About 30% surge in respiratory cases in OPD post festive season, say Delhi docs - Livemint

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About 30% surge in respiratory cases in OPD post festive season, say Delhi docs - Livemint Posted: 30 Oct 2019 09:19 PM PDT NEW DELHI : The percentage of patients complaining of respiratory ailments has increased by about 30 per cent in hospital OPDs after the festive season, as per doctors across the city. On Wednesday, the city witnessed thick smog with the air pollution at dangerous levels which made it breathing difficult for many in the National Capital. Dr Vikas Maurya, Head of Respiratory department at Fortis hospital said, "Post Diwali, the situation has worsened. Nearly 30 per cent of patients have increased in the OPD complaining of chest disorder, sneezing, viral infection and cough. It is going to get worse in the coming days." (Prof) Dr Anant Mohan, Head of pulmonology department at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) further stated that the trend may well shoot up in the next few days. "In the coming days, the trend will shoot up. It is seen that during critical levels of air pollution, normal people without any pre-existing disease also get affected. They complain about redness and burning sensation in eyes, chest congestion, choked throat, cold and viral infection. All these can be attributed to poor air quality," he said. It is important to note that for the last five years, Delhi has been witnessing a public health emergency in the form of air pollution. Clean air is a human right and there is a need for an emergent serious response to tackle this, health experts say. Prof (Dr) G C Khilnani, Chairman of Pulmonary department at PSRI Hospital highlighted that those who suffer from pre-existing diseases are more susceptible to catching infections in the prevailing environment. "We are seeing an upsurge of more than 30 percent patients in the OPD. Elderly patients, children, pregnant mothers and those who suffer from pre-existing diseases are more vulnerable to catch the infection," Khilnani said. "On Wednesday, in my OPD, I saw many patients who complained of dry throat, smarting of eyes and breathlessness. It is advisable that people should cover their mouth with an N-95 mask and do not step outside in the early morning. Especially patients with Asthma, COPD, Bronchitis and heart complications should not go out of the house and use an air purifier at home," he added. This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.

Gomti Nagar records worst air quality in Lucknow - Hindustan Times Posted: 31 Oct 2019 08:01 AM PDT LUCKNOW: The posh Gomti Nagar locality recorded the worst air quality in Lucknow on Thursday. The locality's Air Quality Index (AQI) oscillated between 'very poor' and 'severe' during the most part of the day. The AQI of Gomti Nagar crossed the 400-mark and then turned 'worse' in the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday. The AQI improved slightly in the wee hours and reduced to the 300-range before shooting up again in the afternoon. The AQI shot up to 497 at around 11 am on Thursday turning the air worse. This was the worst AQI recorded this year in Lucknow, even worse than the AQI in Industrial area of Talkatora. Average AQI of Lucknow at 4 pm on Thursday was recorded at 352. Local residents complained of stuffiness and uneasiness in the area. Mukesh Solanki, a resident of Vipul Khand area in Gomti Nagar, said, "I decided not to go for my morning walk because the air felt stuffy outside. My children complained of irritation in their eyes." Tushar Saini, another resident of the area had to take his elderly father to hospital after he complained of severe chest congestion. "My father started feeling difficulty in breathing a day after Diwali. His condition deteriorated further on Wednesday night so we took him to hospital today (Thursday)," said Saini. According to experts, excessive vehicular traffic and construction work are the primary causes of depletion in air quality in Gomti Nagar area. Besides, the AQI of Talkatora remained 'very poor' for most part the day. The maximum AQI of 425 was recorded in the area at around 1 pm on Thursday. AQI in Aliganj and Lalbagh areas was slightly better than Gomti Nagar and Talkatora. Considering the depleting AQI, the district administration has introduced a comprehensive plan for reducing air pollution on the direction of UPPCB. As per the plan, the district administration has banned burning of wood, charcoal and garbage in the state capital. The Lucknow Municipal Corporation has been asked to deploy mechanical sweepers to clean the roads. Sprinkling of water near construction sites and proper covering of the construction sites have also been advised. The traffic department, as per an order, has been asked to organise a drive to reduce traffic congestion and phasing out of old vehicles. Industries located in the city area have also been asked to check their emission. The departments concerned have been given a deadline of seven days to ensure compliance. First Published: Oct 31, 2019 20:31 IST

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