Pollution can have several negative effects on respiratory health, including increasing the risk of developing tuberculosis (TB) and exacerbating the symptoms of the disease. Here are some of the ways that pollution can affect TB:
- Weakened Immune System: Exposure to pollution can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections such as TB.
- Increased Risk of Transmission: Air pollution can worsen the transmission of TB as it can increase the spread of TB bacteria through the air.
- Delayed Healing: Polluted air can also delay the healing process of TB patients, thus making them more vulnerable to re-infection.
- Poor treatment outcomes: Studies have shown that TB patients living in areas with high levels of pollution have poor treatment outcomes and are more likely to develop multidrug-resistant TB.
- Co-morbidity: Individuals living in polluted areas may also have other health conditions such as asthma, bronchi