From dry cough to breathing problems and sore eyes to skin irritation, many healthy people in the city have suffered hazards of the severe dust pollution that Delhi has been reeling under for the past few days, which has worsened the condition of patients suffering from asthma, according to doctors.
lung Surgeon at the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital (SGRH), Arvind Kumar, warned that what was more worrying was that many people were "resorting to self-medication", especially use of inhalers, when faced with any breathing difficulties.
The air quality in Delhi remained 'severe' for the sixth day on Saturday as both government and private hospitals continued to get cases of breathing issues and eye-related complications.
"In our hospital, we are getting many people, who are complaining of dry cough, sore eyes and skin itching. And, these people were otherwise healthy. People are also complaining of choking while in asthmatic patients it has precipitated acute attack. The air quality has become pretty bad, so one has to be very careful," Kumar told
According to data shared by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the PM10 level was recorded at 420 in Delhi today while the PM2.5 level was 107. The Air Quality Index (AQI) of the city remained severe at 402. Pollution level in neighbouring regions also remained severe.
Prashant Saxena, Head and Principal Consultant- Pulmonology, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, at Max Hospital, Saket, said, "In the past few weeks there has been a change in the pattern of patients visiting the OPD."
"Patients with no history of respiratory ailments are complaining of cough and breathing issues. This is due to the change in weather, combined with pollution and dust storms. Everyday four to five new patients are displaying symptoms of respiratory ailments," he said.
Dust storms, pollution and soaring temperatures have caused difficulties for people, with many complaining of sore eyes and skin irritation as well.
Doctors at AIIMS, RMl Hospital and Safdarjung Hospital also said they were getting such cases.
"Yes, besides breathing troubles, other ill-effects of dust pollution is on eyes and skin. People should not venture out as much as possible for the time being or take proper precautions like wearing sunglasses or N95 masks to keep the dust and pollutants away. After returning home, one should wash the face and eyes with iced water," Kumar of SGRH said.
The doctor advised that pregnant women should avoid going out as the health hazards suffered by an expectant mother would also percolate to the baby.
"Since, Delhi has seen two big seasons of smog, so people, now know the problems ensuing from pollution. And, many of them are resorting to self-medication from prior experience. Under no circumstances, they should do that. Any medicine should be taken based on a prescription by a registered medical practitioner only.