ENT surgeon reveals 8 signs that pollution is affecting your throat and chest: From sore throat to chest tightness

Pollution levels increase during the winter season, and while you may think it only affects the lungs, irritation appears in your throat and other parts of your body as well. The air contains pollutants, smoke, dust and poisonous fumes. They can affect your eyes, skin and other body parts.

Also read: Gurugram pulmonologist shares 20-20-20 breathing technique to reduce pollution exposure and strengthen lungs

To understand how the effects of pollution can manifest on your body, HT Lifestyle contacted Dr Darshil Vaishnav, Consultant Laryngologist and ENT Surgeon, Bhailal Amin General Hospital, Vadodara, who explained that polluted air can cause inflammation in your airways. He stressed the need to recognize these signs early so that timely medical assistance can be given.

8 common symptoms of pollution affecting your throat and body

Polluted air irritates many parts of your body, from your throat to your chest. These early signs mean that your body is suffering internally due to pollution.

He outlined these symptoms that toxic air is taking a toll on your body:

1. persistent dry or itchy throat
   Pollution strips moisture from the mucosal layer of the throat, causing persistent tickling, dryness or a frequent urge to clear the throat.
2. pain or irritation
   Chemicals, smoke and fine particles cause inflammation of the throat tissue, making swallowing painful, especially in the morning.
3. dry, irritating cough
   Your body tries to expel pollutants through coughing. Cough caused by pollution is usually dry, frequent and feels worse outside or during peak AQI hours.
4. hoarseness or change in voice
   Swelling of the larynx can cause hoarse voice, loss of voice or difficulty in speaking for a long time.
5. frequent throat or upper respiratory infections
   Prolonged exposure to polluted air weakens local immunity, increasing your risk of contracting viral and bacterial infections.
6. watering or itching eyes
   Air pollutants irritate the surface of the eyes, causing redness, excessive tearing or itching, a common companion of sore throat.
7. nasal congestion or runny nose
   Pollutants cause inflammation in the nasal passages, causing symptoms like rhinitis that make breathing difficult.
8. Difficulty breathing or chest tightness (especially in asthma and COPD patients)
   Pollutants can trigger bronchospasm, which can make breathing feel heavy or constricted.

red flag symptoms

Dr. Vaishnav suggests calling your doctor right away and going to the ER if you notice:

• Symptoms persist for 3-4 days despite home care
• Severe or increasing throat pain, especially with difficulty swallowing
• Productive cough with yellow or green phlegm (possible infection)
• high fever, chills or body ache
• shortness of breath, wheezing, or chest tightness, especially in people with asthma, COPD, or heart disease
• blue lips, extreme fatigue or dizziness
• Persistent hoarseness or weakening of voice for more than a week
• coughing up blood
• Any difficulty in breathing in children, elderly or pregnant women

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have about a medical condition.