Alopecia areata has a strong genetic basis, with environmental triggers worsening the condition.
As a result, they affect multiple organs, not just the lungs.
This concept is now referred to as multimorbidity, where air pollution contributes to disease across several organ systems,” said Dr Hariprasad VS, pulmonology and respiratory medicine specialist at Apollo Hospitals, Bannerghatta. Dr Nibha Raghu, consultant, ENT and head & neck surgery at Cytecare Hospitals, said she sees at least one or two patients every day with symptoms linked to prolonged exposure to construction dust. She also said that patients commonly complain of persistent sneezing, nasal blockage, runny nose, burning sensation, dryness, and recurrent nosebleeds, and that long-term exposure can also result in mucociliary dysfunction.
BENGALURU: A recent systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Autoimmunity has found that alopecia areata — an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, causing sudden, patchy hair loss — has a strong genetic basis. However, the study also noted environmental triggers, including pollutants, may precipitate or worsen the condition in genetically susceptible individuals. “Over the past several years, research has shown that these pollutants have much wider effects. Once they enter the body, they trigger inflammation and increase oxidative stress by generating free radicals. The effects of cement dust are also becoming increasingly evident in ENT clinics across the city.