Can Air Pollution Cause Headaches?

By causing neuroinflammation, or inflammation of the nerve system, poor air quality can be the cause of headaches.

Worldwide, air pollution is a major issue that has been connected to several illnesses, including developmental delays, depression, autism, stroke, and neurodegenerative disorders. Additionally, there is mounting evidence that air pollution causes headache disorders, particularly migraine episodes.

Let's examine how headaches are caused by air pollution and what we can do to safeguard ourselves from its negative impacts.

Can air pollution or bad air quality cause headaches?

Research from around the globe indicates a strong correlation between air pollution and headache frequency.

Headaches have been connected to several contaminants, including the following:

• Particulate matter: Tiny liquid or solid particles, such as smoke, soot, dust, and dirt, are floating in the air and can be dangerous to breathe in.
• Nitrogen dioxide: This reddish-brown petrol is created when fuel is burned, mostly in cars and power plants. It can cause lung irritation and reduce the body's ability to fight off respiratory infections.
• Sulfur dioxide: Colourless and odorous, sulphur dioxide is sometimes compared to the smell of rotting eggs. It is created by the burning of fossil fuels that contain sulphur. Sulphur dioxide inhalation can lead to respiratory problems and is a contributing factor to acid rain.
• Ozone: Three oxygen atoms make up this gas. It protects from dangerous ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the high atmosphere. On the other hand, when pollution and sunlight combine at ground level, ozone is created, which helps create smog, which can be harmful to human respiratory systems.
• Carbon monoxide: This gas is colourless and odourless. It is produced when fuels such as oil, petrol, or wood don't burn all the way through. Because carbon monoxide prevents oxygen from reaching your bloodstream, breathing it in can be fatal.
• Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs): A class of compounds known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) can be found naturally in coal, crude oil, petrol, and the smoke produced from burning fossil fuels and other organic materials. It is recognised that some PAHs can cause cancer.
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): Paints, solvents, cleaning supplies, and fuels frequently contain organic compounds that readily evaporate into the atmosphere. High VOC exposure can irritate the throat, nose, and eyes in addition to causing headaches and nausea.
• Biomass fuels: Biomass fuels are made from renewable organic materials that are utilised as fuel, such as wood, crop waste, or animal manure. Air pollution can be exacerbated by burning biomass fuels since they discharge contaminants into the atmosphere.

Uncertainty surrounds the precise mechanisms by which air pollution causes headaches. On the other hand, it's thought that bad air quality might induce headaches by inflaming the neurological system, which can result in neuroinflammation and cell death.

The real-life effects of poor air quality

In a study, the effect of air pollution on traffic police officers' health was examined. Gwalior City, India, is renowned for having high levels of air pollution.

According to the study, the dirty air frequently caused these officers to suffer from health problems such as headaches, eye irritation, sleep difficulties, difficulty concentrating, sneezing, and nasal irritation. A number of these health issues were regarded as severe and difficult to treat.

The authors also pointed out that these cops lacked personal protection equipment and lacked knowledge of air pollution.

How do you know if air quality is affecting you?

When air pollution levels are high, you should be aware of any odd symptoms or changes in your health to determine whether the quality of the air is impacting you. In the US, you may track the local air quality with websites like Purple Air to determine if periods of bad air quality correspond with your symptoms, including:

• headaches
• coughing
• chest tightness
• dizziness
• wheezing
• shortness of breath
• fatigue
• irritation of the eyes, nose, or throat

You can determine whether the air quality is the source of your headaches by keeping a symptom log in which you record the quality of the air. Once your doctor has documented the effects of the air quality on you, they can suggest a course of treatment.

Do air purifiers help with headaches?

By enhancing indoor air quality and eliminating allergens, pollutants, and airborne particles, air purifiers may help lessen headaches.

However, depending on a person's sensitivity and the general quality of the air, their efficacy may differ. It's crucial to use and maintain an air purifier with a HEPA filter for the greatest effects.

How to get rid of headaches from poor air quality

The following advice will help you with headaches brought on by bad air quality:

• Identify and reduce exposure: Determine the causes of bad air quality, such as pollutants, allergies, or irritants, and make an effort to limit your exposure. Make use of websites or apps that offer real-time updates on air quality, like AirNow. Keep windows closed during periods of peak pollution and avoid outdoor activity on days with high pollution levels.
• Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers: To help with headache pain relief, think about taking over-the-counter pain medicines like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
• Air purifier: Seek out air purifiers with a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter or those approved by groups such as the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM), as these are often effective against a variety of contaminants. To guarantee optimum performance, clean and maintain the purifier regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Stay hydrated: Hydration is key to preventing headaches, so stay hydrated throughout the day by drinking lots of water.
• Cold compress: To help relieve headache discomfort, place an ice pack or cold compress on the back of the neck or your forehead.
• Essential oils: Some people use essential oils, such as lavender or peppermint, to relieve headache pain. You can diffuse the aroma or dab a little oil on your temples.
• Seek professional help: See a medical expert if your headaches don't go away. They can suggest suitable treatments and assist in identifying any underlying problems that may be causing your headaches.

Treat the cause, not just the symptoms

Participating in neighbourhood initiatives to enhance air quality can have a significant impact on the health and happiness of your neighbourhood. You may begin by supporting laws that encourage sustainable energy and transportation and pushing for stronger air quality rules.

You can get in touch with the EPA in the US to report any industrial pollutants or other issues related to air quality.

Furthermore, you can lessen your carbon footprint by walking, bicycling, or taking public transportation rather than driving alone. Another fantastic method to make a difference is to participate in community cleanup projects.

Takeaway

Although air pollution can cause crippling headaches, there are strategies to treat them. Reducing exposure to pollutants, staying hydrated, and using air purifiers can all help ease symptoms.

It's critical to keep yourself updated about local air quality conditions and to take protective measures during periods of excessive pollution. Consider getting expert assistance if your headaches don't go away so you can receive the right diagnosis and care.