Air pollution: As AQI level turns severe, here are groups most at risk from pollution complications

The air we breathe is getting terrible by the day. While smog and depleting air quality levels have now become a seasonal woe we fight year after year, the AQI levels have been particularly ghastly this time around, falling in the 'severe' category (AQI>500) in Delhi NCR, offering no respite. The pollution levels have also turned water toxic, with froths being seen on Yamuna banks.

Also read: How do air pollution levels impact viral infections? What should you know

Now, while itchy eyes, burning sensation, cough and irritation in the throat are some of the typical symptoms we associate with polluted air, air pollution is something which is a serious health concern, and causes long-term consequences, affecting vital organs. It's also a condition which can worsen other pre-existing conditions, shown to cut down life expectancy, and doctors say that deadly pollution levels also pose a big threat for particular risk groups, making them vulnerable to poor health, hospitalizations. There can also be a higher precedence of heart attacks and cardiac ailments, caused by depleting air quality and pollutants which we inhale.

Not only is there an urgent and pressing need to keep ourselves safe, tackle air pollution from the root, but during this time, some patients and groups at risk should be extremely careful, so as to avoid problems from worsening. If you are one amongst the following, take utmost preventive care and caution:

Particulate Matter (PM) levels causing air pollution are a strong determinant tied to poor cardiovascular health. While people suffering from heart problems, or those who have suffered from a previous cardiac ailment or stroke need to alter their lifestyle considerably, and face inflammatory risks, rising pollutants can also worsen heart health further. It has been found that PM 2.5 and PM 10 levels can lead to high levels of plaque buildup and clogged arteries, meaning that any individual can face a bigger risk of heart attacks. For healthy individuals, disturbing PM levels over time can lead to long-term risks and make people susceptible to problems like ischemic heart disease, stroke, arrhythmias, hypertension, vascular problems. It is also at a higher risk of heart disease and heart attacks in men and women.

Women who are expecting should follow utmost caution while they step out, or avoid exposure in all ways. One's exposure to air pollution can not just pose risks for the woman carrying the baby (who are immunocompromised and at risk for more infections), but can also affect the unborn child's health, breathing function and cognitive health. A recent study also found that pregnant women who face the risk of air pollution are also at a higher risk of stillbirth and preterm births.

One major risk which has been flagged off this year is the susceptibility COVID survivors could face from polluted air, especially the ones who suffered from severe COVID. While there has been a troubled rise in the number of people complaining of increased respiratory complications, long COVID symptoms right now, COVID survivors, who have compromised or recovering lung function can face risks of complications and poor health. People who have compromised or poor lung function, excessive pollution levels could prolong symptoms, increase respiratory symptoms and issues like lung injuries. For the ones who are asthmatic, or suffer from incessant allergies, the symptoms can flare up and require prompt attention.

Also read: Are you a COVID survivor? A doctor shares what you should know about your lungs

Over an age, the immune defenses rapidly decline and there also runs the risk of multiple comorbidities fanning out. As the body gets weaker, and vital function gets compromised, air pollution couldn't just choke one and make it difficult to breath, but also lead to decreased lung function. The elderlies, those over the age of 65 also face a higher risk of running a fever, developing upper respiratory symptoms from exposure to polluted air. If there are lung/ cardiovascular problems at hand, one needs to be very careful and avoid the risks of pollution- be it indoor or outdoor.

Studies over the years have established that younger kids can be quite vulnerable to the ills of ghastly air pollution, and may also develop health complications later. Babies and infants, in particular should be minimally exposed to polluted air since they have lungs which are still developing, and have higher chances of respiratory infections. Plus, since they do tend to take in more air than adults, the likelihood for air pollution-related symptoms and respiratory infection go up by a notch. Young children could also experience mood fluctuations, feel irritable, since pollution levels could also permeate the brain.

The best way to mitigate the risks of air pollution right now remains to prevent exposure to worsening air quality, and only step out if necessary. When you face additional complications, or have considerable risk factors as such, battling pollution requires extra care and checks. For one, experts recommend investing in air purifiers and reducing the risk of indoor air pollution.

Walks, or stepping out during early morning hours should be particularly avoided, since pollution is too high at that time. Watch out for symptoms, go for frequent steam inhalation and use a good quality mask (such as a N95 mask) when you step out. If you have prior respiratory or chest complications, or have recently recovered from COVID, do not ignore any symptoms, and take proper medications.