If you wake up your eyes burning or an itchy neck, you are not alone. Thousands of residents of Delhi-NCR region reported inconvenience in breathing, eye irritation, and cough-harassment arising from a sudden and sharp decline in the quality of air of the city.

The air quality in the national capital was dramatically dramatically dramatic, with the air quality index (AQI) reached dangerous levels. At 10 am, AQI stood at 249, which was classified as “poor” according to data from Safar (air quality and weather forecasting and research system). However, in many areas of Delhi-NCR, real-time AQI reading crossed 500 points, entered the “dangerous” region.

According to officials of the Meteorological Department of India (IMD), a huge change in air quality was due to dusty winds, which was swept away in the region around 10 pm on Wednesday night. These strong gusts shook large amounts of particulate matter, especially PM10, which spikes the pollution levels.

His colleague, IMD scientist Krishna Mishra said that until 9 am, the visibility was slightly improved up to 1,500 meters with winds at 10 km/h, and that the progression of the day is expected to improve further gradual improvement.

Despite the tendency of improvement, the current air quality is dangerous, especially for children, the elderly, and people with already existing respiratory conditions. Even healthy people are at risk of developing short -term symptoms like eye irritation, sore throat and shortness of breath.

1. Avoid external activities: When the air quality falls at dangerous levels, external activities such as walking, jogging or exercise can cause more damage. It can spoil symptoms such as cough, wheezing or shortness of breath.

2. Wear N95 masks: Not all masks provide protection against air pollution. Textiles and surgical masks do very low to filter fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), which are the most harmful components of smog. Certified N95 or N99 masks are designed to filter at least 95 percent of aerial particles.

3. Keep the windows closed: To prevent the outer polluted air from entering your house, keep the doors and windows closed – especially during the extreme pollution hours (morning and late evening). Avoid indoor pollution sources such as incense sticks, candles, or frying food, as these can spoil indoor air quality.

4. Drinking a lot of water keeps your body hydrated and it helps to remove toxins.

5. Use saline nasal spray: Saline nose spray can be a gentle yet effective way to clean the pollutants, allergies and irritability from your nasal passage. It can relieve congestion, reduce inflammation, and calm dry or itchy nose tissue. It is particularly helpful for children and people suffering from allergic rhinitis or sinus problems during high-pollution days.

6. Use of cars: Vehicle emissions contribute significantly to air pollution. In high AQI days, try to reduce the use of individual vehicles. Carpooling, using public transport, or for remote function (if possible) may reduce your carbon footprint.

7. If symptoms remain, seek medical help: If you or your family members experience prolonged cough, chest tightness, wheezing, fatigue or breathing, do not ignore it. These can be signs of respiratory crisis or deteriorating asthma.

8. Take steam: Inhaling steam can provide immediate relief from respiratory discomfort caused by polluted air. It helps to loosen the mucosa, drying the soothing nose routes, and helps to open the airways. It is especially beneficial for people who experience congestion, dried throat, or nose and eye irritation.

9. Use air purifiers: Air purifiers are required during such high pollution days, especially for sensitive groups such as elderly, children and pregnant women. These devices help to present fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and other aerial toxins indoors. Ensure that the purifier has a Hepa filter and place it in the room where elderly, children and pregnant women spend most of their time.

10. Herbal Tea: Warm herbal tea such as basil (holy basil), ginger, liquorice (measure), or drinking turmeric tea can help reduce inflammation by calming the throat and surrounding the pollutants. These tea can support your immune system, reduce cough, and remove respiratory tract irritation.

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