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Doctors advise use of N95 masks and air purifiers, eating a healthy mix of fruits and vegetables, and getting flu and pneumonia shots if prescribed by a doctor
An anti-smog gun being used to spray water droplets to curb air pollution, at Raisina Hills in New Delhi. (PTI)
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has called on states and Union Territories to strengthen hospital capabilities and raise awareness about protective measures to safeguard vulnerable populations as Delhi-NCR struggles to breathe clean air.
Union health secretary Punya Salila Srivastava on Monday wrote to governments, explaining the health impacts of severe Air Quality Index (AQI). “The health impacts of air pollution are multifaceted, contributing not only to acute illnesses but also to chronic conditions affecting the respiratory, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems etc,” wrote Srivastava, adding: “Together, I am sure we can overcome this challenge.”
The letter reiterated the points raised in the letter written by Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services (DGHS), in October where he had urged state health departments and healthcare facilities to enhance their preparedness, intensifying public awareness campaigns and strengthening the capacity of the healthcare workforce.
Srivastava emphasised that vulnerable populations, including children, pregnant women, the elderly, individuals with pre-existing conditions, and workers exposed to pollution are “particularly at risk”. To address this issue, the ministry has prepared advisories and circulated them to all states and UTs.
An AQI between 0 and 50 means good air quality, whereas 51 to 100 is satisfactory air quality. AQI between 101 and 200 is moderate, 201 to 300 is poor and 300 plus is very poor. AQI of 401 to 450 is severe above 450 is severe plus. Unfortunately, the AQI this year has breached the 450-mark.
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Doctors suggest that for healthy people, it is safe to step out up to AQI levels of 100-150 but for people who already suffer from respiratory diseases, it is safe to step out only when AQI hovers between 50 and 100.
Hospitals witness big jump in OPD visits & admissions
There is also a massive surge in cases of respiratory illness and hospitals are witnessing a swell in patients visiting their outpatient and emergency department.
Dr Nitin Rathi, a pulmonologist at Dharamshila Narayana Hospital, Delhi, told News18 that in the past week, his OPD has witnessed a “concerning 40-50 per cent spike” in cases of respiratory issues, particularly Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
“This spike is a serious concern. We routinely consult 40-45 patients daily for respiratory problems. Recently, the cases have increased to 60-65 per day.”
Breathlessness, coughing, wheezing, and increased sputum production are acute worsening of COPD symptoms brought on by poor air quality. In addition to being upsetting for patients, these episodes can hasten the course of COPD and result in hospitalisations.
Doctors have been noticing mainly elderly, younger children and people with pre-existing conditions requiring hospitalisation.
How is pollution triggering symptoms?
Increased airway inflammation brought on by prolonged exposure to pollution makes people suffering from COPD have breathing problems. Asthma also gets triggered in such conditions. In addition to impairing lung function, the tiny particulate matter found in polluted air also causes hypoxia, which lowers oxygen delivery to essential organs and compromises oxygen exchange. Moreover, pollution impairs the lungs’ natural defences, increasing a person’s susceptibility to respiratory infections, which are a significant cause of exacerbations of COPD.
Steps to protect yourself
Reduce outdoor exposure, wear an N95 mask
Exposure can be reduced by staying indoors, particularly during periods of low air quality, and keeping an eye on air quality indices. And, if you need to go out, wear an N95 mask. Doctors believe that wearing a regular mask or cloth mask is equivalent to not wearing a mask. Hence, only N95 is advisable.
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Sameer app from CPCB is a mobile app which can provide the city-level hourly update of the National Air Quality Index (AQI) published by the Central Pollution Control Board. The general public may download it for use to get information on the air quality level in their respective areas. Doctors suggest that you must reschedule outdoor activities as per AQI, and remain indoors on days with poor to severe AQI.
Use air purifiers indoors
Practical ways to reduce hazards of air pollution include utilising air purifiers at home. It makes even more sense to use air purifiers at home if there are vulnerable individuals like the elderly or young children.
Air purifiers not only lower air pollution caused due to dust, pollen and smoke but the latest models sanitise a room’s air by absorbing toxic gases and odour and wiping out pathogens. However, the ‘One Size Fits All’ approach does not work with air purifiers as they need to be aligned with the size of your room and purification capacity. News18 earlier did an explainer on what are the basic things you should look for while buying an air purifier.
Guidelines by the health ministry also advise using air purifiers.
Take care of your body
According to the advisory of the health ministry, as a “no-regret” strategy, one should take a healthy diet comprising fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants and an adequate amount of hydration.
“A balanced and nutritious diet rich in antioxidants and adequate hydration helps in combating oxidative stress,” explained Dr Gyandeep Mangal, principal consultant, interventional pulmonology and sleep medicine at Delhi-based Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute.
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Mangal said it is a misconception that only long-term exposure adversely affects our health. Even brief exposure can cause increased hospital admissions due to asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cardiac arrhythmias (disturbance in the heart rhythm). “People with comorbidities and the elderly are at a higher risk of complications. It is well known that many air pollutants are carcinogenic (potential to cause cancer). Longer exposure to polluted air increases the risk of lung cancer.”
Follow recommended medicines & act swiftly
One should not delay in getting medical help once symptoms surface. Also, one should follow recommended treatments such as using inhalers and medications if you are vulnerable to respiratory diseases.
“If you already have some known allergies or respiratory illnesses, continue using your inhalers and devices. Please do not stop your medications or adjust by yourself without meeting your doctor,” advised Dr Arjun Khanna, head of department, pulmonary medicine at Faridabad-based Amrita Hospital. “To see if pollution has affected your lungs, it is advisable to ask your doctor about lung function tests.”
According to the health ministry’s advisory, patients with chronic pulmonary and cardiovascular disease should keep their prescribed medicines readily available while going outdoors on poor to severe plus air pollution days (AQI>200).
Get flu & pneumonia shots
According to Dr Manoj Kumar Goel, principal director, pulmonology at Fortis in Gurugram, people can ask their doctor for vaccination shots. The doctors will advise on a case-to-case basis. “Get the flu and pneumonia vaccination, if advised by your doctor,” he said, adding that asthma patients must continue using preventive inhalers.
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