Diwali-induced air pollution leaves many gasping for breath

Not all have enjoyed Diwali festivities this season, particularly those who have been falling prey to respiratory trouble due to the high levels of pollution.

While revellers haven’t cut down on bursting crackers, doctors have observed that the number of new patients, with no history of asthma or allergic bronchitis, visiting the outpatient department of hospitals has seen a sharp increase.

“Crackers in Diwali have exacerbated chest conditions for many. I am seeing a 20-30% rise in patients approaching the clinic with complaints of wheezing and chest-tightedness. These are classic symptoms of asthma and allergic bronchitis. Cold nights and dry air lead to particulate matter settling low, increasing the level of pollution in the air,” said Dr Tejal Shah, chest physician in Ghatkopar.

Shah sees close to 20 patients a day who complain of breathing troubles. “Many of them had no history of asthma or allergic bronchitis and their condition worsened after Diwali-related pollution,” she said.

Recent studies in suburbs, especially Ghatkopar, Andheri and Chembur, where redevelopment construction and metro rail activities are rampant, have revealed that pollution levels in such areas are up to eight to 16 times more than the rest of the city.

According to Maharashtra Pollution Control Board figures, air pollution levels since the past two weeks have soared way beyond the permissible limit.

Air quality monitoring stations in Bandra and Sion have recorded an average of respirable suspended particulate matter at 150 ug/m3 in the first two weeks of November. This is starkly above the permissible limit of 100 ug/m3. Moreover, latest level of pollutants like nitrous oxide, on November 12, had shot up to 204 ug/m3, while the permissible limit is up to 80 ug/m3. “Apart from festival-related pollution, most patients were admitted during the weekdays when higher levels of vehicular exhaust and smoke, especially around areas with slow-moving traffic, were observed,” explained Dr Suresh Rang, chest physician at Jaslok Hospital.

Often, patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder end up contracting pneumonia and have to be admitted on ventilator support in ICU, said Dr Ashok Mahasur, physician at PD Hinduja Hospital.

The average rate of community-acquired pneumonia in adults is approximately five to 16 cases per 1,000 people per year. “In India, around 10% of acute respiratory tract infections’ patients have pneumonia,” Mahasur added.

Doctors say that pollution leads to pneumonic conditions, which can be fatal, and, therefore, it is advisable for patients to avoid polluted areas.

Alarming finding
Recent studies in suburbs, especially Ghatkopar, Andheri and Chembur, where redevelopment construction and metro rail activities are rampant, have revealed that pollution levels in such areas are up to eight to 16 times more than the rest of the city.