If you’ve noticed more allergy or asthma symptoms or more germs going through your Reno, NV, home, you might be surprised to learn that indoor air quality could be a contributing factor to your symptoms. Most people spend at least 90% of their time indoors, and much of that time is at home. Read on to discover three ways poor indoor air quality affects your immune system.
1. T-regulatory Cell Repression
Your immune system contains many types of cells. One is the T-regulatory cell. Its job is to halt autoimmune responses that cause allergies, asthma and autoimmune diseases. In a study of California children, researchers found that kids exposed to high indoor air pollution had decreased T-regulatory cell functions. The exposure to air pollution caused genetic changes in their cells, much like cigarette smoke causes genetic damage to lung cells.
2. Lower Lung Capacity
Indoor air quality also lowers lung capacity. Your lungs have many different types of immune cells. These cells identify and kill germs that you breathe. They secrete mucus, too. When you’re exposed to poor indoor air quality, these cells become active and secrete more mucus and fluid. This lowers your lung capacity.
3. Widespread Inflammation
When particles enter your mucus membranes and breathing passages, your immune system reacts with inflammation. The inflammation is highest in your nasal passages and lungs, but it’s also widespread throughout your body. When your immune system is already occupied fighting these particles, it may not be prepared to handle a cold, strep throat, flu or bacterial infection that you encounter. Respiratory infections may be harder for you to fight.
Gibson Plumbing & Mechanical is Reno’s trusted provider of indoor air quality solutions. We’re also ready to provide you with dependable cooling and heating maintenance, replacement and installation services. Homeowners also turn to us for plumbing services, tankless water heaters, toilets and faucets, gas line, vacuum line, solar panel, geothermal, steam line and heating ventilation systems. To learn about indoor air quality or schedule any of our services in Reno, call us at Gibson Plumbing & Mechanical.
