While we were not done talking about the right way to breathe, the city has come to a situation where the air quality itself is being questioned.
Dengue and swine flu health fears aside, the biggest threat to those living in Delhi today is the rising pollution level in the city.
Commenting on the concern, Dr. Manoj Kumar, Associate Director & Head - Cardiac Cath Lab, Max Super Specialty Hospital, Patparganj says, "Breathing toxic air that is extremely high in particulate matter 2.5 concentration puts Delhi's residents at a high risk of acquiring life-threatening ailments such as respiratory disorders, heart attacks, and strokes. Continuous exposure can cause plaque formation in the arteries providing nutrients and blood to the heart, often triggering heart attacks in high-risk patients. Those with poor heart function must be extra cautious as the air pollutants can trigger heart failure. Extra care must be taken so as to cover one's face when outside and to avoid going to over-crowded and densely polluted areas. The government also must take necessary steps to reduce pollution levels."
Adding to it, Dr. Balbir Singh - Senior Interventional Cardiologist and Chairman, Electrophysiology and Pacing, Medanta, The Medicity Hospital explains, "Delhi is on the verge of a public health emergency with a large section of the society becoming prey to a host of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. It is highly recommended that high-risk patients wear masks while outdoors, minimize outdoor exertion and immediately consult their doctors if they suffer from any unusual symptoms like coughing, wheezing, irregularities in breathing pattern, chest discomfort, or unusual fatigue."
The ultra-fine nanoparticles found in polluted air can cause enhanced coagulation, arrhythmia, and thrombosis in heart patients. Exposure to pollutants also increases the risk of acute arterial vasoconstriction and atherosclerosis. All these factors enhance the risk of clot formation and subsequent heart attacks. The sudden spurt in vehicular pollution and the indiscriminate burning of crops in neighboring states have made the situation worse.
Considering the impact that our surrounding atmosphere has on our overall health, it is essential that awareness is raised about ways to reduce the associated health hazards. People need to be made aware of how both short term and long term exposure to pollution is equally harmful. Dr Bornali Datta, department of respiratory and sleep medicine at Medanta, Gurgaon suggests ways:
Exercise and time them right
Exercising keeps the body more resilient against the toxins in the environment. However, early mornings and late evenings are particularly polluted and running outdoors could cause more harm than good to the body. It is best to exercise when the sun is out.
Air Purifiers
The most dangerous contaminants in polluted air are pm10 and pm2.5 particulate matter. Most of the air purifiers are unable to filter particles of these sizes. A good way to choose an effective air purifier would be to buy one that has HEPA filters. These have been scientifically studies to provide enhanced protection against particulate matter.
Masks
Most masks in the market are grossly ineffective at filtering out air. Surgical masks and handkerchiefs are particularly ineffective. Use of an n95 respirator would provide some of the best protection among masks in the market. However, reducing exposure to contaminated air is the best way to avoid the pollution.
Minimising exposure
Keep the windows of vehicles shut when stuck in traffic and stay indoors, for as long as possible.
Hydration
Keep your body's metabolism in top shape by consuming ample fluids. This also keeps the body's filtering mechanism resilient.
Hand Washing
Frequently wash your hands with soap and warm water, especially before preparing food, eating, taking medications or breathing treatments; and after coughing or sneezing, using the bathroom, touching soiled linens or clothes, and after you've been around someone with a cold or the flu as well as after you've been at a social gathering. It is also good to carry waterless hand sanitizers with you to use when necessary
However, do not try to treat some symptoms at home. Dr Tarun Sahni, Senior consultant, internal medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals warns, "If the below mentioned symptoms escalate, seek immediate medical assistance."
- Increased shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Coughing up increased amounts of mucus
- Yellow- or green-coloured mucus (may or may not be present)
- Fever (temperature over 101°F) or chills (may or may not be present)
- Increased fatigue or weakness
- Sore throat, scratchy throat or pain when swallowing
- Unusual sinus drainage, nasal congestion, headaches or tenderness along the upper cheekbones
Dengue and swine flu health fears aside, the biggest threat to those living in Delhi today is the rising pollution level in the city.
Commenting on the concern, Dr. Manoj Kumar, Associate Director & Head - Cardiac Cath Lab, Max Super Specialty Hospital, Patparganj says, "Breathing toxic air that is extremely high in particulate matter 2.5 concentration puts Delhi's residents at a high risk of acquiring life-threatening ailments such as respiratory disorders, heart attacks, and strokes. Continuous exposure can cause plaque formation in the arteries providing nutrients and blood to the heart, often triggering heart attacks in high-risk patients. Those with poor heart function must be extra cautious as the air pollutants can trigger heart failure. Extra care must be taken so as to cover one's face when outside and to avoid going to over-crowded and densely polluted areas. The government also must take necessary steps to reduce pollution levels."
Adding to it, Dr. Balbir Singh - Senior Interventional Cardiologist and Chairman, Electrophysiology and Pacing, Medanta, The Medicity Hospital explains, "Delhi is on the verge of a public health emergency with a large section of the society becoming prey to a host of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. It is highly recommended that high-risk patients wear masks while outdoors, minimize outdoor exertion and immediately consult their doctors if they suffer from any unusual symptoms like coughing, wheezing, irregularities in breathing pattern, chest discomfort, or unusual fatigue."
The ultra-fine nanoparticles found in polluted air can cause enhanced coagulation, arrhythmia, and thrombosis in heart patients. Exposure to pollutants also increases the risk of acute arterial vasoconstriction and atherosclerosis. All these factors enhance the risk of clot formation and subsequent heart attacks. The sudden spurt in vehicular pollution and the indiscriminate burning of crops in neighboring states have made the situation worse.
Considering the impact that our surrounding atmosphere has on our overall health, it is essential that awareness is raised about ways to reduce the associated health hazards. People need to be made aware of how both short term and long term exposure to pollution is equally harmful. Dr Bornali Datta, department of respiratory and sleep medicine at Medanta, Gurgaon suggests ways:
Exercise and time them right
Exercising keeps the body more resilient against the toxins in the environment. However, early mornings and late evenings are particularly polluted and running outdoors could cause more harm than good to the body. It is best to exercise when the sun is out.
Air Purifiers
The most dangerous contaminants in polluted air are pm10 and pm2.5 particulate matter. Most of the air purifiers are unable to filter particles of these sizes. A good way to choose an effective air purifier would be to buy one that has HEPA filters. These have been scientifically studies to provide enhanced protection against particulate matter.
Masks
Most masks in the market are grossly ineffective at filtering out air. Surgical masks and handkerchiefs are particularly ineffective. Use of an n95 respirator would provide some of the best protection among masks in the market. However, reducing exposure to contaminated air is the best way to avoid the pollution.
Minimising exposure
Keep the windows of vehicles shut when stuck in traffic and stay indoors, for as long as possible.
Hydration
Keep your body's metabolism in top shape by consuming ample fluids. This also keeps the body's filtering mechanism resilient.
Hand Washing
Frequently wash your hands with soap and warm water, especially before preparing food, eating, taking medications or breathing treatments; and after coughing or sneezing, using the bathroom, touching soiled linens or clothes, and after you've been around someone with a cold or the flu as well as after you've been at a social gathering. It is also good to carry waterless hand sanitizers with you to use when necessary
However, do not try to treat some symptoms at home. Dr Tarun Sahni, Senior consultant, internal medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals warns, "If the below mentioned symptoms escalate, seek immediate medical assistance."
- Increased shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Coughing up increased amounts of mucus
- Yellow- or green-coloured mucus (may or may not be present)
- Fever (temperature over 101°F) or chills (may or may not be present)
- Increased fatigue or weakness
- Sore throat, scratchy throat or pain when swallowing
- Unusual sinus drainage, nasal congestion, headaches or tenderness along the upper cheekbones
Source : TOI
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