Pollution on the rise, people flock to doctors with respiratory complaints

Sarkar’s is not an isolated case. For the last few days, Mumbai’s air quality has been hovering between poor and very poor categories. According to doctors, this is further impacting the health of the people. Between January 5 and 8, Mumbai recorded an AQI of above 300, which went up to 317 on January 7.

Pollutant PM2.5, denoting particulate matter that is less than 2.5 microns in size, are of concern because while bigger particles are trapped by natural filters in our nose and respiratory system, PM2.5 can reach up to the respiratory bronchioles and alveoli.

“Thus, PM2.5 has the potential to gain access to internal organs. It particularly affects the elderly and the children. In children, PM2.5 can have variable effects, from reversible reduction in lung function to more permanent changes like decreased lung growth,” Dr Sarthak Rastogi, Consultant, Pulmonology at S L Raheja Hospital in Mahim, said.

Among the elderly, PM2.5 may lead to blood pressure shooting up, cardiovascular diseases like atherosclerosis and heart attacks. “PM2.5 can lead to asthma attacks, development of COPD and frequent respiratory infections. But the most frightening complication of air pollution is lung cancer,” Dr Rastogi added.

Dr Radhika Banka, Consultant, Pulmonary Medicine at Hinduja Hospital in Khar, said that drastic changes in weather, deterioration of air quality and unhealthy lifestyle are causing a decrease in natural immunity, leading to people developing respiratory symptoms. “Particularly poor air quality is playing a major role, as increased construction works post Covid-19 pandemic and fossil fuel combustion are contributing significantly to indoor and outdoor pollution,” she added.

There are also instances of patients falling sick again after recovering. Among children, this could just be a reflection of multiple social encounters, with exposure to different viruses, said doctors. Dr Banka said, “We are noticing recurrent colds and coughs in patients following Covid-19, which may be due to altered immunity. But this tends to settle within a few months.”