NEW DELHI: Delhi hospitals are witnessing a surge in the number of patients coming to OPDs with health problems with the city continuing to suffer from poisonous air for the past couple of days. Most patients are coming with respiratory, eye and throat complaints. Track the pollution level in your cityWhat are the symptoms* Discomfort, such as irritation to the nose, throat, eyes, or skin; headaches; dizziness; nausea * Respiratory diseases * Exacerbations of asthma/COPD * Bronchitis (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) * Lung cancer (other cancers also) * Heart attacks (Ischemic heart disease) * Brain strokes (paralysis) When AQI is ‘very poor’ to ‘severe’ (>300) * Everyone should avoid all outdoor physical activity * Children, older adults and those with heart or lung disease should remain inside and keep activity levels low When air quality is ‘poor’ (201-300) *Everyone should avoid outdoor exertion * Patients with lung and heart diseases should avoid all outdoor physical activity * Everyone-avoid prolonged/heavy outdoor exertion Things to keep in mind* More polluted areas (commercial areas) should be avoided hAvoid early morning walks. it is better to walk during the day when the sun is out and pollutants are less at surface levels * People with cardio-respiratory problems and advanced lung disease should avoid exercising in polluted areas Benefits of a maskThe cloth mask and surgical mask has no role in preventing adverse health effects of air pollution (unlike in Covid). The N-95 mask when fitted properly is likely to reduce exposure to pollutants (However, it is not a WHO recommendation)
Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/let-delhi-breathe-how-air-pollution-affects-health/articleshow/95269023.cms