What the doctor says

Dr Sai Kiran Chaudhary, pulmonologist, Delhi Heart & Lung Institute

• Air pollution can affect the lungs of infants and it impacts the lung function even after growing up.

• Dust, smoke and fumes in the air can negatively impact a baby’s respiratory system.

• Preschool children are developing asthma and schoolchildren have frequent asthmatic attacks, as dust particles can trigger asthma and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) attacks. (COPD is a type of obstructive lung disease characterised by long-term poor airflow).

• In adults, there’s an increase in the incidence of chronic bronchitis, cardiac problems, sinusitis, wheezing, chest congestion and more.

• The short-term effects can include irritation in the eyes, nose and throat. Other symptoms include, headaches and nausea.

• Long-term health effects can include lung cancer, damage to brain, nerves, liver and kidneys.

• Face masks have a couple of benefits. When travelling by public transport, it decreases the risk of catching infection.

• Using an air purifier can only improve the quality of air, but it cannot prevent or decrease the occurrence of asthma or asthmatic attack.

• At least, 30 to 40 patients with respiratory problems visit me daily. Thousands of them throng government hospitals.

• In the times to come, the situation can only worsen because of the destruction of green cover and rapid urbanisation.

BOX

• More than 9 million vehicles grind along Delhi’s poorly maintained roads daily, with more than 1,000 new vehicles added every day.

• The number of vehicles would increase from 4.7 million in 2010 to nearly 26 million by 2030.