Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease caused by airway inflammation and constriction. It can cause severe coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and sometimes even death.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 235 million people worldwide suffer from asthma, and approximately 383,000 people die from it every year.

ASTHMA TRIGGERS

Asthma triggers are different for everyone, but some of the most common ones are air pollution, dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and tobacco smoke.

Studies have shown that the quality of air in densely populated urban areas can trigger asthma symptoms and make them worse.

In 2018, the American Lung Association reported that more than 40% of Americans live in areas with unhealthy air quality, which puts them at risk of developing asthma and other respiratory diseases.

TREES CAN IMPROVE AIR QUALITY

Trees are known to play a vital role in improving air quality. They absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, which is essential for human life.

Moreover, trees can also filter pollutants from the air, such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter. Studies have shown that the presence of trees in urban areas can reduce the levels of air pollutants, which can, in turn, help to reduce asthma symptoms.

A study conducted by the University of Exeter’s European Centre for Environment and Human Health found that if a city increased its urban tree cover by 10%, it could reduce asthma epidemiology by almost 25%.

This shows that planting trees in urban areas can be an effective way to reduce the prevalence of asthma.

TREES CAN REDUCE STRESS

Aside from improving air quality, trees can also have a positive impact on mental health. Studies have shown that exposure to nature can reduce stress levels, anxiety, and depression, all of which can trigger asthma symptoms.

A study conducted by the University of Illinois found that patients who had access to a view of trees and green spaces from their hospital window had shorter postoperative hospital stays and required fewer pain medications than patients who had a view of a brick wall. This confirms the potential of trees to improve mental health and reduce asthma symptoms.

TREES AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Physical activity is essential for maintaining good respiratory health. However, asthma sufferers often find it challenging to engage in physical activity due to their condition.

Trees can provide a solution to this problem by encouraging physical activity.

A study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania found that parks and green spaces with trees were more likely to be used by people for physical activity than those without trees.

This suggests that planting trees in urban areas can not only improve air quality and reduce stress, but also encourage physical activity, which is essential for respiratory health.

CONCLUSION

Trees can play a vital role in reducing asthma symptoms in dense neighborhoods. They can improve air quality, reduce stress, and encourage physical activity, all of which are beneficial for respiratory health.

Governments, city planners, and individuals should prioritize the planting of trees in urban areas to improve air quality, reduce the prevalence of asthma, and promote a healthy environment.