While the city had a relatively clean post-Diwali period this year, the air quality index today has reached alarming levels in recent days. Its effects are being seen in hospital outpatient departments (OPD).
According to doctors, there is a significant increase in cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes obstructed airflow, and asthma.
The number of patients seeking emergency care for acute respiratory symptoms increased by 20%.
The data comes as a wake-up call for India.
According to the WHO, approximately 7 million people die each year as a result of exposure to fine particles in polluted air, which cause diseases such as stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and respiratory infections such as pneumonia.
Air pollution level in India is affecting economies and people's quality of life at an alarming rate.
With rising air pollution levels in India and degrading air quality, people in Delhi will be more susceptible to several health issues including asthma, breathing issues, lungs related issues, exertion, etc.
When compared to the pre-pandemic period, average PM2.5 pollution in Delhi has decreased by about 20% during the winter season which is a serious concern for people's health when levels in the air are high.
According to a 2018 study, particulate pollution reduces the average Indian's life expectancy by more than four years compared to what it would be if WHO air quality guidelines were met. EPIC stated that India is currently the world's second most polluted country.
India is currently the second most polluted country in the world. Only its Himalayan neighbour Nepal is more polluted than India.
As if the link between air pollution and respiratory diseases wasn't enough to be concerned about. The study found that one out of seven new cases of diabetes was caused due to rising air pollution.
Lowering pollution levels in a heavily polluted country, such as India, may lead to a decrease in diabetes case.
Air pollution and lung health are not compatible. As winter approaches, the air becomes drier and deficient in moisture. Even normal people have difficulty breathing as a result of this. The problem is exacerbated if the air is polluted. Those who have respiratory problems find it even more difficult to breathe normally and may experience respiratory distress, which can be fatal.
Damage to the lungs, respiratory system, and other organs of the body are examples of such conditions. Breathing difficulties, burns or respiratory attacks, asthma, throat irritation, and other symptoms can occur. Lungs often bear the brunt of the damage, but treatments are extremely expensive, costing anywhere between Rs 35-40 lakh rupees.
It is, therefore, crucial for us to have a health plan that will ensure best-in-class medical treatment for ourselves and our family in the event of an unforeseen medical situation.
Here are a few key features of HealthAssure's FitAssure's Platinum Plus plan: