Priyanka Tiwari
Share
Suspense crime, Digital Desk : The air within the city of Delhi has once again become life threatening, especially for people suffering from chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma. The greater concern comes from the inhalation of PM2.5, Nitrogen Dioxide, and Ozone which can aggravate asthma significantly and lead to expensive hospital visits.
The Relationship between Air Pollution and Asthma
Pollution and heavy fog during winters severely impact asthmatic patients as it leads to inflammation of the bronchi and bronchial tubes along with bronchospasms (narrowing of the airways) which leads to severe asthma symptoms such as:
Coughing
Wheezing
Shortness of breath.
Asthma can worsen self at any time during the day and night due to PM2.5 as it penetration of lungs is effortless.
Medical Opinion: Air Pollution and Asthma
Dr Vikas Mittal who serves as a director of CK Birla Hospital in Delhi states that the long term impact of inhaling polluted air is detrimental to asthmatic patients because it:
Develops new asthma triggers for patients who have not suffered from the disease.
Cultivates Exponentially higher rates of asthma attacks.
The Domesticated Air Pollution Concern
Staying indoors is not the solution as cooking induces the burning of fuel which leads to the generation of heat. Therefore, dust and mold are added irritants counteracting to worsen asthma symptoms alongside incense sticks, mosquito repellers, and poor ventilation leading to indoor pollution.
What Asthmatic Patients Can Implement Immediately:
Stay informed on pollution levels through Air Quality Index (AQI) on:
SAFER and AQI India
Schedule and Limit Outdoor Activities During Peak Pollution Hours:
Refrain from going out early in the morning and late in the evening to avoid high traffic areas.
Maintain Clean Air Within Your House:
Keeping windows closed and using a purifier helps to ventilate the room. Use an air purifier to reduce odors and freshen the air.
Outdoor Activities:
Of note in particular are construction or industrial areas and days of especially high AQI.
Medication:
Following the medication schedule helps maintain lung function and prevents COPD exacerbations.
Read More: How to Distinguish Between Genuine and Fake Roasted Chickpeas for a Healthy Snack
