Air Pollution May Lead To Severe Covid-19 Cases: AIIMS Director Dr Guleria As Delhi's AQI Worsens

As the pollution and covid-19 virus affects the respiratory system, and the severe air pollution could lead to further deteriorate the patient's health, at times leading to death, Dr Guleria said.

Representational Image. (File Photo)

New Delhi: While stating the adverse effect that air pollution could have on Covid-19, the Director of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, Dr Randeep Guleria said that air pollution can cause severe effects on respiratory health, especially to those who have lung and asthma.

As the pollution and covid-19 virus affects the respiratory system, and the severe air pollution could lead to further deteriorate the patient's health, at times leading to death, Dr Guleria informed news agency ANI.

According to the System of Air Quality & Weather Forecasting & Research (SAFAR), Delhi's overall air quality continues to remain 'severe' with Air Quality Index (AQI) standing at 436, reported ANI.

“Respiratory problem is not the only concern during this period. Patients who have a cardiovascular issue, especially those who have underlying lung disease people with chronic bronchitis, COPD, or asthmatic patient also face breathing problems and they have to depend on a nebulizer or the usage of inhaler goes up sharply. So it could lead to worsening of underlying respiratory diseases," Dr Guleria was quoted by ANI in its report.

Referring to the two data that supports the claim that how severe air pollution could have an adverse effect on covid-19, Dr Guleria said, “One data suggests that the virus may stay in the air for a longer period when the pollutants are present in the air, turning the disease into the airborne disease. While the other data which has been analysed during the SARS outbreak in 2003 says that pollution causes inflammation and swelling in the lungs. Research from the SARS outbreak in 2003 in countries like the US and Italy has shown that the areas with higher levels of pollution impact those previously affected by Covid-19, causing inflammation and lung damage. The combination of pollution and Covid-19 could lead to higher fatality rates."

Urging people to wear masks in order to protect themselves from both covid-19 and air pollution, Dr Guleria suggested that people should wear N95 masks and avoid going to places where the pollution level is high, especially in the morning walks.

(With inputs from ANI)