Staying at a Nursing Home can Damage Your Lungs

The indoor air quality in European nursing homes has a serious effect on the lungs of its elderly residents, according to a new study.

Elderly people living in a nursing home stay indoors most of the time, which can increase their risk of shortness of breath, coughing and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Scientists from the EU-funded GERIE research project blame the poor air quality in these homes and say that it can damage the lungs of its residents fatally.

Walking for Fitness and Weight Loss
A few extra steps a day are enough to keep you fit.

They collected data on five indoor air pollutants: PM10 (large particles) and PM0.1 (ultra-fine particles), formaldehyde, nitrogen dioxide and ozone. The study revealed that exposure to high levels of PM10 and nitrogen dioxide was “significantly associated” with breathlessness and cough. High levels of PM0.1 were associated with wheeze during the last year of life and high concentrations of formaldehyde were linked with COPD.

These pollutants come from a range of sources including heaters, building materials, furniture, cleaning products, disinfectants and cooling systems.

Lead study author Isabella Annesi-Maesano said that, "Our findings have shown an independent effect of several indoor air pollutants on the lung health of the elderly living in nursing homes. This is a worrying problem since the body’s ability to cope with harmful air pollutants decreases as we age."

Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA) - Symptoms - Signs - Diagnosis - Treatment
Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA) is a type of vasculitis that usually affects the upper airways, lungs and kidneys.

Study co-author Dan Smyth, chairman of the European Lung Foundation, agreed and added, “The majority of lung diseases are preventable, therefore we must focus on strategies that target the risk factors linked to these diseases.”

The researchers objectively assessed levels of the pollutants in 50 different nursing homes in seven countries — Belgium, Denmark, France, Greece, Italy, Poland and Sweden and a total of 600 residents aged over 65 years were used in the study. Each participant underwent a number of clinical tests including lung function testing and a health questionnaire.

Acute Bronchitis - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention
Acute bronchitis is a short term inflammation of the bronchi of lungs. It is usually caused by a virus.

The study was published online in the European Respiratory Journal.

Antioxidants to Help You When You Quit Smoking
Smoking is injurious to health, but it sure is a tough addiction to stop. Cure yourself with the power of antioxidants to eliminate health risks such as lung cancer and dental problems.

Source-Medindia