating free radicals leading to inflammatory responses This might lead to carcinogenic changes or inflammatory disorders in the digestive systemsrdquo Dr Harshal R Salve Additional professor centre for community medicine at AIIMS New Delhi told IANSldquoWe have been witnessing several gastrointestinal and metabolic conditions due to air pollution The harmful particles and gases in polluted air when inhaled can lead to systemic inflammation and oxidative stress which disturb gut health and impact the microbiome the collection of trillions of bacteria in our intestines that play a critical role in digestion immunity and overall healthrdquo Dr Sukrit Singh Sethi consultant gastroenterology Hepatology amp Liver Transplantation Narayana Hospital GurugramThe experts said IBS and IBD along with conditions like Crohnrsquos disease and ulcerative colitis a type of IBD have been closely associated with pollution exposureldquoThe systemic inflammation triggered by pollution may lead to metabolic disturbances that impact digestion and overall healthrdquo Sethi saidHe noted that children the elderly and people with preexisting health conditions are especially vulnerable to the adverse effects of air pollution on digestive health Childrenrsquos immune systems and digestive systems are still developing making them more susceptible while older adults often have weakened immune responses and compromised gut healthResearch has also linked exposure to air pollution with gastrointestinal diseases They showed particulate matter and toxic chemicals can enter the digestive system and disrupt the gut microbiota balance and lead to digestive problemsDr Praveen Gupta Principal Director ampamp Chief of Neurology Fortis Hospital told IANS that traffic exhaust fumes home wood burning and elevated levels of nitrogen dioxide which can be ascribed to industrial emissions gardening equipment power plants and construction and exhaust fumes are the major contributors for the air pollutionSalve called for using antioxidants in diets such as citrus fruits and nuts helps to reduce the impact of air pollution on the human bodyThe experts also recommended limiting outdoor activities during peak pollution times typically in the early morning and evening and using masks especially in highly polluted environments