Dear Doctor,

I feel nauseated whenever I walk through heavy traffic; am I just allergic to exhaust fumes?

Do you feel only nauseated or is there associated sensation of spinning of the head or feeling light headed as if you want to fall? One can feel nauseated and dizzy while walking through heavy traffic due to motion sickness.

Heavy noise of traffic also contributes to it. The connection is that this is common when moving in a vehicle or looking down from a height. Petrol or gasoline is the main fuel used for powering engine vehicles and generators in many industries. The hydrocarbon compounds present in gasoline make it harmful for the body. Inhalation of motor exhaust fumes can cause dizziness, vomiting, headache and cough. Long-term exposure to these fumes may also cause pneumonia that in the worst cases aggravates into asthma in those susceptible to the disease. Also there is a likelihood of permanent damage to the lungs. Several studies have also linked petrol fumes to lung cancer. People working on gas stations are likely to experience similar effects that may affect their coordination system. Fortunately, using a facemask or covering the nose can prevent this sensation. Breathing exercises such as yoga help boost up adequate oxygen supply to all parts of lungs and facilitate quick removal of toxins. If done regularly this problem is likely to disappear.

Dr Rachna Pande  is a specialist in internal medicine at Ruhengeri Hospital