Winter is here, toxins are in the air

Health experts say smog may aggravate conditions of asthma patients

ISLAMABAD: Winter heralds the arrival of smog season in Rawalpindi, Islamabad like the rest of Punjab.

Toxins left floating in the still winter air wreak havoc on the health of people already suffering from allergies and breathing issues, while adding to new patients of ear, nose and throat patients.

Health experts have advised citizens to stay indoors, avoid heavy exercises outdoor walks and frequently sipping warm water helps keep the respiratory system healthy during smoggy weather.

Various problems such as burning sensation in eyes, breathlessness, sinusitis, headache, respiratory infections, allergic asthma and dry itchy skin are seen during smog, General Physician Dr Hussain Chohan said.

“Children and elderly are the worst affected. Use of air-conditioning and less water intake aggravates the symptoms,” he said.

Dr Chohan said that the alarming smog situation was due to pollution and a lack of rain, and also the smoke produced from vehicles, factories and burnt crops.

He said smog results from air impurities and pollutants that can be hazardous to human health.

He explained that exposure to Ultra Violet radiations plays a role in the spreading of various eye infections including irritation, burning sensation, watering and redness of eyes.

Wearing UV protected sunglasses outdoors can be helpful. To thwart augmented allergy and any sort of eye infection, avoid rubbing the eyes and frequently use eye drops suggested by your eye-specialists, he suggested.

He further advised that if the air quality is bad, stay indoors and try to keep the windows closed. When a person is exposed to pollution, it can cause coughing and irritation in the throat.

Drink at least six to eight glasses of water every day and include hot fluids to your daily routine. It helps rinsing out the toxins from throat and lungs that can be beneficial in curing cough and sore throat as well, he added.

Moreover, people with asthma and allergies are more prone to lung inflammation especially during smoggy days. The presence of toxins in the air can aggravate asthma and allergy symptoms, leaving people struggling to breathe.

To avoid this situation limit your time outdoors, but if going out is the only option then pick a personal protective tool such as a face mask, and cover nose and mouth while stepping out. Keep asthma medications prescribed by your doctor handy.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 3^rd, 2018.