How COVID survivors can be affected by air pollution

Just like any other year, the festive season has come to an end with another wave of bad air quality and deteriorating health. Not just that, the stubble burning that took place in states like Haryana and Punjab have added to the woes of Delhiites and everyone in the surrounding areas. As per official reports, the AQI levels this year have made it to the 'severe' category (AQI>500) in Delhi NCR, making it difficult for people to breathe openly.

Amid the combined misery of depleting air quality and smog, people who previously survived COVID-19 and are still battling long haul symptoms could face further challenges.

Read more: Are you a COVID survivor? Doctor shares what you need to know about your lungs

For those of you who have fought the devastating effects of the novel coronavirus know how the disease impairs lung functions, destroys respiratory capabilities and affects overall health in the most drastic ways.

Severe COVID-19 is also believed to leave a long lasting impact on the body, also referred to as post-COVID syndrome. This could continue in the form of lingering respiratory issues, fatigue, hair loss and more. But most importantly, your lungs could take months and months to recover.

Apart from the itchy eyes, skin and throat irritation, poor air quality can make it difficult for your lungs to function efficiently. While it may disrupt your overall health, damage to your respiratory system is inevitable.

To top it off, air pollution can also worsen other pre-existing conditions, increasing the risks of hospitalization and in some cases, even death. Those who have recovered from severe COVID infections continue to remain at risk of developing lung injuries due to the rising pollution levels. Doctors continue to warn everyone to take necessary precautions amid growing dangers of bad air quality, flu, dengue and COVID-19.

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

For most COVID survivors, almost all of the battle is won. However, those who went through severe coronavirus infections, their health continues to remain under threat.

In an interview, Dr Rajesh Chawla, Senior Consultant Pulmonology and Critical Care, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi, told IANS, "People who survived severe Covid-19 suffered compromised lung function and many of them continue to have breathlessness and brochure hyperactivity. So any increase in pollution will have a deleterious effect on their respiratory status and their lung condition can deteriorate over the years."

"Virus particles piggyback on particulate matter in the air, and enter the lungs. Last year, Delhi had witnessed a surge in Covid-19 cases during winters in the months of November and December. Although a sizable population has taken vaccination against the infectious disease, we still cannot afford to let our guard down during this very vulnerable and challenging period," added Dr Nikhil Bante, Consultant, PulmonologyFortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj.

While doctors believe recovery from damage caused by COVID infection is possible, the current state of the country only makes it more difficult to imagine. The depleting air quality seems to take a heavy toll on healthy humans, so what chance do COVID survivors have?

There has been a staggering rise in the number of people complaining of breathlessness and other respiratory complications, while on the other hand COVID survivors, who have compromised or recovering lung function may have to deal with more delay.

As per health experts, those suffering with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or asthma should be well-prepared in advance to fight off the negative impact of air pollution, more so if they were previously infected with COVID-19 infections.

Both adults and children with such conditions need to stay vigilant and must take necessary precautions to fight off dangers posed by bad air quality.

Continue wearing your masks. Avoid visiting outdoors, even to exercise. Resort to at-home exercises and switch to home remedies to fight off any symptoms of cold or flu. Maintain proper hand hygiene.