World Asthma Day 2024: Doctor shares 5 tips for asthma patients to beat Mumbai’s air pollution

Image for representational purpose only. Photo Courtesy: Mid-day file pic

Mumbaikars deal with pollution on a daily basis. While the levels may vary, it is often difficult for people with breathing issues of various kinds. At such times, it is important to be aware and take precautions to be able to breathe properly and not face any challenges, especially while you are travelling.

Every year, World Asthma Day is observed on the first Tuesday of May by people around the world, after it was first organised by Global Initiative for Asthma, which is a World Health Organization collaborative initiative formed in 1993. This year, it falls on May 7, and the theme is ‘Asthma Education Empowers'. It aims to raise awareness about asthma and empower people with the condition with appropriate education to manage it, and known when to seek medical help.

About 34 million people suffer from asthma in India with many of them still being undiagnosed. With World Asthma Day here and Mumbai's air quality currently in the moderate category with the AQI at 84, mid-day.com spoke to Dr Sulaiman Ladhani, pulmonologist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central.

Even though people suffering from asthma are aware of their condition, Dr Ladhani shares five tips to beat Mumbai's air pollution.

Wear a mask
Ladhani says if you are suffering from asthma, it is very important to wear a mask, especially while traveling and in crowded places, to reduce exposure to pollutants.

Stay hydrated
It is also important to stay well hydrated to keep airways moist. Dehydration may trigger an attack. Try to eat nutritious foods to maintain immunity and overall health.

Periodic health checkups
It is also important to get periodic check-ups from your doctors, take inhalers regularly, and keep a rescue inhaler in your pocket during emergencies.

Avoid triggers
Avoid triggers that can cause an attack such as smoke, acid reflux, sudden changes in temperature, and stress. Avoid exercising outside when pollution levels are high.

Get vaccinated
People with chronic asthma and comorbidities should get flu vaccinations to decrease the risk of viral infections and flu-related severe attacks.