The Diwali festivities are over. The end of the festivities is surely depressing as we are once again back to our old routines. Not to mention, like every year after Diwali, pollution has also risen. You can see the grey skies and a burning smell in the air. If you can feel all this, imagine the effect of pollution or high AQI on the lungs, especially for people suffering from asthma.
For people with asthma, poor air quality isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a serious health hazard. High AQI (Air Quality Index) days, often marked by smog, vehicle emissions, and industrial pollutants, can worsen asthma symptoms, making it harder to breathe, triggering coughing fits, and leading to severe asthma attacks. The Air Quality Index (AQI) measures air pollution levels, which can have direct effects on respiratory health. For asthma sufferers, particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), ozone, and other pollutants can irritate the airways and inflame the lungs. When AQI levels are high, it’s crucial to minimise exposure and adopt preventive strategies.
With AQI levels rising this time around the year, asthma patients must be particularly vigilant to prevent complications. Here’s a guide on essential steps for asthma patients to protect themselves and manage their symptoms when air quality dips.
Tips to Manage Asthma in High AQI Conditions
Planning ahead
Regularly monitoring the AQI in your area is crucial. Various apps and weather services provide real-time AQI updates, allowing asthma patients to anticipate poor air quality days and plan accordingly. On days when the AQI is forecasted to be high, it’s wise to minimise outdoor activities, particularly during midday and afternoon hours when pollution levels are at their peak.
Limit Outdoor Exposure
Staying indoors as much as possible is one of the simplest ways to reduce exposure to pollutants. If you need to step outside, try to limit your time outdoors and schedule necessary tasks for early morning or late evening when AQI levels tend to be lower. Additionally, choosing routes with less traffic congestion can help minimise exposure to vehicle emissions.
Use Air Purifiers at Home
Investing in a high-quality air purifier equipped with HEPA filters can significantly reduce indoor pollution levels. Air purifiers work by trapping airborne particles, which is especially helpful on high AQI days when outdoor air may seep indoors through windows or ventilation systems. Place air purifiers in rooms where you spend the most time, such as the bedroom or living area, to create a safer breathing environment.
Wear Protective Masks When Going Outside
If you must go outdoors, wearing a mask specifically designed to filter pollutants, such as an N95 mask, is essential. Unlike regular face coverings, N95 masks can filter out a majority of the fine particulate matter present in polluted air, offering an added layer of protection for those with sensitive airways.
Avoid Physical Exertion Outdoors
Engaging in physical activities, like jogging or cycling, during high AQI days can cause more pollutants to enter the lungs due to increased breathing rates. It’s better to exercise indoors in a controlled environment when the air quality outside is poor. If an indoor workout isn’t possible, consider simple exercises that don’t require heavy breathing or exertion.
Follow an Asthma Action Plan
Asthma action plans, usually devised with a doctor, include personalised guidelines on managing asthma symptoms based on different levels of exposure to triggers. It’s important to follow your action plan diligently, keeping reliever inhalers handy and adjusting medication as per your doctor’s advice on days when the AQI is high. Patients should also be aware of early warning signs, such as shortness of breath, which can indicate worsening asthma.
Increase Indoor Ventilation Wisely
On days when the AQI is low, ventilate your home in the early morning or late at night to improve indoor air quality. However, during high AQI periods, keeping windows and doors closed is advisable to prevent outside air from entering. This approach can help maintain a cleaner, more breathable indoor environment, protecting you from outdoor pollutants.
Maintain Good Hydration and Nutrition
Staying hydrated helps keep the mucus in your respiratory tract thin, making it easier to expel particles and irritants. Additionally, a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, like vitamin C and vitamin E, may help the body combat inflammation caused by pollution. Consuming foods such as berries, oranges, nuts, and leafy greens can help strengthen your body’s response to respiratory irritants.
Limit Use of Indoor Pollutants
Common indoor pollutants, such as smoke from cooking, candles, and chemical cleaning agents, can worsen asthma symptoms on high AQI days. Where possible, avoid using items that produce smoke or fumes, and opt for natural or non-toxic cleaning products. Ventilate after cooking to allow smoke to dissipate, and consider using exhaust fans to maintain indoor air quality.
Use Natural Remedies for Added Relief
Some natural remedies, like steam inhalation, can help soothe irritated airways by reducing mucus buildup. Herbal teas with ingredients like ginger or turmeric are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and may offer mild relief from respiratory discomfort. However, always consult your healthcare provider before trying new remedies.
Closing thoughts
High AQI days are challenging for everyone, but for those with asthma, they bring added health risks. The key is to stay informed, plan around pollution levels, and take preventive measures. Stay on your guard, stay protected.
