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The air quality in Delhi and NCR is continuously deteriorating, with AQI ranging from poor and very poor to dangerous levels, with no respite in sight. People with pre-existing respiratory problems, such as Asthmas are particularly vulnerable. According to the World Health Organization, people with asthma have difficulty breathing and severe shortness of breath due to swelling and narrowing of the small airways in the lungs. Now add to this the burden of pollution, and asthma management becomes more challenging than ever for those living in severely polluted cities.
Also read: Gurugram pulmonologist shares 20-20-20 breathing technique to reduce pollution exposure and strengthen lungs
To understand how one can control asthma symptoms and prevent flare-ups, HT Lifestyle got in touch with Dr Bharat Gopal, Senior Director – Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Medanta, Gurugram, who highlighted the need to create your own ‘C’.Lean Air Sanctuary.’ This means you need to create your own personal safe zone where the air you breathe is as safe and clean as possible. He further explained that small particles along with harmful gases irritate the airways, making asthma worse and increasing the chances of flare-ups.
4 Tips for Managing Asthma
Asthma can be kept under control in polluted cities with the help of some proactive measures.
Dr. Gopal shared these 4 tips:
1. Check AQI daily
The first step is to limit exposure to polluted air and stay outside only when necessary. Dr. Gopal stressed that caution is important, pointing out some toxic AQI readings and saying, “Use an app you trust to check the AQI. If your AQI reading is ‘poor’ (above 200) or ‘severe’ (above 400), your lungs are essentially under attack.”
During such periods of high pollution, he advised limiting all physical activities. “Skip your morning walk outside and exercise indoors. Plan essential errands for the afternoon rather than during rush hour, during the lowest pollution levels of the day.” This means that to protect your respiratory health, go out only when it is absolutely necessary. People who have a habit of exercising outside should avoid it as the harm of polluted air outweighs the positive effects of exercise.
2. Create a safe air sanctuary at home
Respiratory therapy therapists recommended creating a biobubble, like a place where you can breathe safely. Since the outdoor air is full of pollutants, the air inside your home should be as clean as possible.
To create a biobubble, he recommended choosing a good air purifier. Sharing the technical specifications, Dr. Gopal elaborated, “Buy a good air purifier with a HEPA filter specifically for your main living space and bedroom.
Other habits that you should follow are, as highly suggested by the doctor, “On days with high pollution, keep your windows and doors tightly closed so that the enemy cannot get in. “Basic things like mopping/wiping floors and surfaces instead of sweeping will help prevent dust and pollution.” This is especially relevant for hazy days. Sealing the indoor space ensures that toxic air cannot get in and contaminate the ‘biobubble’.
Apart from using an air purifier, which is the most obvious and non-negotiable habit in this pollution season, specific indoor plants can also filter toxins from the air and contribute to better air quality. The doctor mentioned plants like money plant (pothos), snake plant, spider plant, areca palm and peace lily.
3. Control drug
To prevent flare-ups, Dr. Gopal stressed that preventive inhalers are no longer optional.
He warns, “Use your preventive inhaler exactly as you were prescribed every day, no exceptions. Don’t wait until you have a cough or wheezing to start the medication.”
Explaining why this is necessary, he further said, ““Your lung cells need frequent doses of anti-inflammatory medicine to protect themselves from exposure to pollution.”
4. Mask to wear outside
If you’re going out, you’ll need to wear a mask, but choosing the right mask is absolutely critical. Dr. Gopal warned that if you wear a cloth mask, it will not adequately protect your lungs because it will not block PM 2.5 particulate matter.
Instead he highly recommends, “Wear an N95 (or a similar mask like FFP2) mask that fits tightly over your mouth and nose.” This mask filters out small, toxic particles, which are the primary trigger of asthma attacks in polluted air.
When should you see a doctor or go to the ER?
Since pollution is increasing at an alarming rate, with AQI levels reaching disturbing numbers every other day, it is essential to know what actions you need to take in case of an emergency: both situations when you need to see a doctor and serious situations when you need immediate attention in the ER.
Dr. Gopal shared these 6 signs you may need help:
Consider seeing a doctor immediately if:
- Using a quick-relief (or rescue) inhaler more than twice per week (except before exercise).
- Waking up at night due to coughing or wheezing. Asthma interferes with normal daily activities (for example, cannot climb stairs without stopping).
4 signs you need to go to the ER right now:
- The quick-relief inhaler is not working, or it is only working for less than an hour.
- Difficulty speaking complete sentences (can speak only a few words in one breath).
- Lips or nails look gray or blue.
- Breathe rapidly and strain your neck and chest muscles.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have about a medical condition.
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