Mumbai: High pollution levels trigger surge in respiratory and eye ailments

The sudden and sharp rise in air pollution levels has once again placed immense pressure on an already stretched healthcare system with hospitals and clinics across the city witnessing a noticeable surge in patients reporting pollutionrelated ailments Doctors from both civicrun hospitals and private healthcare facilities say outpatient departments are recording a steady increase in cases of breathlessness persistent coughing wheezing and exacerbation of preexisting respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic bronchitisMedical professionals point out that the impact of poor air quality is no longer limited to the lungs alone A growing number of patients are complaining of burning sensations and redness in the eyes frequent headaches dizziness and general discomfort all of which are being linked to prolonged exposure to polluted airPhysicians warn that vulnerable groups including children senior citizens and those with underlying heart or lung conditions are particularly at risk during such periods of elevated pollution Health experts have cautioned that continued exposure without adequate preventive measures could lead to longterm health complications further burdening the healthcare infrastructurePatients speakGauri Oak Malad residentlsquoI had stopped using my asthma inhaler oneandahalf years ago as I was getting better with the help of ayurvedic medication and regular breathing exercises For the past 15 days I have been forced to use the inhaler at least thrice a day It has become difficult to breathe I am a working woman and spend three hours travelling dailyrsquoShrishti Jog Borivli residentlsquoI work the afternoon shift and the increased pollution and heat have forced me to use glasses as my eyes hurt a lot When I visited my ophthalmologist she said I was suffering from allergies due to dust particlesrsquoMEDICOS offer adviceDr Swapnil Mehta Senior consultant pulmonology Dr L H Hiranandani HospitallsquoThere has been a 20 per cent rise in the number of patients coming with air pollutionrelated problems Air pollution in urban India is an unavoidable reality but daily lung protection is possible Some simple habitsa wellfitted mask during peak hours of traffic flow avoiding outdoor exercise when AQI is poor and indoors air purifierscan help reduce harmful particle intake Also nasal breathing instead of mouth breathing steam inhalation after days of heavy exposure staying hydrated and antioxidant foods like fruits green vegetables turmeric and Omega3 fats really help the lungs battle inflammation caused by pollution Longterm exposure to pollutants silently increases the risk of lung cancer heart disease and stroke thus protection must also start with clean indoor air zero smoke exposure and early medical evaluation of any persistent cough or breathlessnessrsquoDr Huzefa Dhansura Eye surgeon Saifee HospitallsquoFrom one patient in three days we are now seeing three to four daily Pollution disturbs the protective layer of the eye Most patients complain of burning sensation redness and itching We are also seeing more cases of dry eye syndrome In some cases the damage due to dust and pollution is so intense that it damages the cornea leading to eye ulcers Use zeropower spectacles irritationresistant drops on doctorrsquos prescription wash your eyes frequently do not rub your eyes even if you feel irritation and use an air purifier at homersquo