Air Pollution Can Add To The Risk And Severity of Sleep Apnea, Study Finds
Air Pollution Can Add To The Risk And Severity of Sleep Apnea, Study Finds NDTV
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Air Pollution Can Add to the Risk and Severity of Sleep Apnea, Study Finds
OSA is a common and significant health issue. (Representative pic)
A new study published in the journal International Neurotoxicology Association has found that air pollution can add to the risk and severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. The study claims that there is no conclusive evidence, but suggests there are several plausible pathways to link air pollution and OSA’s risk and severity.
Linking Air Pollution and OSA
- Exposure to persistently high levels of air pollution can cause systemic inflammation or inflammation throughout the body, and oxidative stress, potentially leading to or worsening upper airway dysfunction during sleep.
- These pathophysiological changes are known to contribute to the development and exacerbation of respiratory disorders. In the context of OSA, air pollution may aggravate upper airway inflammation and dysfunction, thereby increasing the propensity for airway collapse during sleep.
- Effects of air pollutants may vary based on the type of pollutant, duration of exposure, and individual susceptibility factors, including age, gender, and underlying health conditions.
For the study, experts carried out a systemic review and meta-analysis of 12 studies to consolidate and examine data on the relationship between air pollution and OSA’s risk and severity. They found that air pollutants, especially NO2, might play a role in worsening OSA risk and severity, but the evidence isn’t definitive. Notably, NO2 is part of a group of gaseous air pollutants produced because of road traffic and other fossil fuel combustion processes.
Implications for Clinical Practice
- The potential association between air pollution and OSA severity has significant implications for clinical practice.
- Healthcare providers may need to consider environmental factors in OSA risk assessment and management.
- In high-pollution areas, clinicians could be advised to monitor patients more closely for OSA symptoms and consider environmental factors in the condition’s severity.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a common and significant health issue, marked by repeated occurrences of total or partial blockage of the upper airway while sleeping. These obstructions lead to recurrent arousals and significant reductions in blood oxygen saturation. OSA affects a substantial proportion of the global population, contributing to a myriad of health complications, including cardiovascular disease, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and impaired cognitive function.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination | Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management | Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g. PM2.5 and PM10) in cities (population weighted) |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
The article discusses the health implications of air pollution on obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a sleep disorder. This connects to SDG 3, which focuses on promoting good health and well-being for all.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
The article mentions that air pollutants, such as NO2, are produced due to road traffic and fossil fuel combustion processes. This highlights the impact of air pollution in urban areas, connecting to SDG 11, which aims to create sustainable cities and communities.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination
The article discusses the potential link between air pollution and the risk and severity of obstructive sleep apnea. This target addresses the reduction of illnesses caused by air pollution.
Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management
The article highlights the role of air pollution in worsening obstructive sleep apnea. This target focuses on reducing the adverse impact of air pollution in cities, specifically by addressing air quality.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution
The article mentions that exposure to high levels of air pollution can cause systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, potentially worsening upper airway dysfunction during sleep. Monitoring the mortality rate attributed to air pollution can help measure progress towards reducing illnesses caused by air pollution.
Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g. PM2.5 and PM10) in cities (population weighted)
The article highlights the role of NO2, a gaseous air pollutant produced due to road traffic and fossil fuel combustion processes, in worsening obstructive sleep apnea. Monitoring the annual mean levels of fine particulate matter, including NO2, in cities can help measure progress towards improving air quality and reducing the adverse impact of air pollution.
4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination | Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management | Indicator 11.6.2: Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g. PM2.5 and PM10) in cities (population weighted) |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: ndtv.com
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