IMPACT OF AIR POLLUTION ON NASAL AND RESPIRATORY HEALTH IN URBAN POPULATIONS

Air pollution is a major environmental health concern, particularly in urban areas with high population density, industrial activity, and vehicular emissions. Exposure to airborne pollutants, including particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, ozone, and volatile organic compounds, has been linked to a wide spectrum of respiratory and ENT disorders. Urban populations are especially vulnerable to allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, bronchitis, and exacerbation of preexisting conditions such as asthma. Airborne pollutants contribute to chronic inflammation of the nasal and sinus mucosa, disrupt epithelial barriers, alter local immune responses, and increase susceptibility to infections and allergic sensitization.