Residents in the NCR are breathing in toxic air as smog thickens and respiratory complaints rise. (Photo: PTI)
\n\nA nip in the air, a sharp fall in air quality and a blanket of smog are pushing up respiratory and seasonal health complaints across the National Capital Region (NCR). Delhi's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stands around 331 to 415 (reaching up to 451 in certain areas), placing the air in the "very poor" to "severe/hazardous" category.
\n\nPulmonology outpatient departments in the region are seeing more cases of allergic airway disease, asthma flare-ups and persistent respiratory discomfort. A dangerous mix of dense smog with cold weather leads to creating of a toxic environment for lungs.
\n\nDr Randeep Guleria, former director of AIIMS Delhi and chairman of the Institute of Internal Medicine, Respiratory and Sleep Medicine at Medanta, Gurugram, explains why winter brings more illness.
\n\n“Viral infections tend to be more common during winter months because as the temperature drops, there is a higher chance of viruses spreading from one person to the other,” he says. “Viruses stay longer in the air. In winters, they survive in cold weather for longer periods unlike in summer.”
\n\nIndoor living adds to the problem. “Because…
Original source: https://www.timesnownews.com/lifestyle
