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Delhi air pollution: Tips to keep your lung health in check
Delhi’s air quality is deteriorating again due to various factors including crop burning. With AQI level at 281 since Dussehra, respiratory problems are on the rise. But with the right strategies, you can keep your lungs healthy despite the air pollution in Delhi. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a nutrient-rich diet, physical activity and precautions like wearing a mask, can help protect lung health amid rising pollution levels. Read on to know more.
Delhi air pollution: Tips to keep your lung health in check (Image credit: iStock)
Every year Delhi has to face problems air pollution Due to crop burning, pollution from vehicles, emissions from industries, fireworks and many other factors in nearby cities and states. Delhi Air Quality Index (AQI) has started deteriorating and the Centre’s air pollution control panel for Delhi-NCR has directed the state governments of the region to implement the first phase of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) reached 281 since Dussehra, making it one of the most polluted cities in the country.
Exposure to air pollution can seriously affect lung health and cause respiratory problems. It can also cause breathing difficulties, allergy flare-ups, asthma and other lung-related health problems.
But with the right strategies we can keep our lung health under control. According to experts, by adopting the right lifestyle and eating a balanced diet rich in lots of antioxidants and nutrients. Adequate fluid intake, the right amount of fruits and vegetables, and regular physical activity can also increase lung capacity.
How to fight air pollution and protect lungs?
We contacted Dr. Kuldeep Kumar Grover, Head of Critical Care and Pulmonology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, who explained that air pollution or smog is a major threat to health and climate across the world because of one or more pollutants like dust. The appearance, gases in the air, fog, odor, smoke and vapors can be hazardous to health. The air quality in Delhi and North Delhi areas has deteriorated significantly in the last few days.
Thick layer of smog and increasing levels of air pollution are causing problems like wheezing, difficulty in breathing and suffocation. Breathing this polluted air is very dangerous for everyone, especially children whose lungs are still developing. It also destroys their immune system leading to infections, sneezing and wheezing.
Expert tips to keep your lungs healthy –
1. Use a face mask: Using an N95 face mask when going out, especially during high pollution seasons like Diwali, or stubble burning, can reduce exposure to harmful particles.
2. Avoid pollution: Plan your outdoor activities in such a way that the risk of pollution is minimal. Air quality is typically worse either in the early morning or in the evening, so planning your activities for other times of the day can help reduce your exposure.
3. Use an air purifier- This is the best way to fight pollution as it removes allergens like smoke, dust, chemicals etc. You can easily breathe fresh air into your home and stay away from the smoke that hangs outside.
“Apart from having a bad effect on the respiratory system, it also affects the hair and skin and makes them dry. To keep the skin from drying out, try covering it with clothing or use moisturizing lotion. Oil your hair regularly and wash it,” said Dr Kuldeep.
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