Lung Specialist: Poor Air Pollution Can Increase Risk Of COVID-19 Symptoms

Illustration (Pixabay)

JAKARTA - Lung Specialist from the Indonesian Lung Doctors Association (PDPI) Feni Firtiani Taufik said that bad air pollution can increase the risk of symptoms due to COVID-19, especially for those who have chronic diseases. the risk of being treated, and the risk of death," said Feni in an online discussion monitored from Jakarta, reported by Antara, Tuesday, August 10. According to him, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, bad air pollution or exceeding the threshold had an impact on health, both in the short and long term. long-term.On the short-term side, poor air quality can cause mucosal irritation; red eyes, runny nose, sneezing, upper and lower respiratory tract irritation, increased ARI, asthma, and heart attacks, to increased emergency room visits due to respiration or heart disease. While long-term effects can cause decreased lung function, bronchial hyperreactivity, allergic asthmatic reactions. , chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, to the risk of cancer. The COVID-19 pandemic which also attacks the respiratory side will further worsen the patient's situation, especially for those who already have chronic symptoms. The risk of being treated and dying will be higher if it is not handled immediately. "Air pollution reduces the body's defense function and respiratory function to fight viruses or bacteria that interfere with health," he said.

The Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) has set a fine dust particulate threshold of PM2.5 in 24 hours at 55 micrograms per m3. This figure is smaller than the threshold set at 25 micrograms per m3 in 24 hours. Greenpeace Climate and Energy Campaigner Bondan Andriyanu summarizes daily data on the PM2.5 quality standard for DKI Jakarta from 1 June to 5 August. In June, the average ambient air quality standard (BMUA) was below the quality standard or below 55 micrograms per M3. However, when entering July, BMUA above 55 micrograms m3 increased sharply or the status in unhealthy air conditions was more dominant. . According to him, if air conditions continue to be above the BMUA number, it will greatly affect vulnerable groups of people (elderly / have comorbidities). washing of particles in the air (when it rains)," he said.*