Can air pollution be the reason for brain stroke?

Air pollution is on the rise in the national capital, Delhi, and its environs. This is having a serious impact on public health. Many people have difficulty in breathing and conditions with persistent cough. However, doctors say that air pollution can cause not only these diseases but also serious complications such as brain stroke. People are advised to protect themselves from pollution.

According to MIM Srivastava, head professor at the AIIMS Centre for Neurosciences, increasing pollution is also linked to brain stroke. Tiny dust particles (PM2.5) mixed in the pollutant enter the body during respiration. These particles cause problems related to lungs which further leads to reduction of oxygen levels in the body. Inadequate oxygen supply causes damage to the blood vessels and sometimes the blood vessels may rupture which stops the blood flow to the brain and that results in occurrence of brain stroke. People with high blood pressure, diabetes and heart problems are more likely to have a stroke. Therefore, people suffering from these diseases should take special care at this time.

Impact on smokers:

According to senior physician Dr RP Singh, smokers are more likely to become ill due to air pollution. They are more likely to have a brain stroke. Their airways are already constricted due to smoking. Increasing pollution in this context will cause more problems to them. Apart from this, even those who are under stress are likely to face difficulties.

The Statistical Data says that every year 1.8 million Indians suffer from brain stroke. According to  Doctor P Singh, 30 per cent of stroke victims in India are loosing lives. 60 to 70 percent of people suffer from a variety of disabilities. In most cases, the cause of death is a delay in admission to the hospital. Hence, everyone should be aware of medical emergencies related to stroke. It is important to treat as soon as its symptoms appear.

These are the symptoms of brain stroke.
1. Muscles feel tight.
2. Sudden onset of visual impairment.
3. Facial cramps.
4. Severe headache.
5. Difficulty in speaking.

Preventive Practices:
1. Exercise daily.
2. Quit smoking.
3. Do not drink alcohol.
4. Stay away from polluted environment.
5. Eat a healthy diet.