Smog Worsens ILD Patients' Struggles in Delhi
As winter blankets Delhi, the city’s notorious smog brings more than just discomfort; it severely impacts the health of those suffering from Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD). The AIIMS clinic, which typically sees about 30 patients on Fridays, has reported a dramatic increase in footfall, nearly doubling during this pollution-ridden season. This alarming trend highlights the direct correlation between worsening air quality and the health of chronic respiratory patients.
On a recent Friday, around 60 patients, predominantly women, waited anxiously outside the clinic, their persistent coughs echoing through the corridor. Patients like 58-year-old Vineeta Singh, who suffers from pulmonary fibrosis, find their conditions deteriorating significantly from November to March. “Every morning I struggle to breathe,” she shares, illustrating the daily battle faced by many during the smog season.
Similarly, 32-year-old Shalini Rawat, diagnosed with emphysema, reported her lung capacity plummeting to just 50 percent. “The coughing hasn’t stopped for a month,” she lamented. Such stories are becoming increasingly common, as doctors at AIIMS observe a seasonal spike in symptoms among ILD patients. Dr. Vijay Hadda, a specialist in pulmonary medicine, notes that patients previously scheduled for follow-ups every three to six months now seek help every two weeks during this period.
Pollution inflames airways and increases vulnerability to infections, exacerbating ILD symptoms. While ILDs can have various causes, including autoimmune disorders and environmental exposure, pollution is a significant trigger, particularly in densely populated urban areas like Delhi. Experts warn that India may be facing a disproportionately high burden of ILDs compared to other countries, and the link between pollution and the disease is a critical area for research.
Dr. Saurabh Mittal emphasized the need for more concrete data to quantify how much pollution contributes to ILD prevalence. To address this gap, AIIMS is set to launch a dedicated study examining the relationship between ILDs and air pollution. This initiative will collect data from 10,000 ILD patients across 23 centers, aiming to shed light on the intricate dynamics of air quality and respiratory health.
Doctors caution that while ILDs generally progress slowly, they can rapidly worsen, leading to life-threatening exacerbations. Unlike asthma patients who often improve quickly with treatment, ILD patients face significant challenges in recovery. The mortality rate during exacerbations can be shockingly high, underscoring the critical importance of managing their health, especially during poor air quality periods.
As pollution continues to endanger lives, ILD patients are advised to stay indoors to minimize exposure to harmful air. While the precise role of pollution in ILD remains an area of ongoing research, its impact is undeniably significant. The healthcare community is rallying to understand and combat this public health crisis effectively.
