New Delhi: As Diwali festivities fade, soaring Air Quality Index (AQI) levels across Indian cities have sparked health concerns, with experts warning of severe risks for vulnerable groups.
Dr Akash Chaudhary, Managing Director of Akash Healthcare Hospital, Delhi, explains that when AQI crosses 300, it becomes hazardous for all, but children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with heart or respiratory ailments face the gravest impact.
Children, with underdeveloped lungs, inhale more pollutants, while asthma, COPD, or heart disease patients experience aggravated symptoms like coughing, throat irritation, and breathlessness.
Dr Chaudhary advises against outdoor exercise during early mornings or evenings when pollution peaks. He recommends wearing N95 or N99 masks, avoiding crowded areas, and washing hands and face thoroughly after returning home. A diet rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants — think lemons, oranges, guavas, and green vegetables — can bolster the body’s fight against pollutants. Staying hydrated is key to detoxification.
Indoor air quality, often overlooked, is equally critical. Dr Chaudhary suggests using air-purifying plants, like snake plants or aloe vera, and minimising incense or candle use, which releases harmful particles. Keep windows closed during high-pollution hours, clean AC and fan filters regularly, and prevent dust buildup.
For those with respiratory or skin conditions, sticking to prescribed medications and checking AQI before stepping out is vital. Asthma and COPD patients should use inhalers diligently, take steam, or gargle to clear airways. Skin patients must moisturise and apply sunscreen to combat dryness and irritation, while heart patients should seek immediate medical help for symptoms like chest heaviness. With AQI levels spiking, proactive measures are crucial to safeguard health.