13/EH/A/H/S/O
Times OF India/New Delhi/08/11/07
Foul air makes Delhiites sick
Blame It On Smog: Respiratory Infections Double Over Last Year
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
New Delhi: Manish Singhal, a 55-yearold businessman from Green Park in south Delhi,
had never suffered from respiratory ailments in his life. That is, till he was taken to
AIIMS last Sunday after he suddenly complained of trouble in breathing. Doctors
diagnosed the problems of Singhal, a heart patient, as an asthma attack.
Though it’s rare for a middle-aged person to be stricken with asthma, doctors in the
capital will tell you that Singhal is not alone. The blanket of smog that has enveloped
Delhi for the last many days has sent the number of respiratory tract infections and
asthma cases spiralling.
Doctors say the cases of asthma and wheezing being reported at present are roughly
twice the number they received around the same time last year — when there was no
smog. They say, early November generally sees a spurt in respiratory problems due to the
change of season. But this year, it has been particularly bad because of the smog, with
many patients being taken critically ill.
Says Dr Randeep Guleria, department of medicine, AIIMS: ‘‘Smog is a form of air
pollution. All persons are at risk of being affected by smog, especially children, elderly
and those with pre-existing lung conditions. Even those with no previous history of
respiratory tract infections can fall prey to it.’’
SHORT OF BREATH
Problem:
Respiratory infections — wheezing bronchitis, asthma attacks, pneumonia — on the rise.
Heart patients at greater risk
Symptoms: Shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, pain while breathing and watery
eyes
Rx: Asthmatics must carry inhalers, and take prescribed medication. Wear a mask while
stepping out Children are sitting ducks
New Delhi: Doctors say early November generally sees a spurt in respiratory problems
due to the change of season. But this year, it has been particularly bad because of the
smog.
“At AIIMS, we have had to admit some patients in casualty as well. There has been
10-15% increase just in the number of patients who are taken in the casualty for
respiratory tract infections. The number of cases in the OPDs is much higher,’’ says Dr
Randeep Guleria of AIIMS.
Children are more likely to be affected by smog. ‘‘In the last few days, since Delhi
came under a layer of smog, the number of children coming to my OPD has doubled.
Most of them are presenting symptoms of what is known as wheezing bronchitis. Both
allergic and infectious respiratory tract infections can be seen,’’says Dr Sanjeev Baghai,
HOD, paediatrics, Rockland Hospital.
Smog is formed when pollutants from vehicular and industrial emissions cars mix with
each other in the presence of sunlight and heat. Besides being extremely harmful for the
lungs and to those with respiratory problems, it also leads to nose, ear and throat
irritation. ‘‘Smog causes several kinds of allergies as well. Middle-ear infections are very
common in children and such cases have gone up in the last few days,’’ adds Dr Baghai.
Smog isn’t always visible. An air layered with smog means there are chances of an
increased level of carbon monoxide in the atmosphere which can also prove to be fatal
for some people, including heart patients. ‘‘It instantly inflames the airways, causes pain
while breathing and sends the respiratory tract in spasms. Heart patients should also be
careful during days when there is smog. Cases of acute pneumonia has also risen and we
have admitted many patients for all these conditions,’’ says Dr Sandeep Budhiraja,
department of medicine, Max Healthcare.
Shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, painful breathing and watery eyes are
symptoms of exposure to smog. Doctors also warn than those who exercise regularly and
athletes might have difficulty. They should stop in case of breathing difficulty. Smog
levels are highest on sunny days.