New Delhi: AIIMS has endorsed a concern raised by medical practitioners for months - increased air pollution in Delhi is affecting not just our lungs but almost every part of the body.
In a joint statement on Tuesday, the hospital's top doctors said that most departments, including cardiology, ophthalmology, gynaeocology and pediatric, are witnessing an increase in ailments directly or indirectly related to inhalation of toxic air.
"We are witnessing a situation similar to the one before the introduction of CNG in Delhi," Dr Randeep Guleria, professor and head of pulmonology division told TOI. He said that while the high risk groups, like cancer patients and those suffering from respiratory illnesses, are worst affected, even healthier individuals are bearing the brunt of the worsening air quality.
AIIMS is piloting multiple research projects to quantify the impact of poor air quality in Delhi by comparing OPD and IPD admissions. One such study between cardiovascular and respiratory ailments and air quality has been approved by the Indian Council of Medical Research. It will include data from AIIMS, Lady Hardinge Medical College and Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute.
The institute has also started public lectures on the impact of air pollution to increase awareness. "No government policy can work unless people are made aware of the crisis," said Dr NeerjaBhatla, professor, obstetrics and gynaecology department.
"Research done abroad shows links between pollution and pregnancy-related health issues. Also, there is emerging evidence of toxic compounds causing increased incidence of congenital heart disease. This occurs because toxic compounds cause inflammation of the placenta," she added.
Professor and head of cornea, cataract and refractory surgery service at AIIMS, Dr JS Titiyal said eye-related complaints have also gone up. "Earlier, allergic conjunctivitis was seen mostly seen in spring. But now we get such cases throughout the year, which is clearly due to pollution," he said.
The eye department of AIIMS recently conducted a questionnaire-based
survey of 5,000 people who visited the hospital during 2013-14 to assess the prevalence of eye problems. It revealed that 10-15% of the respondents complained of symptoms such as watery eyes, redness, itchiness, etc. Doctors said 65% were men in the age group of 20-40 years.
Dr Titiyal said dry eyes, a common problem among the respondents, is generally seen in elderly patients. "Due to prolonged exposure to pollution, which affects the tear cells, even younger people are getting these problems, which puts them at risk of serious complications," he said.
