Medical Experts Warn of Rising Health Risks Amid Seasonal Air Pollution

Medical professionals have reported a significant surge in patient admissions as air quality deteriorates across the region with the onset of winter. Dr. Raju Pangeni, a senior chest specialist, observed that emergency respiratory cases have increased tenfold over the past month, rising from an average of five patients per day to nearly fifty.

The spike in pollution is attributed to a meteorological phenomenon where dense cold air traps pollutants near the ground, prevented from dispersing by an upper layer of warm air. The lack of winter rainfall further compounds the issue, as there is no natural mechanism to wash particulate matter from the atmosphere.

Dr. Pangeni noted that primary sources of pollution include vehicular emissions, the burning of firewood for warmth, and dust from construction. He warned that breathing highly polluted air is comparable to smoking hundreds of cigarettes, as harmful particles such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide enter the bloodstream through the lungs.

Cardiologist Dr. Rajendra Koju explained that long-term exposure to these pollutants leads to the narrowing and hardening of arteries. This condition, known as atherosclerosis, restricts blood flow and significantly increases the risk of hypertension, heart attacks, and strokes by forcing the heart to work harder to circulate blood.

Neurologists and pediatricians have also expressed concern regarding the systemic impact of poor air quality. Dr. Suman Bhattarai highlighted the link between pollution and brain health, while Dr. Jagat Jeevan Ghimire warned that pregnant women exposed to toxic air face higher risks of premature delivery and developmental issues in infants, including reduced lung capacity and cognitive challenges.

Dermatologists and ophthalmologists are seeing an increase in skin infections, premature aging, and allergic conjunctivitis caused by chemical irritants in the air. Experts recommend that the public avoid outdoor exercise during peak pollution hours, typically between 5:00 AM and 8:00 AM, and advocate for proper waste management instead of burning refuse.