Ludhiana, May 11
Over 50 per cent of the city’s population is estimated to be suffering from a number of respiratory problems owing to the continuous burning of wheat stubble by farmers in villages, despite being advised by farm scientists not to do so. Sudden temperature variation is also responsible for respiratory ailments, according to medical experts.
“Burning of wheat stubble by farmers is a major one cause for respiratory problems” says Dr Rajesh Mahajan, Lecturer in the Chest Department of the Dayanand Medical College and Hospital.
“Since this was the peak time for harvesting, the number of patients, including children, youngsters and the old, visiting the chest OPDs has increased manifolds. On an average 40 to 50 patients with respiratory problems come to our OPDs everyday”, Dr Mahajan said.
Patients come with several problems to the doctors during these months. “Complaints of burning sensation on the nasal lining, frequent sneezing, trouble in breathing, weakness due to breathlessness, cough and mild fever” are common symptoms arising out of allergies. Doctors say that most of the farmers who burn wheat stubble are generally unaware about the fact that it deteriorates the condition of asthmatic patients and pollutes the environment. Farmers resort to burning of the straw as it is easier than removing it manually.
“Medicines are the only solution. I am dependent on inhalers, steroids and oral solutions during these days. I often get asthmatic attacks due to the rising temperature during harvesting season”, says Aparna, a young girl of 25 who is suffering from bronchial asthma.
Dr Mahajan also said that regular medication was the only solution to such problems. Some patients while talking to Ludhiana Tribune demanded that the administration should check burning of wheat stubble in the fields which was causing health problems. “If proper care is not taken during these months, there can be a sharp rise in attacks among the asthmatic patients who may need hospitalisation”, he added.