Mumbai’s air quality concerns: Key illnesses to monitor amid festivities

OnSaturday through a video Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation BMC Chief IS Chahal emphasised the ongoing efforts to curb air pollution in Mumbai Chahal referenced the Bombay High Courts directive to restrict firecrackers between 7 pm and 10 pm during the Diwali festival celebration and urged citizens to minimise their use as much as possible to curb air pollutionWith changing weather conditions during the winter season and increased air pollution during Diwali celebrations medical experts in Mumbai suggest people limit the time spent outdoors and take precautionary measures to avoid respiratory issuesAccording to doctors itrsquos essential to stay informed about air quality as a preventive measure to protect ones health Dr Samrat Shah a medicine expert from Bhatia Hospital stated ldquoStaying informed about the change in weather conditions and air quality index will help people prevent themselves from unhealthy conditions Citizens must keep an eye on weather forecasts and air quality indexes to be aware of any significant changes or pollution alerts in their area They need to minimise outdoor time especially during times when pollution levels are higher If one needs to go outside consider wearing a mask to filter out pollutantsDr Shah also suggested that creating a clean indoor environment is important ldquoKeep your home wellventilated and use air purifiers or indoor plants that can help filter the air Avoid smoking or using any other sources of indoor pollutionrdquo he addedThe medical experts further suggest that citizens need to seek medical attention promptly if experiencing any symptoms of respiratory distress or illness With the change in season and the rising pollution quotient many diseases crop up during this time of the year Respiratory illnesses such as acute upper respiratory infections due to viruses such as influenza or other bacteria rise due to cold weatherSpeaking about respiratory illnesses which are usually diagnosed during this time of the year due to pollution Dr Paritosh Baghel Senior ConsultantInternal Medicine SL Raheja Hospital said ldquoAllergic conditions such as allergic rhinitis bronchitis asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD are aggravated due to the smoke and pollutants in the air Young children the elderly and people who have an underlying respiratory disease are the most affectedrdquoBaghel added ldquoThose who suffer from respiratory conditions must take extra precautions such as avoiding exposure to dust and smoke remaining indoors and if possible wearing a mask while travelling or while celebrating Diwali Donrsquot skip your medicines and inhalers especially if you have asthma or COPDrdquoExplaining why the winter season contributes to respiratory illness Dr Sandhya Kulkarni Consultant Pulmonary Medicine SRV Hospitals explains ldquoThe onset of winter brings with it a combination of factors that can contribute to respiratory illnesses General air pollution is a persistent issue with pollutants such as particulate matter nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide reaching levels that can be harmful The situation is further intensified during Diwali which often involves the bursting of firecrackers The combustion of fireworks releases pollutants that can linger in the air creating a hazardous environment for respiratory healthrdquoFine particulate matter PM25 in polluted air has been associated with an increased risk of heart attacks Individuals with preexisting respiratory health conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD may experience worsened symptoms due to exposure to air pollutionrdquo she further addedSpeaking about the impact of pollution on health Dr Rajesh Sharma from Sir H N Reliance Hospital said ldquoAir pollution is the presence of harmful gases and particles in the atmosphere Both short and longterm exposure to air pollution can have adverse health impacts worsening respiratory and cardiovascular health especially for children the elderly and those with preexisting health problems Shortterm exposure can cause eye nose throat and lung irritation coughing sneezing and breathing difficulty This can cause worsening asthma and heart disease Longterm exposure is associated with an increased incidence of chronic bronchitis and worsening lung functionrdquoEchoing similar health impacts Dr Sulaiman Ladhani chest physician and consultant pulmonologist Wockhardt Hospitals added ldquoUnderstanding the immediate impact of environmental factors on our health is crucial For individuals with preexisting respiratory conditions these factors can lead to an increased risk of respiratory tract infections Furthermore those with cardiac illnesses are at heightened vulnerability increasing the likelihood of cardiacrelated ailments and heart attacksrdquoGiving recommendations for a healthy lifestyle Dr Ladhani added ldquoCitizens should consider indoor exercises yoga and cardio as viable substitutes for outdoor activities Prioritising stress management and ensuring sufficient rest to fortify overall wellbeing is importantrdquoHere are some tips shared by medical experts to help you and your loved ones overcome the health issues related to pollutionKeep an eye on weather forecasts and air quality indexes to be aware of any significant changes or pollution alerts in your areaWearing masks when outdoors especially during days of high pollution This simple step can significantly reduce the inhalation of harmful pollutantsEnsure good ventilation in indoor spaces by opening windows and doors when outdoor air quality is betterStay hydrated It helps maintain respiratory function as drinking plenty of water keeps mucous membranes moist aiding the bodys natural defense mechanismsAvoid icecold itemsOutdoor exercises should be preferably done after the smog disappears as they can aggravate existing respiratory conditionsIndividuals with preexisting respiratory conditions must consult a pulmonologist for personalised advice and management strategies tailored to their specific health needsEat a healthy diet rich in fruits vegetables and immuneboosting foods like ginger garlic and turmeric Consider taking vitamin C or other supplements recommended by your healthcare professional