With seasonal changes and excessive pollution levels, Gurugram is seeing a rise in the number of asthma attacks. Doctors say exposure to cold air and consumption of food loaded with preservatives could act as triggers.
“In this season, people spend more time indoors assuming that pollen is the only factor that triggers an attack. However, they still breath in potential triggers such as moulds, pet dander and dust particles when they are at home, says Dr. Piyush Goel, Consultant Pulmonology, Columbia Asia Hospital, Gurugram.
Taking precautions
Dr.Goel also advises against stepping out in the evening, when the temperature is low.
“You could have an asthma attack from inhaling cold air,” says Dr.Goel.
Consumption of food loaded with preservatives and emotional distress could also lead to attacks. Children should be particularly careful.
Battling air pollution
Gurugram is considered as of the most polluted cities in the world.
Rajesh Kumar, senior consultant, Paras Hospital, said almost 60% cases in the hospital’s medicine department pertained to upper respiratory tract infection, with the condition more prevalent among the elderly.
Further, for the last two-three years, patients have been taking more time to recover due to the high levels of pollution.
“Pollutants acts as irritants and make it difficult for patients to recover quickly,” said Dr. Kumar.
Dr. Goel said it was very important to consult a doctor even if one’s breathing was slightly impacted.
“The probability of new asthmatic cases arising in this season is 15-20%. If a patient has already been diagnosed with asthma, chances of him/her having an attack are very high — up to 40%,” said Dr.Goel.
Guide to good health
Talking about the treatment methods, Dr.Goel said, “There is social stigma attached to inhalation therapies. People are scared of dependency. However, the therapies have no side-effects and can be used on patients aged from one-80 years old.”
Doctors said patients should also be aware of the possible triggers.
“Check with your doctor to find what causes you trouble. In this season, the common triggers are pollen and air pollution. Very often, frequent coughs are ignored, leading to full-blown asthma attacks,” said Dr. Goel.
