Promoting Lung Health in the Face of Rising Pollution Levels

Ensuring the well-being of our lungs has become increasingly critical in the context of escalating air pollution. As the adage goes, "A healthy body ensures healthy lungs and a healthy heart." In light of the current environmental challenges, there are proactive measures one can adopt to safeguard respiratory health.

1. Prioritize Overall Health: Maintaining a healthy weight and adopting a well-balanced diet is paramount, particularly for individuals residing in areas with heightened levels of smoke and pollution. Regular physical activity is equally essential, as it fortifies the heart and lungs, enhancing their functionality even in adverse conditions and reducing the risk of lung-related ailments.

2. Avoid Passive Smoking: Maintaining an appropriate body weight, steering clear of secondhand tobacco smoke, and, if applicable, quitting smoking altogether are crucial steps. Managing both indoor and outdoor air quality is equally important.

3. Mitigate Outdoor Exposure during Elevated AQI: Dr. Kuldeep Kumar Grover, Head of Critical Care and Pulmonology at CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, advises limiting outdoor exposure and avoiding heavy traffic during periods of elevated Air Quality Index (AQI). Indoors, ensuring well-ventilated spaces free from allergens and pollutants is essential. Avoid the use of solid fuels for heating and cooking.

4. Respiratory Protection: To counter the adverse effects of air pollution, it is imperative to wear effective respiratory protection. Standard cloth masks offer inadequate protection; instead, opt for N99 and N95 masks designed to filter out pollutants and provide better control over exposure to airborne contaminants.

5. Preventive Measures for Respiratory Patients: Dr. Sharad Joshi, Director & HOD of Pulmonology at Max Hospital, Vaishali, emphasizes the importance of respiratory patients continuing their prescribed medications and inhalers. Early consultation with a doctor for any symptoms is crucial. Additional measures include steam inhalation, appropriate multivitamin intake, routine exercises, and adherence to prescribed inhalers/nebulization for asthmatics and COPD patients. Getting flu and pneumococcal vaccines is recommended to protect against secondary lung infections.

6. The Long-Term Perspective: Recognizing the broader impact of pollutants, including an increased risk of cancer even in non-smokers, underscores the urgency of addressing the pollution menace for the well-being of future generations. Instances of cancer in non-tobacco users and the female population are unfortunately on the rise, reinforcing the significance of tackling pollution for public health.