Air pollution can cause digestive issues: Doctors

Even ten days after Diwali Delhi continues to battle with heavy air pollution Mumbai on the other hand is now in the lsquomoderatersquo categoryA recent report by IANS highlighted how doctors in Delhi noted rising cases of digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome IBS and irritable bowel disorder IBD Mumbai doctors say that with the current pollution levels such cases may increase in the future The AQI classifications are as follows 050 is good 51100 is satisfactory 101200 is moderate 201300 is poor 301400 is very poor and 401500 is severersquoTo raise awareness about the role of air pollution in digestive issues middaycom spoke to Dr Khurshed Vazifdar consultant gastroenterologist Holy Family Hospital in Bandra and Dr Harshad Joshi principal consultant gastroenterology Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital in Vile Parle to understand its effectsHow does air pollution affect the body beyond respiratory diseasesVazifdar Air pollution contributes to cardiovascular issues neurological disorders and gastrointestinal problems Pollutants can disrupt gut microbiota and increase inflammation leading to various health complicationsJoshi Air pollution is not limited to harming the respiratory system It has widespread impacts on multiple organs due to its ability to induce oxidative stress and inflammation Pollutants like particulate matter PM can penetrate deep into the body affecting the circulatory nervous and gastrointestinal systemsHow does it affect the body in different waysVazifdar Effects of air pollution on onersquos body arise from individual susceptibility exposure duration and the specific pollutants involved For instance particulate matter can penetrate the gut barrier affecting immune responses and gut health differentlyJoshi Airborne pollutants particularly fine particulate matter PM25 can enter the bloodstream via the lungs causing systemic effects Once in circulation these particles trigger inflammation and oxidative stress which disrupt normal cellular function across various organs including the gastrointestinal tract and brainA recent report highlights how Delhi air pollution has led to increasing cases of Irritable Bowel Syndrome IBS and Inflammatory Bowel Disease IBD How does air pollution affect the digestive systemVazifdar By causing inflammation and altering gut microbiota composition Pollutants like PM25 can trigger stress responses in digestive cells leading to conditions like IBS and IBDJoshi Pollutants ingested through food or inhaled can disturb the gut microbiome and weaken the intestinal lining which can lead to systemic inflammation and oxidative damage in the gastrointestinal tract Air pollution has been shown to alter the gut microbial composition increase gut permeability and exacerbate inflammatory pathways creating conditions favourable for IBS and IBDWhat are the effects on the digestive system on the wholeVazifdar Increased permeability of the gut lining inflammation and a higher risk of disorders such as IBS IBD and gastroesophageal reflux disease GERD due to disrupted gut microbiotaJoshi Pollutants may aggravate digestive conditions leading to increased susceptibility to diseases like IBS IBD and even appendicitisWhat are its symptomsVazifdar Symptoms include abdominal pain bloating diarrhoea and constipation These symptoms can overlap with other conditions but are often exacerbated by environmental stressors like pollutionJoshi In severe cases it can also lead to flareups of conditions like IBS and IBD Unlike respiratory symptoms these gastrointestinal symptoms stem from disruptions in gut microbiota and immune responses rather than direct exposure effectsSome people already suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome IBS and Inflammatory Bowel Disease IBD Does air pollution worsen it for themVazifdar For individuals with IBS or IBD air pollution can worsen symptoms by increasing gut inflammation and disrupting microbiota balance potentially leading to flareups or more severe manifestations of their conditionsJoshi This heightened response is due to the systemic inflammatory response and oxidative damage caused by air pollutantsWith Delhis air quality worsening is there a possibility of people suffering from these diseases in Mumbai Have you encountered cases yet or in the past yearsVazifdar Mumbai may see rising cases of IBS and IBD due to worsening air quality similar to Delhi There have been reports of such cases in recent years indicating a growing concern for digestive health linked to pollutionJoshi While Delhi faces more severe air quality issues Mumbairsquos air pollution levels are also concerning It is plausible for individuals in Mumbai to develop or experience worsening of IBS and IBD due to pollution While cases may not be as frequently reported as in Delhi urban pollution in Mumbai could contribute to a rise in gastrointestinal disordersDoes one particular gender get affected more by air pollution than the other especially beyond respiratory diseases Which is the most vulnerable populationVazifdar Gender differences in vulnerability to air pollution exist Studies suggest women may be more affected due to hormonal factors influencing immune responses The vulnerable populations include children and those with preexisting health conditionsJoshi Although evidence is limited some studies suggest that women particularly young adults are more susceptible to nonrespiratory impacts of air pollution including gastrointestinal symptoms Children and the elderly with their developing or weakened immune systems are also vulnerable to the systemic effects of pollutionWhat is the treatment for issues related to the digestive system due to respiratory diseasesVazifdar The treatment involves managing symptoms through dietary changes medications for inflammation and lifestyle modifications aimed at reducing exposure to pollutantsJoshi The treatment often involves managing inflammation and symptoms with dietary adjustments probiotics and antiinflammatory medications Those with IBS or IBD may benefit from tailored therapeutic regimens including prebiotics probiotics and in some cases biologics to mitigate inflammationCan dietary changes help Vazifdar Dietary changes can help prevent IBS and IBD emphasising whole foods rich in fibre antioxidants and antiinflammatory properties while avoiding processed foods that may exacerbate symptomsJoshi A balanced diet high in fibre antioxidants and probiotics can support gut health and potentially lower the risk of inflammation due to pollutants Foods rich in polyphenols for example berries and nuts and omega3 fatty acids can also aid in reducing oxidative stress in the gutWhat level of air quality AQI is harmfulVazifdar An AQI above 150 is harmful particularly for sensitive groups individuals should limit outdoor activities during high pollution days and consider using air purifiers indoorsJoshi Beyond an AQI above 150 exposure to PM25 or higher levels can be detrimental to the gastrointestinal system Avoiding outdoor activities during high AQI days using air purifiers and consuming antioxidantrich foods to combat oxidative stress are practical stepsShare easy tips to follow to avoid getting sick due to air pollutionVazifdar Staying indoors on high AQI days using air purifiers wearing masks outdoors maintaining a healthy diet and staying hydrated to support overall health will be helpful