PUNE: A sudden nip in the air coupled with ever-rising pollution is keeping doctors busy in the city.
"One of the first effects of falling temperatures is the rise in pollution, especially in the finer particulate matter, known as PM 2.5. That is generally referred to as industrial and vehicular smoke. It remains suspended in the air longer, mostly during the early morning hours," the doctors said.
Children are most susceptible to the change in weather. "Dry and chapped skin is one of the common ailments observed among children in the prevailing weather," general physician Prakash Mahajan said, adding, "Warm baths are essential during this time of the year." People with respiratory problems or a propensity for infections must exercise caution. They should always keep inhalers handy when venturing out.
"It is imperative that people do not miss their breakfast as an empty stomach is often responsible for people becoming vulnerable to various infections. As far as common cold is concerned, school-going children are most susceptible to it. Common cold spreads fast in the closed environment such as classrooms. People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder are also among the high-risk group because of the fall in temperature. Such people should exercise caution such as wearing masks and avoiding crowded places," Nitin Abhyankar, a chest specialist, said. Abhyankar said people should avoid going out on walks early in the morning, as the PM 2.5 levels, and those of other pollutants, is very high in the air because of the low temperatures.
"During this season, it will be ideal if people can go on their morning walks at about 7.30am to 8am, when the air clears up a bit and the temperature increases slightly," he added.
"One of the first effects of falling temperatures is the rise in pollution, especially in the finer particulate matter, known as PM 2.5. That is generally referred to as industrial and vehicular smoke. It remains suspended in the air longer, mostly during the early morning hours," the doctors said.
Children are most susceptible to the change in weather. "Dry and chapped skin is one of the common ailments observed among children in the prevailing weather," general physician Prakash Mahajan said, adding, "Warm baths are essential during this time of the year." People with respiratory problems or a propensity for infections must exercise caution. They should always keep inhalers handy when venturing out.
"It is imperative that people do not miss their breakfast as an empty stomach is often responsible for people becoming vulnerable to various infections. As far as common cold is concerned, school-going children are most susceptible to it. Common cold spreads fast in the closed environment such as classrooms. People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder are also among the high-risk group because of the fall in temperature. Such people should exercise caution such as wearing masks and avoiding crowded places," Nitin Abhyankar, a chest specialist, said. Abhyankar said people should avoid going out on walks early in the morning, as the PM 2.5 levels, and those of other pollutants, is very high in the air because of the low temperatures.
"During this season, it will be ideal if people can go on their morning walks at about 7.30am to 8am, when the air clears up a bit and the temperature increases slightly," he added.
Get latest news & live updates on the go on your pc with News App. Download The Times of India news app for your device.
