New Delhi, Oct. 7 -- As Delhi braces for winter smog, respiratory illnesses are expected to rise, with people suffering from existing lung conditions likely to face greater health risks due to prolonged exposure to air pollution.
Dr Saurabh Mittal, Assistant Professor, Department of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine at AIIMS, said long-term exposure to air pollution also increases the risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and brain attacks.
He said a flu outbreak was still ongoing across the city. While the infection generally resolves within four to five days, recovery can take several weeks for patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), as coughing tends to persist beyond the usual duration.
"Exposure to air pollution acts as a trigger, worsening the condition and sometimes requiring an escalation of treatment or an increase in the inhaler dose," Dr Mittal said.
He explained that while the effects of air pollution on the heart and other organs tend to be chronic, its impact on the lungs can be both gradual and immediate. People may experience fatigue, tiredness and eye pain during periods of peak pollution, he said.
Dr Mittal advised people to avoid outdoor exposure as much as possible and wear masks when stepping outside. Those with existing lung conditions should consider using air purifiers. He also suggested adjusting morning walk timings to reduce exposure to polluted air.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.