14/10/2024
Improve your health and Indoor Air Quality (IAQ): how NatéoSanté solutions help fight respiratory infections
25 July 2024
Respiratory diseases are a crucial public health issue, both in France and the rest of the world. Respiratory diseases can be contagious, as in the case of influenza, tuberculosis or pneumonia. These respiratory infections can be fatal, particularly in severe cases of pneumonia, severe influenza or exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
In France, hospitalisations due to respiratory infections have risen by 20% in recent years, mainly as a result of seasonal flu and COPD-19. This worrying trend reflects the population’s increased vulnerability to increasingly virulent respiratory pathogens. In China, the situation is just as worrying: air pollution is playing a major role, leading to a 30% increase in cases of bronchitis and COPD. High levels of fine particles, often in excess of World Health Organisation recommendations, exacerbate these respiratory diseases, highlighting the urgent need for action to improve air quality. These figures underline the importance of prevention and improving indoor air quality to protect public health.
What are the most common respiratory diseases?
Respiratory diseases affect millions of people every year and can vary in severity from mild to life-threatening conditions. The most common respiratory conditions include:
- Asthma: A chronic disease that causes recurrent attacks of wheezing and shortness of breath. Around 4 million people in France suffer from it, and it is often triggered by allergens or environmental irritants.
- Bronchitis: An inflammation of the bronchial tubes that can be acute or chronic. Acute bronchitis is often caused by viral infections, while chronic bronchitis is mainly due to smoking or exposure to pollutants.
- Pneumonia: A serious lung infection caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. It can lead to severe complications, especially in the elderly or immunocompromised.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A group of diseases including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. COPD is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, affecting mainly smokers and ex-smokers.
- Influenza: A seasonal viral infection that can cause severe symptoms and complications, particularly in young children, the elderly and people with chronic illnesses.
- Tuberculosis: A bacterial disease that mainly affects the lungs, but can also affect other parts of the body. Tuberculosis remains a public health problem in many parts of the world.
- Chronic Respiratory Infections: These include conditions such as chronic sinusitis and allergic rhinitis, which can significantly reduce the quality of life of sufferers.
The causes of respiratory infections
Lung infections have a variety of causes, including environmental factors, exposure to pathogens and lifestyle habits. These infections can be triggered by :
- Viruses: Viral infections are one of the most common causes of lung infections. Viruses such as influenza, coronaviruses (including those responsible for COVID-19), and Mycoplasma pneumoniae are common pathogens. These viruses can cause illnesses ranging from mild to severe, with potentially fatal complications.
- Bacteria: Bacterial infections are also a major cause of lung infections. Bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, responsible for many bacterial pneumonias, and Haemophilus influenzae can lead to serious infections, especially in vulnerable people such as young children, the elderly and immunocompromised individuals.
- Air pollution: Air pollution is a significant environmental factor contributing to lung infections. Fine particles, harmful gases and allergens in the air can irritate the respiratory tract and weaken the immune system, making people more susceptible to infection. In France, air pollution is responsible for 48,000 premature deaths every year, underlining the importance of indoor and outdoor air quality.
- Smoking: Smoking, whether active or passive, damages the airways and lungs, considerably increasing the risk of lung infections. Smoking is responsible for 75% of cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is a major risk factor for the development of lung cancer and other serious respiratory diseases.
- Environmental factors: Other environmental factors, such as dampness, mould and exposure to toxic chemicals, can also contribute to lung infections. Excessive dampness and mould in homes can create an environment conducive to the growth of bacteria and fungi, while toxic chemicals present in certain work environments can damage the lungs and respiratory tract.
The role of air purifiers in the fight against airborne diseases
At NatéoSanté, we are committed to providing high-quality air purification solutions that not only improve the indoor environment, but also contribute significantly to overall health.
Our air purifiers play an essential role in filtering harmful particles, including viruses and bacteria, from the air we breathe. NatéoSanté’s advanced air purification systems are designed to capture and neutralise a wide range of airborne contaminants, reducing the risk of respiratory infections and other lung diseases. By integrating our solutions into your home or workplace, you’re taking a proactive step to protect your health and that of your loved ones.
The key features of NatéoSanté air purifiers are :
- HEPA filtration: High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are able to trap 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, including viruses and bacteria.
- UV-C light technology: UV-C light is proven to inactivate airborne pathogens by disrupting their DNA, rendering them harmless.
- Activated carbon filters: These filters absorb harmful gases and odours, ensuring a cleaner, more pleasant indoor environment.
3 tips for maintaining a healthy indoor environment
- Regular maintenance: Make sure your air purifier filters are replaced as recommended to maintain optimum performance.
- Proper ventilation: As well as using air purifiers, keep your space well ventilated to dilute indoor air pollutants.
- Hygiene practices: Regular hand washing and surface disinfection are essential to prevent the spread of infection.
The impact of air purifiers in healthcare establishments
Medical-grade air purifiers or mobile air treatment units, such as those designed by NatéoSanté, play an essential role in preventing respiratory illnesses in healthcare establishments. They reduce airborne contaminants, thereby limiting the risk of lung infection and worsening symptoms in people suffering from chronic respiratory illnesses.
Scientific studies have demonstrated the importance of indoor air quality, particularly in hospitals, in preventing lung infections and improving patients’ overall respiratory health (source: Journal of Hospital Infection). By using advanced air purification technologies, it is possible to create a healthier environment and reduce the prevalence of contagious respiratory diseases and serious infections requiring hospitalisation.
At NateoSanté, we are committed to providing you with the best solutions to ensure a safe and healthy indoor environment. By integrating our advanced air purification systems into your home or workplace.