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News Topical, Digital Desk : As the weather changes and air pollution levels rise, its impact on people's health is becoming evident. Hospitals in many major cities, including the capital, Delhi, are seeing a rapid increase in the number of patients with coughs, colds, fevers, and respiratory problems. According to Dr. Manish Garg of Max Super Speciality Hospital, Dwarka, the combined effect of weather changes, harmful airborne particles, and viral infections is making people sick.
These symptoms are most visible
These days the most common symptoms among patients are persistent cough, sore throat, blocked nose, mild fever, body ache, fatigue and difficulty in breathing. Many people ignore it thinking it to be a common cold, but doctors are saying that these symptoms are no longer going away in two-three days like before, but they persist for 10 to 14 days. Especially in people with asthma, COPD or smoking habit, cough increases at night or in the morning, and sometimes wheezing or tightness in the chest is also felt.
The double impact of both viral and pollution
Flu, rhinovirus, and other respiratory viruses are currently very active. They cause symptoms such as fever, sore throat, body aches, and extreme fatigue. These infections are typically mild, but when combined with polluted air, the illness becomes more severe and recovery times are longer. Many patients are complaining of loss of appetite, insomnia, or shortness of breath upon exposure to the outdoors.
Meanwhile, some people may not have a fever but may experience dry cough, sore throat, watery eyes, or headaches. This could be a sign of a pollution allergy. Fine particles like PM2.5 and PM10 in the air affect the respiratory system and cause inflammation, leading to viral-like symptoms .
There is confusion in treatment
Doctors say the biggest challenge right now is that the symptoms of viral and pollution-related illnesses are very similar. Often, patients initially develop a viral infection, but once the fever subsides, cough and sore throats caused by pollution persist. In such situations, many people self-medicate with antibiotics, which is completely wrong. If the infection is viral, antibiotics are ineffective and can be detrimental to the body.
Caution is the best protection
Doctors advise that we can protect the health of our lungs by adopting some simple habits at this time -
- Wear a good quality N95 mask when going out.
- Keep the air in your home clean with the help of air purifiers or plants.
- Drink enough water so that toxic elements can be removed from the body.
- Avoid walking in the early morning or late evening, when air pollution is highest.
- People who already have asthma or breathing problems should take their regular medicines on time.
If someone complains of persistent difficulty in breathing, high fever or increasing cough, then a doctor should be contacted immediately.
Overall, this season has brought double troubles for people: viral infections on one hand, and polluted air on the other. Therefore, it's crucial that we remain vigilant about our health, avoid becoming our own doctors, and prioritize prevention. A little caution and timely treatment can save you from major problems.
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