Air pollution has been on the rise, especially in the national capital of Delhi. The air quality remains in the ‘poor’ category as the Real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) stays maintained in the ‘very unhealthy category’ standing at 371 as of today.
Amid these dire conditions, Delhi doctors have reported seeing a 50% increase in the number of patients with asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and other chest problems.
Air Pollution Causes Respiratory Diseases
The doctors shared that where they were witnessing 7-10 patients every day for respiratory disorders, now they are seeing roughly 30-35 patients. There has been a dramatic increase in patients visiting the emergency room as well, they relayed.
Talking about the symptoms of these patients, the doctors listed:
- Cough
- Cold
- Sore throat
- The feeling of a foreign body in the throat
- Watering eyes
- Tightness in the chest
- Shortness of breath
This time is especially dangerous for people who have prior respiratory issues, as more and more such people are being diagnosed with severe pneumonia that requires hospitalisation, shared the doctors.
Also Read: Delhiites Can Lose 11.9 Years Of Their Life, Thanks To The Deadly Clutch Of Air Pollution: Study
These warnings are worrisome as the recent Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) 2023 by the Energy Policy Institute, University of Chicago, revealed Delhi to be the most polluted megacity city in the world, where the residents can lose up to 11.9 years if current pollution levels persist.
Tips To Protect Yourself From Air Pollution
Talking to the team of OnlyMyHealth, Dr Battu Chaithanya, Pulmonologist and Chest Physician, Apollo 24/7, said, “Air pollution contains toxic substances that can seriously harm your health, especially if you have prior breathing issues.”
Sharing some tips to protect yourself from hazardous air pollution, he listed:
- Wear N95 or N99 Mask: The N95 or N99 mask can filter smoke and fine particles. Make sure your mask always sits perfectly on the bridge of your nose and does not leave any open pockets around your nose and mouth.
- Avoid Exercising Outdoors: Avoid any kind of outdoor activity until the smog settles. The more time you spend outdoors, the more you’ll be exposed to the toxic air. Additionally, heavy breathing due to strenuous workouts makes you more likely to breathe the toxic air deeply through your mouth.
- Plant Air Purifying Plants: Contrary to popular belief, a major level of air pollution affects you indoors. One great way of purifying indoor air is by adding air-purifying plants like spider plants, ivy, aloe vera, bamboo palm, and snake plants.
- Invest In Air Purifier and Dehumidifier: Another great way to combat indoor pollution is investing in a good air purifier and dehumidifier.
- Maintain A Healthy Diet: Consume foods that are loaded with vitamins A, C, and E. Incorporate carrots, radishes, sweet potato, spinach, pumpkin, methi, amla, oranges, lemon, almonds, basil, jaggery, sugarcane juice, and liquorice root to your detox diet.
In conclusion, air pollution is on the rise and is out to get you. While scorning over the mismanagement and callous practices that have led to the hazardous air in Delhi, employing preventive measures is just good sense. Stay away from smoking, second-hand smoke, and pollution as much as possible. Follow the tips recommended by Dr Chaithanya, and take extra care of your loved members who are above 60 or below 15 years of age.
