India is witnessing a drastic change economically as well as epidemiologically. India has come a long way in the last few decades in terms of the economic sector, be it an improvement in the infrastructure of India or an increase in the industrial sector.
In the year 2020, COVID-19 emerged in India. COVID-19 mainly attacks the respiratory system that reduces the ability of the lung to provide the required oxygen to the body. The relationship between air quality and the COVID-19 virus has been under investigation in several studies. According to research conducted by Harvard University, a minor increase in long-term PM2.5 exposure causes a substantial rise in COVID-19 fatality rates.
Air Quality Index (AQI) is the EPAs index for measuring air quality. According to the Air Quality Index higher the AQI value, the higher the degree of air pollution and the greater the health risk.
Every day, an adult breathes in and out 11,000 litres of oxygen. Breathing fresh air increases the oxygen capacity of the lungs. When fresh air is combined with dangerous gases such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and nitrogen, then the oxygen content in the airdrops result in poor air quality. As we breathe, hazardous substances in the atmosphere enter the lungs. It harms the respiratory system, resulting in significant health issues including asthma, cardiovascular disease, cancer and increased mortality. Therefore, maintaining quality air is essential to keep lungs and body healthy, making us less vulnerable to COVID-19. And if infected, a healthy immune system will help to fight against the deadly Coronavirus.
As COVID-19 is a contagious virus, it can spread like wildfire. According to research issued by the World Bank, fatalities rise by 5.7 percentage points for every 1 % increase in long-term PM2.5 exposure.
As said earlier, COVID-19 is termed as SARS; Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome harms the lungs particularly, which makes us incentivised to take more care of our lung health. People suffering from previous respiratory illnesses like asthma, COPD, allergic bronchitis, Pneumonia etc may face greater difficulty in recovering from Covid 19 infection.
Some of the habits that are injurious to the lungs are:
The practices mentioned above might lead to diseases such as pneumonia, cancer, etc. Studies have also shown an increase in the use of tobacco and nicotine products since lockdown. As lungs are already affected, fighting and recovering from COVID-19 Infection becomes difficult. It also reduces the immunity of the body to fight deadly COVID-19. Quit these bad habits today and shift to a healthier lifestyle.
Making an environment safe to live in is our duty. Reducing petroleum usage and reducing the use of products that produce carbon monoxide can help to reduce air pollution. As of now, when air pollution is at its worst, precaution can help us prevent lung damage. Specific steps to minimise the impact of air pollution on the lungs are:
Stay indoors as much as possible since the government has asked us to do so for our protection. Staying at home or having short-term exposure to PM2.5 puts residents in a safer position. Shift to a healthy lifestyle by consuming healthier food and engaging in exercise. If you are consuming any tobacco products, try to get help and quit them today. Keeping your lungs healthy will keep you protected from the virus and its effects.
If you notice any COVID-19 symptom, get yourself treated before it ultimately damages your lungs and respiratory system. With the help of our healthcare workers, the government is doing its best to combat COVID-19 till then, wear a mask, maintain social distance and get COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible.
To know about the COVID-19 live update, visit https://www.mohfw.gov.in/.
Disclaimer: This information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
Delhi can’t breathe! The thick grey haze that has enveloped the National Capital Territory has left the whole of India worried. Recently, Delhi’s Air Quality Index shot up to 498 (very severe). Bad air quality can adversely affect the health of people. Delhi is in the middle of a climate emergency.
What has triggered it? And how can the residents of Delhi save themselves from pollution? Read on to find out.
The primary cause of Delhi’s ‘hazard’ levels of pollution is the burning of stubble (the stalks of the crops after they are harvested) in agricultural fields. This happens extensively in Delhi’s neighbouring states, Punjab and Haryana. The wind carries the thick smoke from burning stubble towards Delhi and worsens its air quality.
A few other factors causing pollution in Delhi are-
The risk of death significantly increases with long term exposure to polluted air. For instance, people susceptible to heart diseases are at higher risk.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Delhi’s pollution levels are indeed a health emergency. Every year during November and December, Delhi’s PM2.5 (pollutant particles with a radius of 2.5 micrometres) level hovers around 300 – the normal range of PM2.5 level is 0-50. This puts Delhi in the ‘severe’ category when it comes to air pollution.
These particles directly enter our bloodstream through the lungs and cause severe damage. PM2.5 concentration in Delhi is currently 29.2 times the WHO annual air quality guideline value
It may also lower people’s immunity and increase the risk of diabetes, heart disorders, lung diseases and epilepsy.
According to the World Health Organisation, the rising levels of pollution is responsible for nearly one-third of the cases of stroke, heart disorders and lung cancers in Delhi.
Both short- and long-term exposure to air pollution can lead to a wide range of diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, trachea, bronchus and lung cancers, aggravated asthma and lower respiratory infections. Children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable because their bodies, organs and immune systems are still developing.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
Air pollution is also linked to lung damage and limited lung function. Air pollution can also have an inflammatory effect on the heart – it can elevate blood pressure and aggravate pre-existing conditions of the heart.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
We can implement the following tips to minimise our exposure to pollution:
Consult a doctor if you experience symptoms like –
Air pollution in Delhi poses a risk to everyone. Adopt the precautionary measures mentioned above to keep yourself safe from pollution’s harmful effects. People with pre-existing respiratory illnesses (asthma, COPD, pneumonia, etc), pregnant women and newborns need extra care and protection from pollutants.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
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