NEW DELHI: Amid rising pollution levels in the national capital, health experts on Saturday said poor air quality can affect all our organs.
Delhi has seen worsening air quality over recent weeks, largely attributed to stubble burning, low wind circulation, and also due to burning crackers, even after a ban.
On Saturday morning, a layer of smog covered Delhi-NCR with the Air Quality Index (AQI) registering a ‘poor’ rating.
Delhi’s average AQI stood at 294 at 7:30 A.M, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). About 18 areas reported AQI levels above 300, indicating a ‘very poor’ category.
The most affected areas included Anand Vihar (380), IGI Airport (341), RK Puram (340), and Punjabi Bagh (335). Additionally, AQI levels between 200 and 300, indicating ‘poor’ air quality, were recorded in 19 other areas, including Alipur (295), Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (284), and Mundka (288).
“Clean air is our right. We need air for life that should have oxygen and not pollutants. Only then can we be healthy, else no organ in the body can remain unaffected by air pollution,” Dr. Anil Goyal, MBBS, MS – General Surgery, MCh – Urology and former IMA President, told IANS.
He noted that air pollution can lead to infections in the windpipe and lungs.
“The presence of particulate matter in the body can cause pneumonia and bronchitis. It can also worsen conditions for people already suffering from asthma and lead to hospitalisation and ICU admissions.” Goyal said, noting that children and patients with hypertension, cardiac diseases, and kidney dialysis are the most vulnerable.
The health expert stated that air pollution is also causing allergies, leading to irritation and watering of the eyes; and throat infections.
“PM2.5 microns can pass through the bloodstream and cause damage to lungs, liver, and kidneys,” Goyal said.
Increasing levels of air pollution can also have a profound impact on mental health.
Dr Jyoti Kapoor, Founder & Director, Manasthali Wellness told IANS that exposure to PM2.5 and toxic gases can impact mental health.
“This can cause many psychological and emotional problems. Prolonged exposure to air pollution increases stress, anxiety, and depression,” Kapoor said.
To prevent the range of conditions, Goyal suggested the residents to keep sprinkling water in localities to curb the dust; use air purifiers at home; do not burn garbage; use less of own vehicles, but use state-sponsored buses, and metros to travel.
He also recommended the vulnerable population use masks, and go for morning walks only after sunrise; not indulge in heavy exercise
Avoiding non-vegetarian diets, and spicy and fatty foods can also aid in digestion and keep people healthy during high pollution levels. Goyal said while advising people to take more water, fresh fruits, green vegetables, and millet.

New Delhi: Even as air quality in the national capital fell to the ‘very poor’ category, city doctors on Tuesday reported a 30 per cent surge in respiratory diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 

A thick layer of smog enveloped Delhi on Tuesday morning as the city’s air quality deteriorated to the ‘very poor’ category. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), 27 monitoring stations in the national capital fell in the red zone, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 317 recorded around 9:00 a.m.

The health experts blamed changing weather and pollution levels for the rise in respiratory disease. Children, pregnant women, and the elderly are at the highest risk.

Dr. Vikas Maurya, Senior Director and HOD Pulmonology, Fortis Hospital told IANS that as winter is approaching and pollution is increasing with lower AQI, there has been an increase in cases of acute bronchitis and asthma attack.

“There has been a 30-40 per cent rise in these respiratory diseases. Pollutants with PM 2.5 and PM 10 along with dust particles and vehicular emissions in increased concentration are causing irritation and inflammation to the airways when inhaled,” Maurya said.

Children, the elderly, those with weak immunity, and those with pre-existing lung diseases like asthma, COPD, and cardiac issues are more at risk.

These people are more likely to present with symptoms like excessive cough, mucus production, sneezing, chest pain, and breathing problems.

“With the approaching winter season, stubble burning, vehicular exhaust, the pollutants in the air have crossed levels suitable for human health. These toxic gases irritate the lungs, especially of the elderly and asthmatic and COPD patients,” Bobby Bhalotra, Prof and senior consultant, Department of Chest Medicine, SGRH told IANS.

The experts advised people to take precautions, such as wearing masks, and using air purifiers indoors if they are immobile in bed and are in the high-risk category. They also called for avoiding outdoor activities when air quality is poor.

Dr Vikas Mittal, Pulmonologist, Department of Respiratory Medicine, C K Birla Hospital, told IANS that the asthma cases are also being driven by the seasonal transition and an increase in pollen counts. Allergic rhinitis is also seeing an uptick due to similar triggers, he said.

“The current seasonal transition has resulted in fluctuating temperatures, which, alongside high pollen levels, are exacerbating asthma and other respiratory diseases. The conditions are complicating air quality, making it harder for those with pre-existing respiratory conditions to breathe easily,” Mittal said. The hospital is witnessing 20-30 per cent cases of asthma and other respiratory diseases.

The experts called on people with lung diseases to take their preventive medication regularly and keep indoor plants air purifiers to keep indoors clean.

Bhalotra recommended immediate medical care in case of breathing trouble indicated by fast pulse rate and inability to complete sentences.