Doctors’ prescription for Delhi’s hazardous dusty air is stay indoors, wear masks

Those suffering from respiratory disorders or related symptoms have been told to avoid popping antibiotics on a whim. These drugs should be taken only with a medical prescription.

Do you have a cough, cold, and a runny nose, or suffering from breathlessness? Blame it on the dust pollution. Doctors across Delhi reported an increase in the number of patients of respiratory ailments coming in with aggravated symptoms.

A thick blanket of dust and haze obscures New Delhi’s skyline on Thursday. The sudden nosedive in Delhi’s air quality has seen a spike in the number of patients with respiratory complaints. (Sanchit Khanna/HT Photo)

“The number of patients with existing respiratory conditions who come to the clinic with such symptoms has doubled in the last five days. In fact, some people not diagnosed with asthma also came in with symptoms,” said Dr Brig. Ashok Rajput, director, department of pulmonology, Fortis, Shalimar Bagh.

Dr SP Byotra, head of the department of medicine at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, has seen a three-time rise in the number of patients coming in with dust allergies in the last couple of days.

What should you do?

Stay indoors as much as possible.

“The best precaution is to stay away from the dust. People should stay indoors as much as possible. And, if they have air purifiers, they must use them. However, if they step out, they must use masks,” said Dr Rajput.

Doctors also suggest travelling in cars with windows rolled up.

“The people who go out for walks or exercise in the open should avoid it at all costs. Heavy breathing during exercise results in people inhaling more of the pollutants,” said Dr Rajput.

For people who have already been exposed to the dust and have congestion or runny nose, doctors advise antihistamine. “People can take an antihistamine or anti-allergic medicine if their symptoms are really bad. However, if the runny nose or the congestion does not go away in three to seven days, they should go to the doctor,” said Dr Byotra.