Amid Air Pollution, Delhi Sees a Rise in Hospitalisations: Doctors Explain Why

Last week, a survey conducted by LocalCircles stated that at least one member in every four out of five families in Delhi NCR is reeling under the health impacts of the increasing air pollution in the region.Speaking to FIT, doctors in hospitals in Delhi-NCR talk about the situation in the OPDs as AQI levels in the region remain dangerously high – and it's not a pretty picture.They report that cases of upper respiratory infections, and asthma have gone up, and so have ICU admissions. Here's what they said.No Organ Spared: How Air Pollution Affects Every Organ in Your BodyDr Manoj Kumar Goel, the director of pulmonology at Gurugram’s Fortis Memorial Research Institute, says that the number of patients with respiratory issues increases significantly post-Diwali every year, especially after the stubble burning season begins. He adds that in a lot of patients with a history of asthma, the condition worsens every winter season, when the pollution increases.Dr Goel goes on to say that there isn't just an increase in the number of patients who are consulting doctors, but also in patients with severe symptoms who are being hospitalised. "These cases are directly linked to pollution. Every year we hope that the pollution will be brought under control, but this is now a pattern."Dr Manoj Kumar Goel, director, pulmonology, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram’s Dr Karan Madan, a pulmonologist at AIIMS Delhi, also told FIT that the hospital has been seeing a rise in patients who are being hospitalised with upper respiratory issues and asthma. Dr Manish Garg, a consultant pulmonologist at BLK-Max Super Specialty Hospital says something along the same lines, adding, "the higher levels of air pollution irritate airways, worsen lung function, and aggravate symptoms or even lead to hospitalisations in patients with diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)."Are You a Statistic? 4 in 5 Delhi Families Have Health Issues From Air PollutionDr Goel shares that the kind of cases coming in are ranging from severe cough and chest infection, to fungal atypical infections, pneumonia, and asthma.“Around 50 percent of the patients, who are coming to us with severe respiratory distress, are going to the ICU because of low oxygen levels and high carbon dioxide levels.”Dr Manoj Kumar Goel, the director of pulmonology at Gurugram’s Fortis Memorial Research InstituteDr Viny Kantroo, a Respiratory, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine Consultant at Delhi’s Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals says that due to pollution, cases of wheezing bronchitis are also increasing. She adds that breathlessness, increased cough, and increased phlegm production are also being seen in lots of patients, especially in people whose asthma has been triggered by pollution.With viral infections affecting people as well, these symptoms linger around well till the end of January or the beginning of February, says Dr Goel.While pollution affects people of all age groups, elderly people, children, smokers, and those with comorbidities (such as heart diseases or respiratory issues) are at the most risk.Dr Kantroo explains that pollution increases the risk of viral fevers also because the cold air stays at the ground level for longer, and viruses thrive in such an environment. Thus, people with low immunity contract severe diseases.Delhi Air Pollution Season is Back: What Mask Should You Be Buying? Not everyone can choose to leave the city during these months when the air quality is at its worst, and not everyone can afford an air purifier. However, speaking of ways to protect yourself from the harms of air pollution the doctors we spoke to advise,Minimise outdoor activitiesChildren and elderly people should avoid going out unnecessarilyAvoid running and joggingTry indoor exercises like yogaWork from home if possibleDrink warm waterEat green vegetables and fruitsWear masksAvoid overcrowded placesConsult a doctor and take prescribed medicines if you’re facing respiratory issues or have trouble breathingAvoid early morning and late evening colder airIf absolutely necessary, go out during the afternoon when there is sunlightCut back on smokingIf affordable, use an air purifier at homeTry to increase greenery around your homeDr Goel also says that the pollution-induced cough sometimes does not respond to the usual cough medications. In that case, doctors might recommend using a pump or inhaler temporarily, which are patient-friendly and not something that patients should be scared of. Dr Madan agrees. He too shares that he’s been prescribing a lot more inhalers now than he normally does.Dr Garg adds that in case you want to go a step further, "You can even actively monitor your lung health with the help of a peak flow monitor as an extra added layer of precaution to manage your condition more effectively."Dr Manish Garg, consultant pulmonologist, BLK-Max Super Specialty HospitalTo find out more about how air pollution impacts all aspects of your health, check out the Quint's interactive, 'No Organ Spared': How Air Pollution Affects Every Organ in Your Body.5 Foods That Will Protect You From the Harmful Effects of Pollution

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Amid Air Pollution, Delhi Sees a Rise in Hospitalisations: Doctors Explain Why

Last week, a survey stated that 4 out of 5 families in Delhi NCR are reeling under the health impacts of pollution.

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Topics: Air Pollution Health Climate Change