How to save your lungs from imminent air pollution scare
As the air quality of various parts of Delhi falls in the "severe" category, doctors share ways you can protect your lungs from various diseases.
Air pollution in Delhi is contributing to various lung diseases among people. (Photo courtesy: India Today)
New Delhi,UPDATED: Oct 18, 2022 17:11 IST
In Short
- Medical experts say that air pollution can worsen the functioning of the lungs.
- Various parts of Delhi have fallen into the "severe" category, as per CPCB
- People should avoid exercising outdoors early mornings or after sunset
As Delhi's air quality deteriorates, doctors have advised ways in which people should protect their lungs. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recently released new data on the city's air quality. Various parts of the city and the NCR region have fallen into the "severe" category, as per their air quality index (AQI).
Medical experts say that air pollution can worsen the functioning of the lungs. "The changes have shown air pollution to contribute to other health conditions, such as bladder cancer, lung diseases, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), respiratory infections, and cardiovascular disease. Air pollution is a complex mixture of particulate matter and gases produced by industrial and commercial activities, and different types of transportation like buses, trains, airplanes, and cars," says Dr. Avi Kumar, Senior Consultant, Pulmonology, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, Okhla Road, New Delhi.
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"As the winter is approaching, air pollution usually occurs during this time. Smog, which is a mixture of smoke and air pollution, can severely affect people's lungs," says Dr Vikas Maurya, Director and HOD Pulmonology, Fortis Hospital Shalimar Bagh.
An increase in air pollution not just causes severe cough, it causes lower and upper respiratory tract infections. "It can also cause pneumonia. Apart from this, it can also exacerbate pre-existing lung diseases. Children and the elderly are among the most affected by air pollution," adds Dr Maurya.
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR LUNGS FROM AIR POLLUTION
Reduce your exposure to secondhand smoke from cigarettes. People who smoke should go outside to smoke to avoid indoor pollution.
According to Dr Neetu Jain, Senior Consultant, Pulmonary & Critical Care, Sleep Medicine, PSRI Hospital, people who exercise need to venture out only after 10 am. Avoid going out early in the morning or late evening. "Air is heavier when it is cold, so you end up breathing the polluted air early in the morning or late evening. When the air is lighter, it goes up so it is not at your breathing level and this happens between 10 am and 3 pm. So try to exercise after 10 am or so and before sunset," says Dr Jain.
People who suffer from various respiratory diseases or have some chronic illness, especially those above the age of 65, should get themselves vaccinated for flu. "Recurrent viral episodes will be less and this will decrease exacerbation of their symptoms," says Dr Jain.
When you are venturing out, use an N95 pollution mask, or a mask with a valve. "People should use a mask with a valve. It's about what they are breathing in and not what they are breathing out. It can be a little more comfortable than the N95 mask, especially for those who are prone to pollution," she adds.
People should wear N95 masks while venturing out to avoid inhaling polluted air. (Photo courtesy: India Today) Go for regular check-ups with their doctor and do not decrease your medication according to your own understanding. Avoid indigenous treatment or self-treatment during this time.
If you have thick curtains at home, wash them every 2-3 months so that they don't collect dust or polluted air. Do not use too many carpets in the house.
According to Dr Ravi Shekhar Jha, Director of Pulmonology, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad, people should eat citrus fruits and food rich in antioxidants to protect their lungs from getting affected by the air. Proper nutrition will keep the lungs healthy.
Do not use agarbattis or incense in the house. Avoid using mosquito coils too. Instead, an air purifier should be used. However, since these are expensive, people should have a good quality exhaust fan in their kitchen to avoid spreading of smoke inside the house.
Dr Jha suggests people can buy indoor plants like Ivy, Spider and Snake plants, which are natural air cleansers.
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