Bengaluru not suitable for those with respiratory ailments: Doctors

Even though Bengaluru’s air pollution levels are not as scary as in Delhi, City doctors say that it is not suitable for those with existing respiratory ailments to stay.
Authorities need to immediately check the number of increasing vehicles in the City, say experts
Authorities need to immediately check the number of increasing vehicles in the City, say experts

BENGALURU: Even though Bengaluru’s air pollution levels are not as scary as in Delhi, City doctors say that it is not suitable for those with existing respiratory ailments to stay.Dr Shashidhar Buggi, director, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Chest Diseases and SDS Tuberculosis Research Centre said that a number of air pollutants in Bengaluru is enough to worsen the conditions of those with ailments.

“In comparison to Delhi, Bengaluru’s pollution levels are minimal. Humidity plays an important role here. However, they can aggravate several ailments associated with the respiratory passage. This is particularly with patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchitis and asthma,” he added.

Dr Buggi said that the chances of lung cancer also increase in cities where the air quality drops. “In Bengaluru also, we see cases due to this. When substances undergo combustion, they emit particulate matter that causes inflammation when inhaled. It leads to biochemical changes and ultimately cancer,” he warned.

According to Dr Buggi, those with associated health issues and smokers are at a higher risk. “The dust that raises from construction sites is also a major concern in Bengaluru. Civic authorities need to work immediately on reducing the number of vehicles in the City as well,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr Hirenappa B Undur, consultant pulmonologist, Columbia Asia Hospitals, Hebbal said that the smog in Delhi was what made it impossible to breathe there. Bengaluru is relatively a safer place.

“Those with existing respiratory illness should step outside with masks,” he advised. Dr Undur further said that in South India, Bengaluru is at higher risk due to the increasing number of vehicles. “Measures ought to be put in place or else Bengaluru will face a Delhi-like situation in 25 years down the line.”

Air purifiers can help little

Indoor pollution is caused by dust and smoke residues, say, doctors. “In Urban areas, air purifiers help to a certain extent. However, that is not the long-term solution as people tend to spend most of their time outside the home. Hence the focus should be on purifying the outside air,” said Dr Undur.

Bad roads make situation worse

Dr Buggi said that bad stretches of the road only make the matters worse for the City. “The dust rising from potholes and bad stretches of road could lead to increased congestion as it carries a lot of particulate matter. It is essential to address this in Bengaluru.”

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