Spike in asthma, pneumonia cases

CHENNAI: Air pollution is the second leading cause of non-communicable diseases such as asthma, pneumonia, stroke, and cancer. After the pandemic-induced lockdown was lifted in the State, the city-healthcare centres witnessed an increase in respiratory diseases especially among children and middle-aged people.

Health experts say that when pollution levels rise, lung immunity decreases, and it leads to several lung-related issues.

For the past two years, as people followed COVID protocols, there was a drastic dip in the seasonal flu between September and February. However, as the public are following those rules, there has been sudden spike in hospital-admissions for flu cases.

“People are exposed to inhaling polluted air, as they don’t wear masks, and this has led to an increase in the number of pneumonia cases. You’d think it affects only senior citizens but we see a surge among the 30-40 age group,” avers a consultant pulmonologist with Government Stanley Medical College and Hospital.

Due to particulate air pollution, people suffer from asthma and wheezing. Any other existing respiratory issues are likely to get worse, adds the doctor. “Continue wearing masks and be cautious about your health conditions. With flu cases increasing, if you have fever and cough, visit healthcare centres immediately to get diagnosed,” he explains.

As an expert in the field, his suggestion is basic: “Make good air quality a fundamental right. Additionally, urban planning is important in the city. More trees need to be planted for clean air. Increase in deforestation is the primary reason for a spike in respiratory issues in the metropolitan area.”

When the air quality index (PM 2.5 and PM 10) crosses over 50 microgram/m3, it means that sulphur dioxide and nitrogen gases have also increased in the air, and deteriorated air quality. If it reaches 100 micrograms/m3, it causes cough and breathlessness. And when the air quality level is above 300 micrograms/m3, it can trigger lung issues.

“During the pandemic, the number of non-COVID cases such as Tuberculosis (TB) was much lesser, partly due to lack of access to healthcare. But several other conditions such as asthma and other underlying lung issues were also lower because of complete lockdown. So, the PM levels in the air were also significantly lower,” says Dr Srinivas Rajagopala, senior consultant, Interventional Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine, Kauvery Hospital.

‘Stop feeding pigeons’

Pigeons are not friendly neighbourhood birds. They have a huge amount of antigenicity. It comes from their flap, where white chalky powder is found. Along with their droppings, it can lead to dreadful lung disease such as asthma, infections in children, etc. “Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is a serious condition that develops when you clean the dust of pigeon droppings,” said a city-based consultant pulmonologist. Experts stated that those who feed the birds are doing a social disservice and people around them.