What are the most common respiratory diseases?
In Bangalore, the seasonal flu, viral bronchitis, asthma exacerbations, and respiratory allergies are the common respiratory illnesses prevailing during the winter season. These diseases are usually triggered by cooler temperatures, increased indoor activities, and exposure to allergens.
Preventive measures includes:
- To keep warm by wearing proper clothing
- Good hand hygiene to minimize infection
- Avoid exposure to certain identified allergens and irritants
- Humidifier to counteract dryness in the air in indoor spaces that irritate the airway
How does air pollution during winter affect respiratory health in Bangalore?
In winter, levels of air pollutants are higher in Bangalore because of weather conditions like temperature inversion, which traps these pollutants near the ground level. This enhances asthma and other chronic lung conditions, like COPD. Gradual symptoms might arise due to exposure and other pollutants through fine particulate matter, PM2.5, including coughing, wheezing, throat irritation, and decreased lung functions.
What preventive measures are there to minimize the extent of lung damage due to air pollution?
- Avoid going out at peak hours, that is, during early morning and late evening.
- Use N95 masks while going out.
- Keep air purifiers in homes to prevent indoor pollutants.
- Indoor plants like peace lilies and areca palms, which are said to clean the air around it.
- Checking Outdoor air quality from credible sources and plan your activities accordingly
Are there some indoor air quality issues for which Bangaloreans should worry, especially during winter? How can the air inside houses be improved?
The indoor air quality is generally worst in winter with reduced ventilation and increased heating appliances. The usual culprits are dust, mold, and indoor pollutants generated by cooking or burning incense.
Improvement measures for indoor air quality:
- Ensure adequate ventilation by keeping windows open when it gets hottest outside.
- Use of exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom.
- Clean all air conditioning and heating filters regularly.
- Use low-emitting alternatives for cooking and heating.
How is climate change influencing respiratory health in Bangalore?
Climate change has significantly influenced the respiratory health of the Bangalore city. It's raising extreme events and disrupting allergen trends. When temperature rises and rains become sporadic, there's an enhancement in pollen count and worsening conditions for respiratory allergy and asthma patients. Seasonal unpredictability may also raise infection rates.
- Susceptibility to respiratory infections due to wavering immunity.
- Being exposed to allergens over a long period that contributes to chronic respiratory conditions
- Increased susceptibility to heat stress contributing to the lung diseases already being suffered.
How important are vaccinations, especially the flu shot, for saving one from respiratory diseases during winter?
A preventive measure against respiratory infections especially flu shots during the winter periods is vaccination, as such measures reduce the intensity of influenza infections as well as all complications that accompany this particular form of infection especially for older, children, or for anyone having chronic conditions.
Other preventive measures in the line include:
- Hydration helps preserve health of mucosal regions
- Balanced diet with vitamin and antioxidant content to help build the immune system.
- Exercise regularly to enhance lung capacity.
- Seek physician as soon as symptoms develop and deteriorate.
