The Overlooked Link Between Air Pollution and Nasal Health

The Overlooked Link Between Air Pollution and Nasal Health

When we talk about air pollution, most of the focus is on the lungs. But your nasal passages and sinuses are the body’s frontline defence—and they’re often the first to be affected.
At Nadu, we’re seeing growing evidence that the nose isn’t just a passive airway—it’s a critical part of your immune system. And it's under threat.
🔬 What’s in the air—and what it does to us:
 The most harmful pollutants include:
 ▪️ PM2.5 – fine particulate matter small enough to enter deep into the respiratory tract
 ▪️ NO₂ – nitrogen dioxide, typically from vehicles and industrial emissions
 ▪️ O₃ – ground-level ozone formed by chemical reactions in sunlight
These pollutants irritate the delicate lining of the nose, disrupt mucociliary clearance, and trigger immune responses that can lead to chronic issues.

👃 Nasal and Sinus Health Risks from Air Pollution:
 📌 Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CRS):
 Prolonged exposure to PM2.5 increases the risk of long-term inflammation in the sinuses. A Johns Hopkins study confirmed a direct correlation between air pollution levels and sinus disease requiring treatment.
📌 Rhinitis & Nasal Inflammation:
 Pollution can mimic allergy symptoms like sneezing, congestion, and nasal drip—even when no allergens are present. These symptoms are often misdiagnosed and mismanaged.
📌 Aggravated Allergic Rhinitis:
 Pollution sensitises the nasal mucosa, making the nose more reactive to allergens. It also increases permeability, which can allow more irritants and pathogens in.
📌 Physical Changes to Nasal Structure:
 Over time, repeated inflammation can lead to the growth of nasal polyps—non-cancerous obstructions that block airflow and disrupt quality of life.

🛡 What You Can Do to Protect Your Nasal Health:
 ✅ Use HEPA air purifiers in indoor spaces
 ✅ Wear a mask during high-pollution periods (especially in urban and industrial zones)
 ✅ Practice daily nasal hygiene, including gentle saline rinsing to reduce pollutant load
 ✅ Limit outdoor exposure during peak pollution hours (typically mid-afternoon in cities)
At Nadu, we’re committed to advancing nasal care as a crucial pillar of respiratory health—especially for those affected by environmental stressors like pollution, allergens, and oxygen therapy devices.
Your nose isn't just for breathing—it's your first defence.
 Let’s protect it with the same care we give the rest of the body.

NasalHealth RespiratoryWellness AirPollution PublicHealth UrbanHealth MedTech ChronicRhinosinusitis SinusCare EnvironmentalHealth Nadu BreatheBetter
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