Rise in air pollution-related ailments in Delhi

NEW DELHI, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- A significant rise was recorded in the number of people suffering from air pollution-related respiratory diseases like bronchitis, acute attacks of asthma, and other ailments like watery eyes, runny nose, and burning sensation, said medical practitioners in Delhi, capital of India, on Thursday.

According to media reports, hospitals in the Indian capital city were almost flooded with such patients over the past few days.

On Thursday, the Air Quality Index in several areas in Delhi remained in the "poor" category, as a layer of smog was seen in the southern parts of the city.

In a bid to control air pollution levels, the Delhi government was trying different means, like sprinkling water on trees and roads. Water mist sprayers were seen installed on streetlight poles in the Shanti Path area in New Delhi for reducing dust and air pollutants.

An online report by Press Trust of India stated, "Doctors report 60 percent rise in eye problems as toxic smog engulfs Delhi. Doctors warn that the dangerously high level of pollution is not only harmful for the lungs but also for the eyes."

Professor of Medicine at Delhi-based Ram Manohar Lohia hospital, Pulin Kumar Gupta, was quoted as saying that at the hospital where he works, there were nearly 22-25 percent extra number of patients suffering from air pollution-related diseases.

Because of the pollution, the Outpatient Department (OPD) is flooded with patients with respiratory diseases like bronchitis, acute attacks of asthma. Patients are coming to the ENT OPD with sinusitis, runny noses, and bleeding noses. Patients with dermatitis have increased, said the doctor.

Private news agency ANI quoted a senior doctor at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital's Department of Chest Medicine, Bobby Bhalotra, as saying that there were a lot of new patients with throat irritation, rhinitis, running noses, itchy eyes, and bad congested chest pain.

"Everybody is impacted due to air pollution. Children and the elderly are the most vulnerable group," said the doctor.

He advised Delhi residents not to indulge in any outdoor physical activity like jogging or running, and children and elderly people should remain indoors.