Spike in cases of respiratory, eye ailments as air pollution soars

Following a rise in air pollution caused by stubble burning, residents have reported a significant increase in respiratory and allergic diseases over the past week. Government and private hospitals have seen a surge in patients suffering from these conditions.

Many residents are now complaining of breathing difficulties, eye irritation and worsening allergies. Doctors have observed a sharp uptick in the number of patients with respiratory problems recently.

Manpreet Kaur, a 35-year-old bronchitis patient, shared her struggle: “Every year in November, I find it harder to breathe. Two days ago, my inhaler stopped working and I had to be rushed to a private specialty hospital. They had to put me on a nebuliser to help me breathe,” she said. Unfortunately, Manpreet’s case is not unique — many others are also struggling with similar problems due to deteriorating air quality.

Dr Vitull K Gupta, president of the Association of Physicians of India (Malwa Branch), said the emission of harmful gases such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, methane and nitrous oxide from stubble burning has negatively impacted the health of thousands. He added, “The dry weather in recent weeks has worsened the situation, affecting the body’s ability to carry oxygen. People with respiratory conditions such as asthma and bronchitis are the most severely impacted.”

Dr HS Sodhi, an eye specialist, noted a rise in eye irritation cases, attributing the issue to dust particles in the air. “These particles come in contact with the cornea, leading to infection and irritation,” he explained. He recommended that people wear safety glasses while driving two-wheelers, as they not only protect the eyes but also help prevent accidents. He also advised washing eyes regularly throughout the day to remove any irritants.

In addition to respiratory issues, children are also being affected, with many visiting hospitals due to allergies, especially skin and eye conditions.

Doctors are advising people to take extra precautions, including wearing nasal masks and avoiding exposure to heat, which can worsen respiratory conditions.

Dr Ripudamanjit Singh Kalra, a local doctor, warned that the smoke from stubble burning can cause various health issues such as bronchitis, respiratory problems and skin ailments. The smoke also depletes red blood cells (RBCs), reducing the body’s ability to carry oxygen effectively.

The city’s air quality has significantly worsened due to stubble burning, creating a blanket of haze and smog that is affecting the health of its residents.