danger from pollution
Image Credit source: Getty Images
The level of air pollution is continuously increasing in many states of the country like Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Maharashtra. Its most serious effect is visible on those people who already have respiratory diseases. Diseases like asthma, bronchitis, COPD, allergy-based respiratory problems and chronic lung infection are increasing rapidly at this time.
Doctors say that such patients are facing problems like difficulty in breathing, chest tightness and continuous cough. The number of patients suffering from these diseases in hospitals has doubled compared to previous months. Such patients are also having heart problems and having heart attacks. In such a situation, it is important to be careful.
Why is the risk of heart attack increasing due to pollution in patients with respiratory diseases?
Professor Dr. Subhash Giri, Director, Department of Medicine, RML Hospital, Delhi. show that pollution Directly affects both lungs and heart. Particles like PM2.5 and PM10 present in the air enter the body and increase inflammation of the lungs. This swelling forces the heart to work extra hard. Patients with respiratory diseases already have low lung capacity, so polluted air worsens their condition. When the amount of oxygen does not reach the heart properly from the lungs, the pressure on the heart increases, blood pressure becomes unstable and the risk of heart attack increases.
Apart from this, pollution increases inflammation in the body, which damages blood vessels. This also increases the risk of blockage. Therefore, heart diseases are increasing rapidly in patients suffering from respiratory diseases in polluted cities. Such patients need to be more cautious.
What are the danger signs of heart attack in respiratory patients?
Dr. Subhash explains that in patients suffering from respiratory disease, the symptoms of heart attack sometimes appear different from those of normal patients. Often these signs are mild, but it is important to recognize them in time. In such patients, sudden rapid breathing, difficulty in breathing even at rest, heaviness in the chest, pain in the neck or back, weakness in the hands, extreme fatigue, dizziness and abnormal sweating are common symptoms.
Many times the patient thinks that it is just a respiratory problem, but in reality the pressure on the heart is increasing. If these symptoms increase suddenly, a doctor should be consulted immediately. If timely treatment is not received, the situation can become serious, hence such patients need to be more careful.
Increasing cold is also a reason
Dr. L.H., HOD of the Department of Medicine at Lady Hardinge Hospital. fraudster It is said that the cold level is continuously increasing in this month of December and the temperature is likely to go down further in the coming days. Cold weather is difficult for people with respiratory diseases because cold air shrinks the lungs, making it harder to breathe. Along with this, the blood vessels of the heart also shrink in cold, which increases blood pressure and puts pressure on the heart. This is the reason why patients suffering from asthma, COPD and bronchitis have more breathlessness and chest tightness during cold days.
The combination of cold and pollution makes the situation worse, because the heavy air causes the pollutants to remain near the ground. This is the reason why heart attack cases are increasing in this season.
How to protect?
Go out only wearing a mask during pollution days.
Use ventilation in the house and air purifier if necessary.
To avoid cold air, avoid going out in the morning and evening.
Take doctor’s medicines and inhalers on time, do not skip any dose.
Do light exercise, but do not overexercise in cold and pollution.
If you notice serious symptoms related to breathing or heart, go to the hospital immediately.