Rachel V Thomas

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Delhi Air Pollution Is Back: What Days Of Poor AQI Can Do to Your Lungs

For India’s national capital, air pollution is a year-round problem, but October marks the start of a prolonged deterioration as pollution typically worsens through winter.

Delhi recorded its worst <span>AQI</span> of the season at 187 on October 4, at the higher end of the ‘moderate’ category. At least 19 monitoring stations recorded ‘poor’ air quality that day. Slower winds as winter approaches are expected to contribute to more polluted days.

The <span>Air Quality Early Warning System</span> has forecast ‘moderate’ air quality for two days, followed by a likely shift to ‘poor’ over the next 10 days.

<h2>What Can Just Days Of Poor Air Quality Do to Your <span rel="noindex">Lungs</span>?</h2>

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/delhi-winter-pollution-action-plan-how-poor-air-affects-your-health-article-156246270" data-type="tilCustomLink">Delhi Winter Pollution Action Plan: How Poor Air Affects Your Health</a>

Even short-term exposure to polluted air can affect health, with research linking air pollution to respiratory and cardiovascular problems, metabolic effects and several diseases.

“Even a week of poor air quality can irritate and inflame the respiratory system, particularly in people with asthma, allergies or other underlying lung conditions,” Dr Vikas Mittal, Director and Pulmonologist, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, told <strong><em>HealthandMe</em></strong>.

PM2.5 exposure can cause throat irritation, cough, phlegm, wheezing and breathlessness, while some people may experience reduced exercise tolerance or worsening respiratory symptoms. A short period of exposure does not necessarily cause permanent lung damage in healthy people. 

However, repeated pollution episodes can contribute to ongoing airway inflammation and increase the risk of respiratory problems over time.

<h2>What Happens After Days or Weeks of PM2.5 Exposure?</h2>

PM2.5 can reach the air sacs of the lungs, making people with asthma or other chronic respiratory conditions more likely to experience worsening symptoms or flare-ups.

“Repeated exposure can trigger inflammation and oxidative stress, irritating the airway lining and affecting normal lung function. Over days to weeks, this may manifest as persistent cough, increased mucus production, wheezing or breathlessness, particularly among susceptible individuals,” Dr Mittal said.

<h2>Why Can Symptoms Start Before AQI Becomes ‘Severe’?</h2>

<strong>Read More</strong>: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/delhis-air-pollution-may-be-harming-the-brain-not-just-the-lungs-report-article-155972443" data-type="tilCustomLink">Delhi’s Air Pollution May Be Harming The Brain, Not Just The Lungs: Report</a>

There is no single AQI threshold at which respiratory symptoms begin. Individual responses depend on age, underlying health conditions, sensitivity and duration of exposure, Dr Mittal noted.

Even below the ‘severe’ category, elevated PM2.5 and other pollutants can irritate the airways. People with asthma, allergies, <span>COPD</span> or previous respiratory problems may therefore develop symptoms earlier.

Children, older adults and people who spend considerable time outdoors may also be more susceptible.

<h2>How Does Air Pollution Affect the Respiratory System?</h2>

“As the AQI increases, the concentration of pollutants in the air also increases, and these pollutants can have adverse effects on the respiratory system,” Dr Bobby Bhalotra, Vice Chairperson, Chest Medicine, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, told <strong><em>HealthandMe</em></strong>.

Air pollution can trigger upper respiratory problems such as rhinitis and sinusitis, while the lower respiratory tract can be affected through bronchitis. It can also trigger symptoms and exacerbations in people with asthma and COPD.

<strong>READ</strong>: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/world-lung-day-dry-cough-breathlessness-may-not-always-be-asthma-could-it-be-ild-article-156224514" data-type="tilCustomLink">World Lung Day: Dry Cough, Breathlessness May Not Always Be Asthma — Could It Be ILD?</a>

Experts recommend reducing exposure when AQI levels are high:

<ul><li>Check the AQI before prolonged outdoor activity.</li><li>Avoid strenuous outdoor exercise and peak traffic hours.</li><li>Keep indoor spaces clean and minimize dust.</li><li>Avoid cigarette smoke, incense and other indoor pollutants.</li><li>Keep windows closed when outdoor pollution is high and ventilate when air quality improves.</li><li>Use a well-fitted N95 respirator when outdoor exposure is unavoidable.</li><li>Continue prescribed medication and follow your doctor’s action plan if you have asthma or other lung conditions.</li></ul>

Dr Bhalotra also recommended staying hydrated, practising yoga, using steam and gargling. He advised avoiding spicy and fried foods and foods that may irritate the throat, including those that are extremely hot or cold.

He also stressed the importance of plants indoors and outdoors as part of maintaining a healthier environment.

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Delhi Air Pollution

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Delhi poor aqi

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COPD

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For India’s national capital, air pollution is a year-round problem, but October marks the start of a prolonged deterioration as pollution typically worsens through winter.Delhi recorded its worst AQI of the season at 187 on October 4, at the higher end of the ‘moderate’ category. At least 19 monitoring stations recorded ‘poor’ air quality that day. Slower winds as winter approaches are expected to contribute to more polluted days.The Air Quality Early Warning System has forecast ‘moderate’ air quality for two days, followed by a likely shift to ‘poor’ over the next 10 days.What Can Just Days Of Poor Air Quality Do to Your Lungs?Also read: Delhi Winter Pollution Action Plan: How Poor Air Affects Your HealthEven short-term exposure to polluted air can affect health, with research linking air pollution to respiratory and cardiovascular problems, metabolic effects and several diseases.“Even a week of poor air quality can irritate and inflame the respiratory system, particularly in people with asthma, allergies or other underlying lung conditions,” Dr Vikas Mittal, Director and Pulmonologist, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, told HealthandMe.PM2.5 exposure can cause throat irritation, cough, phlegm, wheezing and breathlessness, while some people may experience reduced exercise tolerance or worsening respiratory symptoms. A short period of exposure does not necessarily cause permanent lung damage in healthy people. However, repeated pollution episodes can contribute to ongoing airway inflammation and increase the risk of respiratory problems over time.What Happens After Days or Weeks of PM2.5 Exposure?PM2.5 can reach the air sacs of the lungs, making people with asthma or other chronic respiratory conditions more likely to experience worsening symptoms or flare-ups.“Repeated exposure can trigger inflammation and oxidative stress, irritating the airway lining and affecting normal lung function. Over days to weeks, this may manifest as persistent cough, increased mucus production, wheezing or breathlessness, particularly among susceptible individuals,” Dr Mittal said.Why Can Symptoms Start Before AQI Becomes ‘Severe’?Read More: Delhi’s Air Pollution May Be Harming The Brain, Not Just The Lungs: ReportThere is no single AQI threshold at which respiratory symptoms begin. Individual responses depend on age, underlying health conditions, sensitivity and duration of exposure, Dr Mittal noted.Even below the ‘severe’ category, elevated PM2.5 and other pollutants can irritate the airways. People with asthma, allergies, COPD or previous respiratory problems may therefore develop symptoms earlier.Children, older adults and people who spend considerable time outdoors may also be more susceptible.How Does Air Pollution Affect the Respiratory System?“As the AQI increases, the concentration of pollutants in the air also increases, and these pollutants can have adverse effects on the respiratory system,” Dr Bobby Bhalotra, Vice Chairperson, Chest Medicine, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, told HealthandMe.Air pollution can trigger upper respiratory problems such as rhinitis and sinusitis, while the lower respiratory tract can be affected through bronchitis. It can also trigger symptoms and exacerbations in people with asthma and COPD.READ: World Lung Day: Dry Cough, Breathlessness May Not Always Be Asthma — Could It Be ILD?How Can You Reduce the Risk?Experts recommend reducing exposure when AQI levels are high:Check the AQI before prolonged outdoor activity.Avoid strenuous outdoor exercise and peak traffic hours.Keep indoor spaces clean and minimize dust.Avoid cigarette smoke, incense and other indoor pollutants.Keep windows closed when outdoor pollution is high and ventilate when air quality improves.Use a well-fitted N95 respirator when outdoor exposure is unavoidable.Continue prescribed medication and follow your doctor’s action plan if you have asthma or other lung conditions.Dr Bhalotra also recommended staying hydrated, practising yoga, using steam and gargling. He advised avoiding spicy and fried foods and foods that may irritate the throat, including those that are extremely hot or cold.He also stressed the importance of plants indoors and outdoors as part of maintaining a healthier environment.

delhi air pollution is back: what days of poor aqi can do to your lungs

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Health Conditions A-Z

Delhi Air Pollution Is Back: What Days Of Poor AQI Can Do to Your Lungs

Mpox Making A Comeback? Toronto Reports 14 Cases, Officials Urge Vaccination

Russia Plague Scare: Is Pneumonic Plague Deadlier Than Bubonic & Septicemic Plague?