Hospitals are noticing an increase in the number of patients visiting OPDs with health issues like breathing difficulties, tightness in the chest, asthmatic symptoms, runny noses, sore throats, itchy and watery eyes, and asthmatic symptoms. This is because the city has been exposed to toxic air for the past few days.
NEW DELHI: As the city has continued to experience toxic air for the past few days, hospitals are noticing an increase in the number of patients visiting OPDs with respiratory issues, tightness in the chest, asthmatic symptoms, runny noses, sore throats, itchy and watery eyes. There has been an increase in elderly patients at the government-run GTB Hospital complaining of COPD and chronic bronchitis.
“Over the last few days, we have seen patients with allergic disorders like rhinorrhea, sneezing, and sore throat. Children under the age of five frequently present with symptoms of upper respiratory infections, such as coughing, runny nose, sneezing, and throat pain. Hypertension and cardiac failure are more common in older patients. According to Dr. Subhash Giri, medical director of GTB Hospital, “Every system in our body has been impacted by the pollution”.
According to pulmonologist Dr. GS Khilnani, a recent case study involved patients who had an uncontrollable cough, shortness of breath, and low energy levels but no fever or other symptoms of infection.
They had severe symptoms despite their X-ray not showing any signs of deterioration. Another group of patients presented with a sore throat, a runny nose, tightness in the chest, lack of energy, difficulty breathing, and wheezing despite never having any respiratory conditions in the past (like asthma patients). These patients showed no signs of improvement with antibiotics and cough medicines; instead, they frequently required corticosteroids, inhalers, and occasionally nebulizers. According to Khilnani “Air pollution primarily harms the lungs but can also result in cancer, heart attacks, and paralysis”.
Patients experiencing an acute exacerbation of symptoms like a cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, and nasal congestion are arriving at Max Hospital. According to a doctor, “Like the elderly, children are also more susceptible to this, so we are witnessing a lot of kids coming to us with complaints of cough, cold, and breathlessness since Diwali.”
According to experts, wear N95 masks that completely cover your mouth and nose. Dust particles can irritate the lungs, resulting in nodules and pulmonary fibrosis, a type of scarring. Living close to a construction site increases the likelihood of a person developing lung issues. To prevent dangerous particles from entering a home, windows and doors should be securely locked, according to Khilnani.
