Health camp for traffic policemen underlines threat of lung disorder

Of all the Delhi Traffic Police officials who brave the worst adversities of pollution, one-fouth were diagnosed with allergy and one-fourth with abnormal blood-pressure, said a senior traffic official on Thursday.

During the World Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, BLK Super Speciality Hospital had organised a health check-up camp for the highly vulnerable Delhi traffic cops with a view to highlight the importance of regular screening as well as grave health risks faced by them. 

“Through this we wanted to sensitise people about the problems faced by our policemen and encourage all to contribute towards making Delhi a greener and cleaner place,” said Naresh Kapoor, Director, BLK Super Speciality Hospital.

The health camp, which screened traffic police personnel for their Lung Capacity Test, found many symptoms indicative of early signs of asthma like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness or pain, chronic coughing, troubled sleeping due to coughing or wheezing. 

“Traffic Police personnel are the most vulnerable given their prolonged exposure and more prone to catching allergy and infection which can lead to Asthma, and in extreme conditions can cause Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD)”, said Dr Vikas Maurya, senior consultant, respiratory, allergy and sleep disorder at BLK Super Speciality Hospital.

He added that traffic fumes could play a critical role in the induction of allergic conditions. The incidence of allergic diseases has increased over recent years. Several pollutants (NO2, O3, and PM components) are linked to asthma exacerbation and may contribute to asthma pathogenesis. Out of the 160 who attended screening camp symptoms related to chest and lungs i.e. shortness of breath, wheeze allergy cough etc were found in many. Dr Maurya informed that some of them would require further investigations and treatment.

“Our men brave the worst adversities of pollution besides highest degree of stress and long hours of duty. While we do have regular tests and mechanism to ensure their health is monitored, initiatives like these also help to sensitize our men to address to symptoms related to chest and lung problems. Other than this, we also encourage our men to undergo regular yoga and meditation sessions to keep them fitter and happier.  Masks are also provided to them but they are not fully effective against gases,” said Muktesh Chander, Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic).