Health experts ask elderly and patients to stay cautious due to worsening air

Amid the worsening air quality in Punjab ahead of Diwali, health experts have advised vulnerable sections to protect themselves from pollution. According to experts, the increase of pollutants in the air can cause severe harm to the elderly and pre-existing sick people.

Dr. Ashish Chawla, chest disease expert at the Civil Hospital Ludhiana, stated that polluted air is extremely harmful for asthma, COPD and heart patients. During this period, the number of patients reaching the hospital with complaints of breathlessness, persistent cough and sore throat is increasing. He has appealed to people not to step out unnecessarily and to wear masks.

According to Dr. Damanpreet Singh, ENT expert at the Civil Hospital, cases of cold, cough, dry throat and earache increase rapidly due to paddy stubble smoke and during the days of Diwali. He instructed individuals above 50 years of age and allergy sufferers to avoid smoke and use masks.

Dr. Manbir Singh Khurana, cardiologist, said that due to bad air, there is a risk of deterioration in the condition of heart patients. Recently, a 15 to 20 percent increase in heart patients and a 10 to 15 percent increase in emergency cases has been recorded. He advised patients to check the air quality before going outside.

According to Punjab Pollution Control Board data, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Ludhiana has reached between 245 and 335, which falls under the poor and very poor category. Apprehension has been expressed that pollution may increase further in the coming days due to a decrease in wind speed.

Key developments

• Punjab air quality index recorded in poor and very poor category
• Doctors termed air hazardous for elderly and respiratory and heart patients
• Number of heart and respiratory patients increased in civil hospitals
• Experts advised wearing masks and stepping out less