Deadly & toxic: Doctors on Delhi's AQI

The air quality in Delhi is deadly and very concerning at the moment,” say doctors as residents gasp for clean air once again. 490, 999, 1320 – these are not random numbers for residents of NCR, but the growing level of toxicity in the air as per different apps.
“Stay indoors as much as possible and wear N95 masks,” advises Dr Anupam Sibal, Group Medical Director and Senior Pediatrician, Apollo Hospitals Group.
Experts are again cautioning residents not to step out unless absolutely necessary.

What happens to the body at 500 AQIDr Vipul Gupta, Group Director & Head of Neuro-intervention, Paras Hospital, Gurugram, shares, “There is a strong association between air pollution and cardiovascular disease, heart attack and stroke. It is estimated that 20-25% of deaths are due to stroke and heart attack because of air pollution. It can also lead to arrhythmia. This effect of air pollution is higher in patients who have pre-existing risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes or have cardiac disease,” says the doctor.

‘Stay indoors, stay protected’ Wear big glasses that cover the eyes and the area around the face. Use eye-lubricant drops and gels prescribed by a doctor. Avoid using contact lenses
 Stay hydrated for better immunity and take supplements
 Take all possible precautions, such as going out for walks when the pollution is less
 Install good quality air purifiers at home
 Exercise indoors as it improves overall well-being

— Inputs by Dr Aarti Nangia, Principal Director Ophthalmology and HOD, Max Hospitals, Dwarka; Dr Anupam Sibal and Dr Vipul Gupta


'The air is toxic'"Delhi is a gas chamber at the moment, it is very difficult to breathe. Forget about people with respiratory diseases, it is hazardous for everybody. People with respiratory diseases, children, elderly, they are suffering the most. I don't know what to say, this air is toxic. How can people be living in such an environment? The air is toxic. People have to live their lives, stay indoors as much as possible. Step out with a N95 respirator, if you want to go out when the sun is out. If you develop breathing difficulties, see a doctor and get medical attention immediately. As far as people with respiratory issues or cardiac issues, elderly, kids should just be in," says Dr Vivek Singh Director Respiratory & Sleep Medicine, Medanta, Gurugram.

Delhi mein land karte hi mera gala kharab ho jaata hai: Rahul VaidyaRahul Vaidya, who was in the city earlier this week, shares that whenever he comes here during this time, he does not step out in the city. “When I was here last week, we all went back with a sore throat and my throat is still hurting. Delhi mein land karte hi mera gala kharab ho jata hai. Jitna ho sake indoor rehta hoon,” he says.