Delhi’s air has taken a serious hit post-Diwali, with smog and haze making it tough to breathe. The combination of fireworks, traffic, and lingering winter pollution has pushed air quality into the “very poor” category, leaving residents coughing, sneezing, and rubbing burning eyes.
Recognizing early symptoms of pollution-related health issues and acting promptly can prevent complications and long-term damage. Whether you live in Delhi, Mumbai, or any other urban area facing high smog levels, staying informed and taking precautionary steps is the best way to keep yourself and your family safe during periods of poor air quality.
We at TOI spoke to Dr. Sandeep Nayar, Principal Director & HOD of Chest & Respiratory Diseases at BLK-Max Super Specialty Hospital, to get tips on staying safe during peak pollution.
In your opinion, do people underestimate the health risks of air pollution during festive periods?
Dr. Sandeep Nayar: Unfortunately, people underestimate the health risks of air pollution during festive periods. We are still far from reality in understanding the harmful effects of air pollution. Reasons could be multifactorial. Lack of awareness from a public point of view and insufficient data to bring out the facts lead to marked discrepancy between awareness of pollution and its perceived impact on personal health. Despite progress, a comprehensive air quality monitoring network is still lacking in many regions, especially rural areas. The data that does exist can be insufficient to establish robust cause-and-effect relationships.
What immediate symptoms should people watch for during and after the air quality deteriorates?
Dr. Sandeep Nayar: Patients should look for cough, breathlessness, nasal itching, choking sensation, watering of eyes, or chest congestion. Patients may also complain of dizziness, nausea or fatigue. Anyone who experiences these symptoms should consult a physician specially if they have any underlying chronic ailments. Extremes of ages i.e elderly and small children are more likely to be affected, hence they should be more active in seeking doctor’s advice if any of these symptoms occur.
How can healthcare systems prepare for spikes in respiratory or cardiac issues during pollution-heavy festive seasons?
Dr. Sandeep Nayar: Healthcare systems should be pro-active during festive seasons. Regular check-up of patients suffering from chronic disease specially cardiac and respiratory problems is advised. Enough beds and OPD facilities should be available, should the need arise. Information regarding health hazards due to pollution in form of messages and camps may be organised to make people aware of the consequences and result of pollution.
What are the best personal health measures for individuals in polluted urban areas?
Dr. Sandeep Nayar: Individuals living in polluted areas may keep themselves protected by remaining inside as far as possible. In case they need to go out, they may wear masks and take proper precautions. During periods of high pollution, limit intense outdoor activities like running or jogging. Opt for indoor exercise instead. When walking, cycling, or commuting, take routes less trafficked roads to avoid high concentrations of pollutants. A healthy nutritious diet and proper hydration is must to remain healthy. Patients with pre-existing disease are advised to take their medicines regularly and contact physicians for any symptoms.
Recognizing early symptoms of pollution-related health issues and acting promptly can prevent complications and long-term damage. Whether you live in Delhi, Mumbai, or any other urban area facing high smog levels, staying informed and taking precautionary steps is the best way to keep yourself and your family safe during periods of poor air quality.
We at TOI spoke to Dr. Sandeep Nayar, Principal Director & HOD of Chest & Respiratory Diseases at BLK-Max Super Specialty Hospital, to get tips on staying safe during peak pollution.
In your opinion, do people underestimate the health risks of air pollution during festive periods?
Dr. Sandeep Nayar: Unfortunately, people underestimate the health risks of air pollution during festive periods. We are still far from reality in understanding the harmful effects of air pollution. Reasons could be multifactorial. Lack of awareness from a public point of view and insufficient data to bring out the facts lead to marked discrepancy between awareness of pollution and its perceived impact on personal health. Despite progress, a comprehensive air quality monitoring network is still lacking in many regions, especially rural areas. The data that does exist can be insufficient to establish robust cause-and-effect relationships.
What immediate symptoms should people watch for during and after the air quality deteriorates?
Dr. Sandeep Nayar: Patients should look for cough, breathlessness, nasal itching, choking sensation, watering of eyes, or chest congestion. Patients may also complain of dizziness, nausea or fatigue. Anyone who experiences these symptoms should consult a physician specially if they have any underlying chronic ailments. Extremes of ages i.e elderly and small children are more likely to be affected, hence they should be more active in seeking doctor’s advice if any of these symptoms occur.
How can healthcare systems prepare for spikes in respiratory or cardiac issues during pollution-heavy festive seasons?
Dr. Sandeep Nayar: Healthcare systems should be pro-active during festive seasons. Regular check-up of patients suffering from chronic disease specially cardiac and respiratory problems is advised. Enough beds and OPD facilities should be available, should the need arise. Information regarding health hazards due to pollution in form of messages and camps may be organised to make people aware of the consequences and result of pollution.
What are the best personal health measures for individuals in polluted urban areas?
Dr. Sandeep Nayar: Individuals living in polluted areas may keep themselves protected by remaining inside as far as possible. In case they need to go out, they may wear masks and take proper precautions. During periods of high pollution, limit intense outdoor activities like running or jogging. Opt for indoor exercise instead. When walking, cycling, or commuting, take routes less trafficked roads to avoid high concentrations of pollutants. A healthy nutritious diet and proper hydration is must to remain healthy. Patients with pre-existing disease are advised to take their medicines regularly and contact physicians for any symptoms.
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