How Delhi’s Winter Air Pollution Affects Your Kidney Health

 


By Dr. Debabrata Mukherjee | Nephrologist & Kidney Health Specialist

As winter sets in across Delhi-NCR, many of us prepare for cooler temperatures, festivals, and unfortunately — poor air quality. While most people are aware of how pollution affects the lungs and heart, very few realize the silent impact it can have on your kidneys.

Let’s understand how the air we breathe — especially during Delhi’s winter smog — can harm your kidney health, and what you can do to protect yourself.

 The Air We Breathe in Winters

Delhi’s air quality often dips to "very poor" or "severe" levels during winter months. This is due to a combination of:

  • Low temperatures trapping pollutants close to the ground (temperature inversion)

  • Stubble burning in nearby states

  • Increased use of diesel generators, heaters, and firewood

  • Reduced wind speed and poor dispersion of particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10)

You may not always see the damage, but your internal organs — especially the kidneys — can suffer silently.

 How Air Pollution Affects the Kidneys

Your kidneys filter around 50 gallons of blood each day, removing waste and maintaining balance in your body. But when the blood carries pollutants like fine particles, nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and heavy metals, your kidneys are forced to work harder — and suffer damage in the process.

Here’s what can happen:

1. Inflammation & Oxidative Stress

Pollutants trigger widespread inflammation and oxidative damage in the body. This harms kidney tissues over time.

2. Higher Blood Pressure

Air pollution can raise blood pressure — and high BP is one of the biggest causes of kidney failure.

3. Increased Risk of CKD

Studies have shown that long-term exposure to air pollution increases the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) — especially in people already living with diabetes or hypertension.

4. Worsening of Existing Kidney Disease

For those already suffering from kidney disease, pollution can speed up progression, worsen symptoms, or trigger acute kidney injury.

 Who Is at Risk?

You may be at higher risk if you:

  • Have diabetes or high blood pressure

  • Already have kidney disease

  • Are a senior citizen

  • Are exposed to outdoor air regularly (commuters, laborers, traffic police, etc.)

  • Smoke or live in high-pollution zones

How You Can Protect Your Kidneys This Winter

As a kidney specialist, I urge my patients to take simple but effective steps:

  1. Check the AQI before going out
    Avoid outdoor walks or workouts when AQI is above 200.

  2. Use a good-quality N95 mask
    Especially if you must be outside for work or travel.

  3. Use indoor air purifiers
    Keep windows closed during high pollution days, but ensure ventilation too.

  4. Eat antioxidant-rich foods
    Fresh fruits (like berries, oranges), leafy greens, turmeric, and green tea help combat inflammation.

  5. Stay well hydrated
    Clean water helps your kidneys flush toxins more effectively.

  6. Keep blood sugar and BP under control
    Take medications regularly, and monitor values during pollution-heavy days.

  7. Get your kidneys tested regularly
    Especially if you are high-risk. Simple blood (eGFR) and urine tests can help detect early damage.

 A Final Word

Your kidneys may not show early warning signs — but that doesn’t mean they aren’t being affected. This winter, as you take care of your lungs and heart, don’t forget your kidneys. Awareness and early action can prevent long-term damage.

Let’s all work towards cleaner air and healthier lives.

Stay safe,
Dr. Debabrata Mukherjee
Senior Director Renel science

Medanta Medicity gurugram

 

for more info visit : www.drmukherjeenephrologist.com 

Location: Medanta- The Medicity, CH Baktawar Singh Rd, Medicity, Islampur Colony, Sector 38, Gurugram, Haryana 122001, India

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