Delhi chokes in polluted air, doctors recommend mandatory wearing of mask, staying indoor

Individuals sporting anti-pollution masks jogging via smog at Lodhi Backyard in New Delhi. FILE/PTI.

With air air pollution in Delhi-NCR rising once more since final week, choking individuals, docs and well being consultants have been recommending individuals to put on masks and keep indoors.

Individuals experiencing problem in respiration have been suggested to seek the advice of a physician.

Delhi’s air high quality index, or AQI, nonetheless stays ‘severe’ at 411.

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“The current AQI of Delhi-NCR is not favourable. In such a situation, it is advisable to use a mask and stay at home whenever necessary,” mentioned says Dr. Suresh Kumar, Medical Director at LNGP Hospital, who mentioned the hospital has been receiving 25-30 sufferers coming to the emergency division every day complaining of breathlessness, sore throat, wheezing, cough, irritation within the eyes, restlessness.

Former AIIMS Director and Senior Pulmonologist Dr. Randeep Guleria additionally has suggested individuals to remain indoors and may us masks if stepping out of home.

“High-risk groups like women and children, and the people with co-morbidities, chronic respiratory problem, heart problem, low immunity, such people need to be extra cautious. They should remain indoors and not leave the house… They should use a mask if going out is necessary… They should leave the house during the day because, in the Sun, the ground level pollution is comparatively low because the pollutants rise because of the heat,” Dr. Guleria mentioned.

‘Air purifiers not as efficient’

“Senior citizens are advised to not go for morning walks in the early morning or late evening… Air purifiers are not as effective… They may not be very beneficial… Air Purifier may be a temporary solution,” Dr. Guleria mentioned.

Dr. Kumar has additionally requested individuals of Delhi-NCR to keep away from going for morning and night walks, as they might trigger eye irritation and a sore throat. “If you experience difficulty in breathing, consult a doctor,” he added.

ICU admission rising

Dr. Guleria additionally mentioned the variety of sufferers has elevated from 15-20 per cent. “This increase is indirectly related to air pollution. This is a chronic respiratory issue that we see every year. And this time every year, admission in the hospitals increases,” he added.

“Respiratory problems may increase in people with diseases like bronchitis or those with heart problems…resulting in decreased oxygen saturation and increased emergency visits. In OPD too, more patients with a complaint of breathing are coming. Hospitalisation, ICU admissions and OPD referrals are increasing in patients and also in those people who are normal and have no disease. People who don’t have any disease related to respiration are also facing such problems… They are complaining of teary eyes also,” Dr. Guleria mentioned.

Delhi smog: What precaution to take?

Dr. Guleria recommends that high-risk teams like girls and kids, and folks with co-morbidities, persistent respiratory downside, coronary heart downside, low immunity must be further cautious. “They should remain indoors and not leave the house. They should use a mask if going out is necessary. They should leave the house during the day because, in the Sun, the ground level pollution is comparatively low because the pollutants rise because of the heat.”

“Senior citizens are advised to not go for morning walks in the early morning or late evening,” Dr. Guleria mentioned.

With inputs from businesses