In the wake of the weatherman issuing a warning of dust storm, thunderstorm and squall over the National Capital Region and other northern States, city doctors have advised those suffering from asthma to take extreme precaution.
“Sudden change in weather and health issues associated with it make it vital for people to follow some precautions,” said Rajesh Chawla, senior consultant, pulmonologist, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals.
He said dust particles, which are both macro and micro in size, can lead to severe respiratory problems. These particles tend to trigger allergic asthmatic reactions in people.
“If anyone gets stuck outside during a dust storm, the first thing they should do is to cover their mouth, nose, eyes and ears properly with a thick wet cloth to lessen the chances of dust particles entering the body. Then, they should immediately seek shelter from the storm. When they reach home, they should clean their throat with water and take a bath,” Dr. Chawla said.
Dust particles can enter the house during a high-intensity dust storm, posing a threat to children and elderly persons. The best precaution against this is to keep the doors and windows closed. Doctors said if anyone has trouble breathing, especially children, senior citizens and asthma patients, they should be taken to the hospital immediately.
To counter irritation in the throat and nose caused by dust particles, inhale steam for 10-20 minutes to cleanse the respiratory passage. “All patients who have asthma or suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD] should keep at hand medicines and inhalers advised by the physician in case of an emergency,” Dr. Chawla said.
Manav Manchanda, pulmonologist, Asian Institute of Medical Sciences, Faridabad, said, “Dust storms can lead to chronic problems such as bronchitis, asthma, heart problems and respiratory problems. Dust storms can be worse for people already suffering from asthma as they can worsen lung function.”
Dust pneumonia
Besides PM 2.5, he said, dust storms can also be carriers of heavy metals such as arsenic, fertilisers and pesticides, and bacteria, fungi and viruses.
“Dust storms can also lead to dust pneumonia, a condition caused due to excessive exposure to dust which leads to filling of lungs with dust and inflammation of alveoli,” said the doctor.
Air pollution affects children the most and they are particularly vulnerable as they are not always able to express in words that their asthma symptoms are worsening.
Karan Madan, Assistant Professor, Department of Pulmonary Medicine and Sleep Disorders, AIIMS, said, “Today, inhalation therapy is the mainstay of treatment for asthma. Inhaled medicines are integral to management of respiratory diseases like asthma. They deliver drugs directly to the lungs and hence act faster. They are administered at a lower dose, thereby reducing the risk of side effects. Inhaled medication has shown improved disease status, controlled symptoms, reduction in number and severity of exacerbations and improved quality of life.”
Speaking on respiratory disease management challenges, Shyam Kukreja, Head of Department, Paediatrics Department, Max Hospital, Patparganj, said, “Key challenges in management of asthma include improving compliance and developing effective and easy-to-use inhalers.
Many patients frequently underutilise medication or use inhalers incorrectly, which can be detrimental to maintaining disease control. This can cause them to switch to oral therapy, which can be disastrous.”
