A pulmonologist warned about the hidden dangers of May picnics for the lungs

With the onset of the May holidays, many go to nature, opening the season of barbecue and country holidays. However, smoke from a barbecue, forest dust and pollen can pose a serious threat to the respiratory system, especially for people with chronic lung diseases. Olga Tsagaraeva, a pulmonologist at JSC Meditsina (Academician Roitberg Clinic), told Izvestia on May 7 about how to protect health during field trips.

According to the expert, the smoke from the barbecue contains fine particles less than 2.5 microns (PM2.5) in size, which are able to penetrate deep into the alveoli of the lungs. In addition, it contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide.

"Fine particles cause local inflammation of the respiratory tract, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, with regular exposure, can provoke DNA mutations. For patients with bronchial asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, even short—term smoke inhalation can worsen lung function and provoke an exacerbation," Tsagaraeva noted.

No less dangerous may be the so-called forest or cottage dust. It is a mixture of plant pollen, mold spores, soil particles, vegetation fragments and waste products of dust mites.

When they enter the respiratory tract in predisposed people, the immune system may perceive these particles as a threat, which triggers the release of histamine. As a result, an allergic reaction develops: there is swelling of the mucous membrane, bronchospasm and increased mucus production. For people with asthma, this is one of the most common triggers of an attack.

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The expert advises to closely monitor your well-being after contact with smoke or dust. Alarming symptoms include an obsessive dry cough, cough with difficult-to-separate phlegm, wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, as well as paroxysmal sneezing and itchy nose or eyes.

"If shortness of breath does not go away even at rest, cyanosis of the lips or nails appears, confusion is a sign of respiratory failure that requires immediate medical attention. If symptoms persist for more than 24-48 hours, a doctor's consultation is also necessary," the pulmonologist emphasized.

To reduce the harmful effects during outdoor recreation, the doctor recommends that you properly organize a picnic area. The barbecue should be positioned so that the smoke is blown away by the wind away from people. For cooking, it is better to use dry hardwood or high-quality charcoal, avoiding painted wood, chipboard and plastic, since toxic substances are released during their combustion.Gorenje

After staying in nature, it is useful to rinse your nose with an isotonic solution of seawater. This helps to remove smoke particles and allergens from the mucous membrane. People with hypersensitivity or in windy weather can benefit from a medical mask that reduces the inhalation of large dust particles.

Special attention should be paid to preparing for the May trips for people with asthma, allergies and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The doctor recommends discussing with the attending specialist in advance an action plan in case of an exacerbation, checking the availability and shelf life of a fast-acting inhaler, monitoring the forecast of air quality and pollen levels in the region.

If you have seasonal allergies, you can take an antihistamine in advance, in consultation with your doctor. Also, do not plan outdoor activities in dry, windy weather and in the morning, when the concentration of pollen in the air is maximum.

On April 22, gastroenterologist Ekaterina Kashukh told Izvestia that excessive consumption of red meat kebabs can negatively affect the functioning of the heart, blood vessels and digestive system. According to her, 70 grams of red meat shish kebab is the amount of product that allows you to get the most out of it without putting too much strain on your health.