Post by : Saif Rahman

As air quality in Delhi and NCR deteriorates, people with asthma face increasing challenges. The presence of smoke, dust, and toxic gases complicates each breath for those with already delicate lungs. Asthma leads to inflammation and constriction of the lungs' small airways, which pollution exacerbates, making daily activities such as walking or outdoor exercise daunting. With the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching alarming numbers, experts stress the necessity for precautions and lifestyle adjustments to ensure safety.

Dr. Bharat Gopal, a senior director specializing in respiratory and sleep medicine at Medanta in Gurugram, offers valuable tips for management. His main point emphasizes constructing a clean air haven to safeguard lung health, as outdoor air teems with unhealthy particles attacking the respiratory system. Particularly, PM2.5 can penetrate lung tissue easily, worsening asthma symptoms and heightening the risk of acute attacks.

Essentially, monitoring AQI levels is crucial before going outside. Dr. Gopal advises utilizing reliable apps to check daily AQI metrics. Should the numbers exceed 200 or even 400, the air quality is deemed harmful for asthma patients. He urges remaining indoors during severe pollution days, limiting outdoor physical activity, and scheduling necessary errands during periods of better air quality. Joggers, for instance, may need to shift their routines indoors, as the health benefits of exercise cannot offset the dangers posed by polluted air.

Further, it’s imperative to cultivate a clean and safe indoor atmosphere. Since external air quality is beyond control, Dr. Gopal recommends enhancing indoor air conditions with high-quality HEPA filter air purifiers in key living spaces and reducing air entry during pollution spikes. He notes that traditional dusting can resuspend pollutants, advocating for wiping and mopping instead. Incorporating houseplants like money plant, snake plant, peace lily, and areca palm can also aid in detoxifying indoor air.

Medication is also vital for effective asthma management. Dr. Gopal cautions against neglecting preventive inhalers. Too many patients wait for symptoms like coughing or wheezing before using their medication, which can prove hazardous. Proper asthma control hinges on consistent medication usage, ensuring that lung tissues receive anti-inflammatory support before symptoms manifest. Regular inhaler use can help mitigate pollution-related triggers.

When outdoor exposure is unavoidable, donning appropriate masks is key. Cloth masks alone won’t suffice as they fail to block smaller particles. Dr. Gopal strongly advises using N95 or FFP2 masks that fit well and filter harmful particulate matter, reducing exposure and helping prevent sudden respiratory issues.

Increased pollution levels necessitate awareness regarding when to seek medical intervention. Dr. Gopal emphasizes that asthma patients should consult a healthcare provider if they find themselves requiring rescue inhalers more than twice a week, experiencing nighttime breathing difficulties, or struggling with daily activities like stair climbing. Some cases demand immediate attention, like when an inhaler provides no relief, spoken communication becomes arduous, or when lips show blue or grey hues due to low oxygen levels. In such critical instances, urgent medical help is essential.

With pollution on the rise each winter, experts assert that asthma patients must be proactive in their self-care through manageable yet impactful daily practices. Regular AQI checks, staying indoors when feasible, maintaining clean indoor air, adhering to medication routines, and wearing masks can significantly reduce episodes of asthma. While controlling the environment is challenging, personal accountability plays a pivotal role in promoting healthier breathing during pollution-laden seasons.

#Health #Wellness