air pollution

Poor air quality colliding with existing health inequities exacerbates disease

Dear Doctor: A recent study found that air pollution increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes. How can that be? Air pollution can’t possibly raise blood sugar levels. I can understand your disbelief.  My first thought when I saw this study [...]

Dear Doctor: We live near a freeway with a lot of traffic.  Do I need to be worried about my kids developing asthma? This is a valid question.  Cars release a number of small particles into the air that can irritate [...]

Asthma is a disease that affects one in 13 Americans, with children and teens affected more than adults. This condition causes swelling and inflammation of the airways, which makes breathing difficult. The attacks can be mild or severe, and in some cases, even life-threatening. While there is no [...]

Bike commuting has become more prevalent in Southern California and many cities across the country, and the health benefits of pedaling to work, such as an effective calorie-burning cardiovascular workout, are obvious. But what about [...]

  Our gut bacteria affects our overall physical and mental health in ways researchers are only now starting to understand. A new study has found that air pollution may play a role in the impact of gut bacteria on our health as well – and not in a [...]

Smog isn’t just unsightly. It’s downright dangerous. As you might expect, breathing in the small particles and noxious gases in polluted air can worsen respiratory problems, such as asthma and emphysema. However, your lungs aren’t the only things affected. In fact, air pollution can affect your health from head [...]