Tribune News Service

Patiala, November 10

Experiencing the worst air-quality in the state, residents of Patiala have started complaining of scratchy eyes, sore throat and breathlessness due to poor air quality.

The Health Department has been advising infants, pregnant women and senior citizens to stay indoors until the air quality improves.

Owing to the high pollution level in the district, the department has also urged people to wear masks before venturing out. Patiala’s AQI was 334 on Wednesday evening — the highest in the state. Dr RPS Sibia, head, medicine department, Government Rajindra Hospital, said, “People should keep sprinkling fresh water in their eyes instead of rubbing them. If there is redness in the eyes, people should immediately visit a doctor.”

Dr Sumeet Singh, nodal officer, National Programme for Climate Change and Human Health, said that around 87 cases of acute respiratory distress were reported at Government Rajindra Hospital, a sentinel hospital to study the harmful effects of poor air quality on human health, over the past seven days.

Sumeet said, “Breathing smoggy air causes or aggravates health problems such as asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis and other respiratory problems. Poor air quality also makes people vulnerable to cold and lung infections.”

Dos

• Wear mask while venturing out. Protect eyes to avoid irritation
• Asthma patients should always keep their medicines nearby
• If facing a problem in breathing, visit hospital

Don’ts

• Asthma patients, elderly persons should avoid going out during smoggy conditions