The capital Delhi-NCR is once again in the grip of air pollution. Pollution, which usually increases after Diwali every year, has already started troubling people this time. Even before Diwali, conditions like haze and smoke have started appearing, it is feared to increase further in the coming days.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital on Saturday reached 344, which is considered to be in the 'very poor' category. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), prolonged exposure to 'poor' AQI can cause breathing problems. Not only this, its long-term side effects also include the risk of negative effects on the brain, heart health and nerves.

The biggest impact of air pollution has been seen on the lungs. In many people, it can also be a problem that increases or triggers diseases like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and asthma. Let us know how air pollution is harmful for our lungs and what measures can be taken to stay safe from it?

Air quality scale

You must have been hearing about the deteriorating air quality. Here it is important to understand what does a high AQI indicate?

0-50 is considered 'good', 51-100 is 'satisfactory', 101-200 is 'moderate', 201-300 is 'bad', 301-400 is 'very bad' and 401-500 is 'severe' AQI. At present, Delhi's AQI remains in a very bad condition. This kind of air quality is considered very harmful for the respiratory system.

Risk of diseases like asthma and COPD

According to experts of the American Lung Association, being exposed to air pollution for a long time can cause many lung diseases including asthma and COPD. If you are exposed to high levels of pollution while pregnant, whether you have asthma or not, your child may be more likely to have asthma.

Air pollution also increases the risk of lung infections like bronchitis and pneumonia. Some studies also show that microscopic particles like particulate matter (PM) can reach the lungs through breathing and increase the risk of lung cancer.

Air pollution can cause such problems

Health experts say that it is important for everyone to keep trying to avoid air pollution, especially in places where the AQI is at a poor level, everyone needs to be more careful. Due to exposure to air pollution, you start having many problems. First of all, you may feel difficulty in breathing due to pollution. Some other symptoms should also be paid attention to.

Problem of excessive coughing and wheezing.

Problem of irritation in the nose and throat.

Feeling pain while breathing.

You have more trouble breathing while doing activities outside.

Problem of worsening of asthma attack or COPD symptoms.

How to protect yourself from pollution?

Health experts say that the presence of microscopic particles like particulate matter (PM) 2.5 in polluted air can cause many short-term and long-term problems. To avoid air pollution and the risks caused by it, it is important to keep some things in mind.

Avoid exercising outside in places where the AQI is very poor.

Do not burn wood or garbage.

Wearing a mask is the most important thing to protect yourself from air pollution. Good quality masks can protect you from polluted air.

People who already have problems like asthma or COPD should always keep an inhaler with them.

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