Due to deteriorating air quality index, brain diseases are increasing, thousands of people are dying every year.

Stroke is a serious problem that is a major cause of death and disability worldwide. This happens when the veins that supply blood to the brain either burst or the blood flow in them suddenly stops. Every year thousands of people lose their lives or become permanently disabled due to stroke. This problem is responsible for about 10.7% of deaths and 5.6% of life years lost (DALYs) worldwide. The Gurugram-based Dr. Gaurav Goyal, Director and Head, Department of Neurology, Neurosciences, Medanta reported that recent studies in China have shown an alarming link between air pollution and an increased risk of stroke. For example, a study in Beijing showed that when the level of PM2.5 particles in the air increased, the risk of hospitalization due to ischemic stroke increased by 7.1%.

These figures show how increasing pollution in our environment is becoming a big threat to our health. This danger can be reduced by clean air, healthy lifestyle and timely health checkups.

How is the risk of stroke due to air pollution?

Air pollution and climate change play a big role in increasing the risk of serious diseases like stroke. Fine particles (PM2.5) and other pollutants found in cities, forest fires and areas affected by heatwaves enter our lungs with the air and mix with the blood. These increase inflammation and damage the nerves, causing Risk of blood clots Increases, which can lead to stroke.

The elderly, people with health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, and those who live in highly polluted areas are at higher risk of stroke due to long-term exposure to air pollution. It is important to recognize the early symptoms of stroke, such as sudden weakness, numbness, confusion, severe headache, and trouble speaking so that timely treatment can be done.

Stroke is the world’s worst disease

Stroke is becoming a major health problem worldwide. According to estimates, by 2040, around 2,33,520 men and 2,17,732 women may die from stroke. This means that every year out of 1,00,000 people, about 607 men and 479 women may fall prey to it. Nowadays, cases of stroke are increasing even among the youth, which shows how important it is to take steps to reduce this problem.

Air pollution is a major cause of stroke

Science is now clearly showing that air pollution plays a big role in increasing the risk of stroke. Small particles like PM2.5 emitted from factories and vehicles get mixed in the blood and reach the lungs. These weaken the nerves and cause swelling. Additionally, pollutants such as ozone (O3) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) increase the risk of stroke by causing oxidative stress and nerve damage in the body.

Children, the elderly, and people who already suffer from respiratory or heart diseases are more affected by the effects of air pollution. It is very important to take special steps to keep these vulnerable groups safe.

Climate change increases the risk of stroke

Climate change affects health and also increases the risk of stroke. Due to rising global temperatures, it becomes difficult to regulate body temperature during heatwaves, which affects nerves and blood flow. Additionally, climate change increases the spread of certain diseases such as dengue. diseases like dengue also risk of stroke Can play a role in increasing.

What is the solution?

A concrete and multidimensional plan is needed to reduce the threat of air pollution and climate change. Promoting sustainable transportation, imposing strict controls on pollution from vehicles and factories, and promoting the use of clean energy can help solve these problems.

The focus of public health programs should be to motivate people to adopt healthy lifestyles, make stroke treatment easily available, and spread awareness to explain the relationship between the environment and stroke risk.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It cannot in any way be a substitute for any medicine or treatment. Always consult your doctor for more information.