India suffers major air pollution which results in health issues in adults as well as children, every year after Diwali. Heavy smog contains dangerous chemicals including carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, manganese dioxide, zinc oxide and nitrates resulting in chemical pneumonitis.

As per doctors, chemical pneumonitis is “an irritation of the lungs that creates breathing difficulty due to inhaling chemical fumes or breathing in and choking on certain chemicals.”

Vikas Goswami, a Senior Consultant Medical Oncologist from Max Hospital, Vaishali, said that chemicals from firecrackers and from smog can penetrate deep into the lungs thatmightlead to stiffness of the lungs. This reduces the ability of the lungs to get oxygen to the body. If it is left untreated, it may ultimately lead to respiratory failure, lung cancer or even death.Numerous cases of chemical pneumonitis are reported in the hospital after Diwali.

He further added that in the acute form, people suffer from cough, face breathing issues, abnormal lung sounds (wet, gurgling sounding breaths), chest pain, tightness or burning. In the chronic form, persistent cough, shortness of breath and increased susceptibility to respiratory illness can develop.

According to a WHO report, air pollution is linked to one in 10 deaths of children aged under five. The more the exposure to fine particulates emitted by fires, vehicles, and industrial smokestacks the more is becomes risky. The risks of air pollution for unborn babies, newborns and young children are the maximum.

Anubha Singh, Gynaecologist from Shantah IVF Centre said that as children are in their growth stage, air pollution can harm them causing lifelong health problems. Exposure to air pollution at a young age can hamper lung growth, prevent brain development and increase the risk of conditions such as asthma.She advises to add all the fruits and vegetables, especially those rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin C to children’s food.

Doctor Vikas Goswami Medical Oncologist from Max Hospital Noida states that irrespective of age, anyone can suffer chemical pneumonia. N95/99 masks should be used whenever you step out of the house. Besides, air-purifying plants such as aloe vera, ivy and spider plant can be placed in the home and offices as they help to purify indoor air and reduce indoor pollution. He also suggests that one should take steam every day with a few drops of eucalyptus oil to relax your air-passages and help your body remove the harmful particulate substances. Eat jaggery to flush out pollutants from your lungs.

Dermatologist Nivedita Dadu, the Founder and Chairman at Dr. Nivedita Dadu’s Dermatology clinic, recommends stocking up on Vitamin C. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can fight the harmful effects of pollution. The best sources of Vitamin C like oranges, pineapples, guavas, papayas, strawberries, amla(gooseberry).

Source: Sputnik International