Fog and air pollution are seriously affecting respiratory health, especially for people with asthma and other chronic lung conditions.
Pulmonologist Besim Morina warned that air pollution poses a significant risk to individuals with breathing problems.
“Atmospheric conditions have a major impact on lung health, particularly for those with respiratory issues—people with bronchial asthma, bronchitis, or other chronic lung diseases. These individuals are highly sensitive to changes in air pressure, humidity, and weather conditions such as fog or extreme cold. Fog, in particular, directly worsens chronic respiratory conditions and can trigger asthma attacks,” Morina told EO.
According to Morina, the colder months remain the most dangerous for respiratory patients due to seasonal infections and higher pollution levels, often leading to exacerbation of asthma and bronchitis and requiring additional medical treatment.
“Moreover, fog increases the harmful effects of air pollution. Pollutants such as carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and fine particulate matter linger close to the ground in foggy conditions. This means people inhale higher concentrations of pollutants, which directly worsens respiratory health and indirectly amplifies the harmful effects of pollution, aggravating chronic lung diseases,” Morina explained.
He also noted that many asthma patients are still unaware of how weather conditions affect their health. Excessive use of air conditioners can further worsen symptoms by drying out the air.
“Unfortunately, awareness about respiratory health remains low. Many people with asthma do not realize which weather conditions trigger flare-ups. Recently, we’ve seen cases where overuse of air conditioners has worsened patients’ breathing, particularly during colder months. Seasonal infections in late autumn and winter increase the risk of exacerbations. Even a common cold can worsen asthma or bronchitis, often requiring antibiotics or other treatments to manage severe respiratory flare-ups,” he added.
