Delhi air pollution: Docs report rise in joints pain, respiratory and eye issues

With particulate matter PM 25 concentrations averaging 488 micrograms per cubic meter microgm3 in the national capital post Diwali city doctors on Tuesday October 21 reported a rise in cases of respiratory issues eye irritation flu as well as joint pain among othersAccording to data from the Central Pollution Control Board CPCB the overall Air Quality Index AQI in DelhiNCR remained in the very poor category reaching 400 a day after Diwali festivitiesWhile the overall AQI stood at 347 several areas recorded levels in the severe categoryldquoHigh pollution levels can worsen joint disease Pollutants such as particulate matter nitrogen dioxide and ozone trigger inflammation and oxidative stress in the body which can aggravate pain stiffness and fatigue in people with arthritisrdquo Uma Kumar head of the Department of Rheumatology AIIMS New Delhi saidThe expert urged arthritis patients to avoid outdoor activities wear an N95 mask and use air purifiers with good indoor ventilation to prevent flareups during high pollution daysThe high pollution levels are exacerbating breathing and other respiratory issues among people doctors reportedThey noted that toxic gases and chemical particles currently present in the air are causing problems like coughs colds headaches dizziness fatigue insomnia and eye irritationGeneral physician Dr Amit Kumar said that due to pollution the number of patients in every chest physicians outpatient department has increased by approximately 30 per centThe concentration of toxic gases like carbon monoxide nitrogen oxides nitrogen dioxide ammonia and benzene in the atmosphere has reached dangerous levelsThese gases are not only increasing breathing problems but are also seriously affecting the eyes nose throat and lungsDr Kumar explained that five years ago smoking was the primary cause of COPD Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease but now pollution has become the biggest cause He said that even if a person doesnt smoke due to current pollution levels they are inhaling toxic smoke equivalent to six cigarettes dailyAccording to him one cigarette produces pollution equivalent to approximately 648 AQI while in the current situation a person is inhaling smoke equivalent to approximately 583 cigarettesCity doctors reported that 300 to 350 patients are reaching the OPD daily complaining of shortness of breath cough or chest tightness Due to increased humidity dust and smoke particles are unable to rise into the atmosphere creating a blanket of haze and smogEnvironment Expert Sharanjeet Kaur told IANS that the air quality is likely to worsen in the coming days due to atmospheric conditionsThe AQI of Delhi has been very poor today across 345 350 If the situation remains the same till evening and if there is no wind and speed remains low then it will be difficult for the pollutants to disperse and the pollutants may go into an even more severe category in the next 23 days Kaur saidThe health experts advised people to avoid going out in the morning and late evening wear masks and use air purifiers or plants at homeChildren the elderly and those with preexisting medical conditions should exercise special caution as pollution has a greater impact on their healthThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever