An increased exposure to dry air, due to climate change, could heighten the risk of dehydration and inflammation in breathing tracts leading to respiratory illnesses.
Inflammation in the airways can increase one's risk of respiratory infections and worsen among those already who have asthma and other respiratory issues.
The study, led by researchers at Johns Hopkins University, US, said that as Earth's atmosphere continues to heat up, 'vapour pressure deficit' can increase rapidly.
What is vapour pressure deficit (VPD)?
VPD is the difference between the amount of moisture that air can hold at saturation.
The higher the VPD, the more the air's thirst, paving the way for the water to evaporate more quickly, thereby dehydrating ecosystems, said the researchers.
"Air dryness is as critical to air quality as air dirtiness and managing the hydration of our airways is as essential as managing their cleanliness," said David Edwards, professor at Johns Hopkins University.
According to Edwards, understanding how our airways dehydrate on exposure to dry air can help us avoid or reverse the inflammation impact of dehydration.
The study was published in the journal Communications Earth and Environment.
The researchers analysed how water loss or transpiration occurs in the mucus of upper airways in humans when exposed to dry air.
In the case of severe dehydration, a stage when the fluid levels drop to a point at which organs and bodily functions cannot function normally, the body loses more fluids than it takes in.
What are the symptoms of severe dehydration?
The severe dehydration symptoms include:
Thirst
Peeing less
Not peeing
Not sweating
Headache and dizziness
It could also lead to brain damage and even death in some cases.
What are the treatments?
In severe cases, rehydrating usually requires more than providing water. IV fluids, made of water, sodium and other electrolytes are required in such cases.
