Manav Mander

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, November 12

Cracker bursting coupled with stubble burning have led to sudden increase in patients with heart and respiratory problems. Since AQI index increases after Diwali it triggers respiratory and cardiac problems. Recently recovered Covid patients are also having a tough time as their lungs might not have recovered fully.

Dr Bishav Mohan, senior cardiologist, Hero DMCH Heart Institute, said, “The OPD is full of patients these days. Not only lungs, but cardiac problems also increase during this time of the year. Blood vessels are affected. There are chances of forming a blood clot and increase in stroke cases during this time.”

Dr Mohan further said, “Those, who have recovered from Covid recently, might have a difficult time after they were exposed to high levels of pollution. Their lungs might not have recovered fully. Such persons will face these issues in the times to come as they have low-lung efficiency.”

Meanwhile, there is a 50 per cent jump in patients coming to the OPDs of hospitals.Dr Avinash Jindal, Senior Medical Officer, ESI Dispensary No. 1, said, “Post Diwali, people who are allergic or already have respiratory issues or asthmatic are having a difficult time.”

“Number of patients with chest related issues coming to the OPD have seen a sharp increase. Patients are coming with complaints of cough, chest and nasal congestion and asthmatic cases have also worsened,” he added.

Dr Rajeev from the Pulmonary Department of a private hospital said, “Cases of bronchial asthma have worsened post Diwali. Kids are being given nebuliser as a support system. During this time inhaler use also increases among patients.”

“Pollution increases after Diwali due to cracker bursting. Also, this is the time when farmers take advantage of the situation and burn crop residue. The reason behind smog and pollution is bursting of crackers during Diwali and stubble burning. More than 50,000 farm fires have been witnessed till now,” said a senior PPCB official.