High AQI means high health concerns: 6 tips to stay safe amid high pollution in Delhi, National Capital Region

The effects of air pollution can be extremely harmful to our body and we must take all possible steps to fight pollution from our end.

Air pollution has emerged as the most common cause of various health problems among residents of Delhi/National Capital Region. The higher the AQI, the more health problems are present in the hospital OPD. If you think the pollution outside only affects your lungs, think again.

It turns out that the most dangerous pollutant is PM2.5, with worrying levels of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides. Increasing levels of these pollutants in the air essentially make it a gas chamber, making the air quality index (AQI) even worse and extremely unfit to breathe. During November and December, as fog reduces airflow, particulate matter remains suspended in the air, especially in the morning and evening. Combined with the smoke, dust and toxins produced by vehicles, this air becomes smog (smoke + fog), which is highly toxic and dangerous to people of all ages.

Effects of pollution on the body

Pollution manifests itself in many forms in our bodies

• Headache People often complain of moderate to severe headaches. Pollution can also trigger migraines as well as dizziness and nausea.
• Eyes red—— Burning sensation, excessive tearing, and itchy eyes, resulting in red, dry eyes. One of the causes of headaches.
• ears, nose, throat Exposure to toxic air can lead to sinusitis, colds, rhinitis, sore throats, problems that occur as the air quality index (AQI) rises, and irritation to the nose and throat.
• Heart – Pollution can increase blood pressure and worsen symptoms or existing heart disease.
• lung – Long-term exposure to pollutants and breathing toxic air can lead to lung infections and diseases such as acute bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia and asthma.
• Stomach A range of gastrointestinal conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), appendicitis and intestinal infections in infants, are caused by exposure to pollution.
• kidney Long-term exposure to pollution can damage the kidneys, cause chronic kidney disease, and seriously affect kidney function.
• liver Harmful levels of pollutants in the environment can cause liver toxicity and accelerate liver inflammation (hepatitis) and steatosis (fatty liver disease).

Tips to keep you safe

Here are some precautions for you and your loved ones

• Consult a healthcare professional – If symptoms persist or difficulty breathing occurs, you must consult a health care professional as soon as possible.
• Wear N95 mask Wearing an N95 mask when going out can prevent lung damage. Avoid going out during rush hours and avoid outdoor exercise when the AQI is high.
• Rinse mouth with warm water It helps soothe the throat and tonsils and remove toxins from the throat.
• Moisturizing is key Drinking plenty of water keeps your kidneys active and replenishes your body with electrolytes.
• indoor air quality index Using an air purifier or HEPA filter will help improve indoor air quality. Some plants that help purify the air can add beauty to your home and office.
• deep breathing exercises Helps keep lungs healthy by increasing lung volume and capacity.

In short, air pollution is extremely harmful to our bodies, and we must take all possible measures to combat pollution from its roots. We must take care of our families and pay close attention to symptoms. Climate change is an imminent threat, and with pollution levels so high, things will only get worse in the coming years.

(This article is written by Dr. Bandana Mishra, Head and Senior Consultant, Pulmonary Department, Sanal International Hospital)