The savage truth about ‘Air pollution’

Air pollution is considered to be world’s deadliest environmental problem. ‘Air pollution’ is a stark reality of life, it kills 7 million people each year, or one in eight deaths globally.

Air pollution is a mixture of many agents, can come from many sources, and varies depending on weather conditions. While many pollutants can affect our health, ozone and particulate matter (soot) have a major impact on the public’s health. Abnormal rise of Air pollution levels in the surroundings causes respiratory ailments which are very hazardous to any individual. Inflammation of a person’s airways, narrow swell and production of extra mucus makes difficulty in breathing. Particulate matter (PM) also can cause respiratory problems, and has been shown to increase the risk of heart problems in older people, especially those with a prior history of heart disease. Exposures to both ozone and PM have been shown to increase the risk of premature death. Leading cause of illnesses were non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular disease and respiratory infections. Due to toxic air pollution children’s lung growth can be stunted by toxic air which may give rise to respiratory ailments and bronchial diseases at a younger age.

Dr Rakesh Kumar Adi, MD, DM, Fellowship , Gleneagles Global Hospital  is of the opinion that  after child and maternal malnutrition, which was India’s leading risk factor for health loss in 2016-17, causing approximately around 15 percent of the country’s total disability-adjusted life years, air pollution is the second leading risk factor in India as a whole. In Hyderabad the AQI (Air Quality Index) values are estimated to be 175, which indicate dangerous unhealthy Air pollution levels that may cause health complications. Anybody Stepping out of their homes is exposed to the toxic air and subsequently develops health complications.

Dr Rakesh Kumar from Gleneagles Global Hospitals says, “Now-a-days asthma is a common health issue; which is equal to having an allergy with the symptoms of coughing, wheezing, chest discomfort, burning feeling in the lungs. We can control asthma by two medications named Relievers and Controllers. Relievers are helpful for 4-6hrs to control the symptoms of asthma. Controllers are moderate medication, helps to treat the underlying inflammation of the airways in a person with asthma. We always educate our patients not to agitate if encountered with asthma. It is as common as any other usual disease and you can control your Asthma.”

Tips to reduce air pollution in and around your home and the areas where you live and work.

 Advocate for stricter air quality regulations.

Decrease your personal contribution to air pollution by reducing energy consumption through the use of cleaner, more efficient appliances in your home.

Use public or active (walking or bicycling) transportation.

Avoid heavy exercise near busy roadways or on smoggy days

Eat a healthy diet that contains fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants (shown to prevent the health effects of pollutants like ozone)

Seek care for proper management of lung and heart conditions.

Problems arising due to Air-Pollution:

Chest discomfort like trouble taking a deep breath or feeling like you are having a heart attack

Shortness of breath

Phlegm/mucus production

A cough where you may or may not bring up mucus

Wheezing which may worsen with activity

Decreased lung function on breathing tests, electrocardiogram (ECG) changes, including irregular heart beat (arrhythmias) or changes showing your heart is being damaged (ischemia).

Preventive Measures:

Reduce your exposure to air pollution by following the warnings given during “smog” alerts by the meteorological agencies both in television and radio, especially if you or your children have conditions such as asthma or ischemic heart disease.

Stay indoors on smoggy days

Keep windows closed and use air conditioning on hot, smoggy days

Use your asthma and heart medications as directed to treat attacks on smoggy days

Stay healthy and Keep yourself away from Asthma :

 Regular exercise is very important to stay healthy, especially for people with asthma.

Use allergy proof pillow and mattresses.

In summer, plan your most vigorous activities for the morning. Try to exercise away from busy roads or industrial areas.

 Exercising indoors is better when ozone levels are high.

Use AQI (Air Quality Index) to plan an activity outdoor that can reduce the possibility of asthma.

Avoid smoking and do not indulge in drinking too much.

Maintain your surroundings clean and neat.

Use mask in polluted areas. The usability of mask is only for 8hrs.Replace the mask for every use.

Take control of your seasonal allergies.

Mental aggravation may lead to asthmatic symptoms. Be careful of not getting mentally depressed or excited too much.

However, you cannot cure Asthma completely but by following the given precautions you can control the disease and prevent Asthma from getting worse.

When to see a doctor:

Get immediate help from a physician if your breathing suddenly gets worse or you have symptoms of a heart attack or heart problems.

For Appointments : Dr Rakesh Kumar Adi, MD, DM, Fellowship , Gleneagles Global Hospital .