Childhood Exposure to Air Pollution May Trigger Bronchitis Years Later

FRIDAY, June 28, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- Exposure to air pollution as a child increases an adult’s risk of bronchitis, a new study warns.

Young adults with bronchitis symptoms tended to have been exposed during childhood to two types of air pollutants, researchers found:

Particle pollution from dust, pollen, wildfire ash, industrial emissions and vehicle exhaust.

Nitrogen dioxide from gasoline engines.

Bronchitis occurs when the large airways of the lungs become inflamed, causing severe coughing spells that bring up mucus or phlegm. Wheezing, chest pain and shortness of breath are other symptoms.