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The doctor explained that the deteriorating AQI after Diwali affects everyone, but it particularly impacts some people the most, causing both long-term and short-term health effects.
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New Delhi: The air quality in Delhi-NCR has been steadily deteriorating since Diwali. The air in Delhi and surrounding areas is becoming toxic, making breathing difficult. Air pollution is causing numerous health problems for people.
In such a situation, it is important to understand these problems and how to protect yourself from them. To learn more about this, we spoke with Dr. Shivanshu Raj Goyal, Associate Director and Unit Head, Pulmonology, Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Max Hospital, Gurugram. Let's explore the problems that the continuously deteriorating air quality in Delhi-NCR can cause.
The doctor explained that the deteriorating AQI after Diwali affects everyone, but it particularly impacts some people the most, causing both long-term and short-term health effects. Some of the short-term problems caused by this include:
Short-term problems caused by bad air
Asthma attacks: Pollution triggers bronchospasms, which narrow the airways and cause severe coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. During this time, many patients find their usual medications less effective.
Worsening bronchitis: Inhalation of fine particles and toxic gases from pollution irritates the airways, leading to increased mucus production.
COPD worsens: Poor air quality can worsen symptoms in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), requiring high-intensity treatment and, in severe cases, hospitalization due to severely reduced lung function.
Lung Inflammation: Fine particles (PM 2.5 and PM 10) from firecracker smoke can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing inflammation and reducing oxygen exchange.
Acute Respiratory Problems: Low air quality can cause symptoms including throat irritation, chest tightness, dizziness, fatigue, and persistent cough.
Long-Term Problems Related to Pollution
Weakened Immunity: Pollutants can weaken the respiratory system, making a person more susceptible to viral and bacterial infections like pneumonia.
Respiratory Illnesses: In some people, repeated exposure to pollution can lead to long-term illnesses, even in those who previously had no serious health problems.
Serious Health Damage: In addition to lung damage, small particles in polluted air can enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation in the body. Repeated exposure to pollution increases the risk of heart attack and other heart-related problems.
Healthy individuals may experience these problems
A very low Air Quality Index (AQI) can affect not only those with existing illnesses but also healthy individuals. In such cases, poor air quality can cause the following problems:
