Hospitals see surge in patients with respiratory problems
New Delhi: As the air pollution has reached alarming levels in and around the national Capital for last two days, major city hospitals witnessed a surge in the number of patients complaining of respiratory problems with doctors saying some may develop life-threatening conditions. Meanwhile, worried over the situation, doctors across the city have advised people suffering from breathing difficulties not to travel outside as it can exacerbate their respiratory diseases. They have advised patients to use mask whenever they go out.
According to the CPCB, the air quality index (AQI)-a measurement of the concentration of toxic particulate matter in the air- at several place in Delhi remained beyond the 500-mark. Experts have instructed people, especially patients suffering with respiratory disorder should take immediate precautionary measures, advised to keep the windows of the house closed and avoid the exposing with the environment.
Dr Rajneesh Malhotra of Max hospital said that due to the conditions of the haze, 20 percent of the sick patients have increased in the OPD. About 85 percent of patients coming to the hospital are more than 40 years of age. According to doctors, the current condition of Delhi's environment can prove to be dangerous even for the eyes. An ophthalmologist said that the number of eye patients is also increasing.
Mover over, Dr Avi Kumar, Consultant, Pulmonology at Fortis Escorts hospital talked about air pollution and how people could protect themselves from harmful effects of air pollution. Dr Kumar advised that people should avoid going outdoors for doing physical activities like cycling, jogging or any other outdoor exercises. He also suggested that N95 masks should be used if it is necessary to go out.
Dr Avi Kumar added that air purifying plants such as Aloe Vera, Ivy and Spider plant can be placed in the home and offices. To ensure that indoor air pollution does worsen, make sure there is a chimney in the kitchen and an exhaust in the bathroom. "Consume fruits rich in Vitamin C, Magnesium, foods rich in Omega Fatty Acids, have herbal ginger and Tulsi tea.
Due to entering the dust in the air, the cause of the infection is going on. AIIMS has also recorded an increase in the number of patients compared to normal days. According a doctor at Plomonary Department, it is not easy to avoid polluted particles in the current environment which is affecting the lungs of the people.
