The widespread bursting of crackers has led to an increased influx of patients, say city doctors.
“There has been a sudden increase in the number of asthma patients visiting the hospital in the past 2-3 days, complaining of shortness of breath and dependence on inhalers and nebulisers, even indoors. Earlier, we received 4-5 patients every day. However, after Diwali, it has increased 10-12 patients per day,” said Piyush Goel, senior consultant pulmonologist and critical care, Columbia Asia Hospital, Gurugram.
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Harmful gases released during burning of crackers causes respiratory distress, say experts. Anil Bansal of Delhi Medical Association said those who are asthmatic should continue to take their usual medicines.
Additionally, they should check with their doctors in advance to prepare for situations when pollutant level in air increases manifold within a short span of time.
“This heaviness in air is here to stay for a while as in winters less breeze helps pollutants, especially the particulate matters, to stay longer. Everyone, especially children, elderly citizens and pregnant women, should use N95 or N99 masks while going out. While staying indoors, use a wet piece of cloth to filter the air you breathe. Besides, garden residues should be used for making compost instead of burning. Be careful about what you eat — do not skip fresh fruits and green vegetables in your diet,” said Dr. Goel.
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“Before Diwali, we have witnessed a rise of 25% in COPD exacerbation and asthma patients, many being new patients. We are seeing increased number of patients with adult onset asthma which was a rarity before,” said Arunesh Kumar, pulmonologist at Paras Hospital Gurugram.
He explained that elderly people have been affected the most by both increased air pollution and noise pollution which has aggravated respiratory and auditory problems.
Sensitive organ systems
Infants are the second age group who suffer massively due to their sensitive and developing organ systems, explained the doctor.
Experts add that lungs of children in the initial years of life are not fully developed and are vulnerable to environmental factors.
In the Capital, despite the Supreme Court guidelines, the air quality index (AQI) in Delhi/NCR crossed the 900 mark with dangerously high PM2.5 levels which is hazardous to health.
“We are expecting a further rise in cases of pulmonary infections and other problems like skin allergies and eye infections. It is highly advisable that people should stay indoors, use N99 masks while venturing out, avoid early morning and late evening outdoor activities, prevent children and elderly from going out, follow good hygiene and cleanliness practices, and keep oneself well hydrated,” advised doctors.