World Asthma Day: How survivors are navigating rising AQI levels in Mumbai

The dust and inevitable concretisation around the city have become part of a Mumbaikarrsquos lives In a report by this newspaper April 22 2025 a fouryear study by Respirer Living Sciences revealed that Mumbaikars continue to breathe air with PM10 particulate matter levels in the city consistently above the national safety threshold of 60 micrograms per cubic metre allyear roundldquoThough asthma is influenced by many other conditions presently the poor air quality tops it allrdquo shares Dr Sundeep Mestri pulmonologist MGM New Bombay Hospital Vashi Describing recurrent cough runny nose and breathlessness as common symptoms Mestri points out that the symptoms are manageable provided the right measuresDusty cityTejasvi Momaya is among the many adapting to the situation The 33yearold Thane residentrsquos asthma flared up over the last few months Like many asthmatics she relies on her inhaler and medications However she recommends additionsRegular breathing exercises and yoga can help alleviate asthma symptomsldquoAn air purifier at home helps When it gets too stressful I occasionally take a break from the city preferably in the hillsrdquo she shares Radhika Bhatia does not always have that luxury being an entrepreneur A resident of Vikhroli Bhatia has suffered from congenital asthma ldquoWhile my resistance has improved I am still vulnerable to exposure to dust particles and pollutionrdquo she admitsThe solution lies in selfcare and adapting Knowing her condition the 29yearold chooses to limit where and when she commutes in the city ldquoI always protect myself by wearing a mask My choice of commute will be through my car or a cabrdquo she sharesRadhika BhatiaHitarthi Pandya did not let her acute bronchitis stop her work even in the dusty Mumbai summer ldquoI have come up with a travel kit of my own that is a part of my outfitrdquo she reveals Equipped with two doublemasks a nebulizer and medication the kit helps her stay on pointLearning through illnessFor Pandya the struggle with allergies and wheezing led to a personalised solution after several trialanderror methods She suggests speaking to an expert to adopt the use of supplements like liposomal vitamin C and a lung detox to boost the immune system ldquoI have developed a routine every night I opt for a session of salt water gargling and some somatic exercises before bed The somatic exercises help open up my chest to enable better breathingrdquo she says Bhatia opts for regular steam inhalation in addition to the breathing exercisesThe rising dust particles from debris construction and traffic has led to a rise in respiratory illnesses across the city PICASHISH RAJEDiet also plays an important role in reducing inflammation Pandya observes ldquoI avoid any food that can cause bloating or eating till my stomach is full It causes the stomach to pressure the diaphragm You cannot fix the external issues completely but do not let it stop you from your goalsrdquoEffective managementUnderstanding your symptoms and managing them can help shares Mestri ldquoEarly medical treatment should be administered to avoid viral and bacterial infectionsAdequate respiratory exercises especially physical activity should be encouraged in both groups young and old to keep their cardio healthyrdquoTejasvi Momaya and Hitarthi PandyaBreathe easy with these tipsgtgt Doublemask when stepping outgtgt Steam and somatic exercises on a regular basisgtgt Avoid smokinggtgt Avoid dusty places and commute only when neededgtgt Understand your bodyrsquos needs and act accordinglyDr Sundeep MestriCase study Be alert act soonA 45yearold traffic constable had recurring bouts of sneezing redness of eye and coughing over the last one and half year In the recent past he had developed breathlessness as well The significant wheezing and breathlessness inhibited his walking He was started on bronchodilators antiallergies cough suppressant and inhalers Within 10 days he showed improvement The issues returned when he stopped medication I had to explain that if he wishes to stay healthy the inhalers had to continue The moral of the story is early and continued medication as long as your physician advises Do not selfmedicateCourtesy Dr Sundeep MestriatOptionskeyd0ddb8ef8f1a62a8cdd22fac27fc5ea7formatiframeheight90width728params