Air quality has become a growing health concern across India, especially in urban and semi-urban areas. In cities like Guwahati and across Assam, changes in weather, traffic pollution, construction activity, burning of waste, and seasonal factors often lead to poor air quality. Many people notice symptoms such as cough, breathlessness, chest discomfort, or irritation in the eyes and throat but may not always connect these problems to air pollution. One important way to understand air pollution is through the Air Quality Index, commonly known as AQI. At Breathe Clinic, we often see patients whose respiratory symptoms worsen during periods of poor air quality. This blog aims to explain what AQI means, how it affects your breathing, who is most at risk, and what practical steps you can take to protect your lungs. Understanding AQI can help you make informed decisions for your health and your family’s well-being.

 

What Is Air Quality Index (AQI)

The Air Quality Index is a system used to measure and report how clean or polluted the air is. It also indicates how the air quality may affect your health in the short term. AQI focuses mainly on pollutants that directly impact breathing and lung function.

The AQI number is usually divided into categories such as good, satisfactory, moderate, poor, very poor, and severe. As the AQI number increases, the level of air pollution rises, and so does the risk to health. Even people without existing lung disease can feel discomfort when AQI levels are high.

 

Common Air Pollutants That Affect Breathing

Air pollution is not just one single substance. It is a mixture of harmful particles and gases. The most important pollutants that influence AQI and respiratory health include particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and ozone.

Particulate matter, especially PM2.5 and PM10, is one of the most dangerous components of air pollution. These are tiny particles suspended in the air. PM2.5 particles are so small that they can travel deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. Long-term exposure to particulate matter can cause chronic lung disease, worsen asthma, and increase the risk of heart and lung problems.

 

How AQI Impacts Normal Breathing

When you breathe in clean air, oxygen passes smoothly through your airways into the lungs and then into the blood. Poor air quality interferes with this process. Pollutants irritate the lining of the airways, causing swelling and increased mucus production. This makes breathing more difficult and less efficient.

At higher AQI levels, even short exposure can lead to symptoms such as throat irritation, dry cough, tightness in the chest, and fatigue. People may feel that they cannot take a deep breath comfortably. Outdoor physical activity becomes harder, and symptoms often worsen during exertion.

Repeated exposure to polluted air over months or years can lead to long-term damage. Lung capacity may gradually reduce, and the lungs become more sensitive to infections and allergens.

 

Effects of Poor AQI on Lung Health

Poor air quality does not affect everyone in the same way, but it has clear and proven effects on lung health. In children, polluted air can slow lung growth and increase the risk of developing asthma. In adults, it can worsen existing respiratory conditions and contribute to the development of chronic diseases.

Asthma patients often experience more frequent and severe attacks when AQI is high. Polluted air acts as a trigger, causing airway tightening and inflammation.

People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, commonly known as COPD, may notice increased breathlessness, coughing, and sputum production during poor air quality days.

Long-term exposure to high AQI levels has also been linked to an increased risk of lung infections, reduced immunity in the respiratory system, and even lung cancer.

 

Who Is Most at Risk

Certain groups of people are more vulnerable to the effects of poor air quality. These include infants and young children, elderly individuals, pregnant women, and people with pre-existing lung or heart conditions.

Children breathe faster than adults and spend more time outdoors, which increases their exposure. Elderly people may already have reduced lung reserve, making it harder for them to cope with polluted air.

Pregnant women exposed to poor air quality may face increased risks for both mother and baby, including breathing problems and low birth weight.

People with asthma, COPD, tuberculosis history, lung fibrosis, or other respiratory conditions should be especially cautious during high AQI periods.

 

AQI and Seasonal Changes in Assam

In Assam and the North Eastern region, air quality can vary significantly with seasons. During winter months, temperature inversion and reduced air movement can trap pollutants close to the ground, leading to higher AQI levels. Burning of biomass, firewood, and waste further adds to air pollution.

During the pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons, air quality may temporarily improve due to rain, which helps settle dust and pollutants. However, humidity can also worsen breathing discomfort for some people with lung disease.

Understanding these seasonal patterns can help residents of Guwahati and nearby areas plan outdoor activities and take preventive steps.

 

Simple Steps to Protect Your Breathing When AQI Is High

While we cannot control outdoor air pollution completely, there are practical steps you can take to reduce its impact on your lungs.

·       Monitoring daily AQI levels through reliable sources can help you decide when to limit outdoor exposure. On days with poor or very poor AQI, avoid outdoor exercise and prolonged travel if possible.

·       Keeping windows and doors closed during peak pollution hours can reduce indoor exposure. Using clean cooking methods and avoiding indoor smoking are also important.

·       Wearing a well-fitted mask during high pollution days can reduce inhalation of harmful particles, especially for people who must travel or work outdoors.

·       Maintaining good hydration helps keep the airways moist and supports natural defense mechanisms of the lungs.

·       If you have a known respiratory condition, regular follow-up with a pulmonologist and proper use of prescribed inhalers or medications is essential.

 

When to See a Pulmonologist

If you notice persistent cough, breathlessness, wheezing, chest tightness, or frequent respiratory infections, it is important not to ignore these symptoms. Worsening symptoms during periods of poor air quality may indicate underlying lung disease.

Early consultation with a lung specialist can help in timely diagnosis and treatment, preventing long-term complications. At Breathe Superspeciality Clinic & Diagnostics in Guwahati, we focus on comprehensive respiratory care with a patient-centered approach.

 

Importance of Awareness and Community Action

Improving air quality requires collective effort. Awareness about AQI and its health effects is the first step. Reducing vehicle use, avoiding waste burning, supporting clean energy, and following pollution control measures can make a meaningful difference over time.

Individual actions, combined with community responsibility, can help create a healthier environment for future generations.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

·       What is a safe AQI level for breathing

An AQI below 50 is considered good and generally safe for everyone. As AQI increases above this level, sensitive individuals may start experiencing symptoms.

·       Can healthy people be affected by poor AQI

Yes, even people without existing lung disease can develop breathing discomfort, irritation, and reduced exercise tolerance when AQI is high.

·       How does AQI affect asthma patients

High AQI can trigger asthma symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Asthma patients should be extra cautious during poor air quality days.

·       Is indoor air also affected by outdoor pollution

Yes, outdoor pollutants can enter indoor spaces through doors, windows, and ventilation. Indoor air quality can worsen if preventive measures are not taken.

·       Can long-term exposure to poor AQI cause permanent lung damage

Long-term exposure can reduce lung function, worsen chronic respiratory diseases, and increase the risk of serious lung conditions.

·       When should I consult a lung specialist

If breathing symptoms persist, worsen, or interfere with daily activities, especially during high AQI periods, consultation with a pulmonologist is advised.

·       How can Breathe Superspeciality Clinic help

Breathe Superspeciality Clinic & Diagnostics in Guwahati offers expert evaluation, advanced diagnostics, and personalized treatment for all types of respiratory conditions, helping patients breathe easier and live healthier lives.