Top pulmonologist Dr. GC Khilnani is sounding the alarm as Delhi-NCR’s air quality remains “very poor” to “severe.” With AQI levels frequently soaring past 400, the situation is “depressingly familiar,” he says.
However, Dr. Khilnani, Chairman of the PSRI Institute of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, strongly emphasizes a critical point: “Leaving Delhi is not an advisory or a solution.” Instead, he urges residents to adopt immediate, effective precautions to protect their health.
Defense: Wear the Right Mask
If you are using a cloth or surgical mask, it is offering virtually no protection against this level of air pollution.
| Action Item | Detail |
| Mask Mandate | Strictly use N95 or KN99 masks. |
| Why N95/KN99? | They are designed to block fine particulate matter (PM2.5) far better than other masks. |
| Breathe Easy | Dr. Khilnani notes that while you may feel initial claustrophobia, your oxygen levels do not drop. Healthcare workers wear these for long shifts without issue. |
Pollution’s Vicious Health Cycle
The toxic smog doesn’t just irritate the lungs—it causes severe inflammation.
- For Healthy People: Clinics are seeing people with new symptoms like sore throat, chest tightness, persistent cough, and breathlessness.
- For Chronic Patients: Hospital and ICU admissions for those with asthma, bronchitis, or heart disease have doubled. Standard medications (antibiotics/inhalers) are often ineffective, forcing doctors to rely on corticosteroids to treat the inflammation.
- For Expectant Mothers: Polluted air can increase the risk of intrauterine growth restriction in the fetus.
Immediate Steps to Protect Yourself
Dr. Khilnani’s message is clear: You can protect yourself and lead a normal life with vigilance.
- Limit Outdoor Exposure: Avoid stepping outdoors during peak smog hours, especially in the early morning.
- Avoid Crowds: Limit trips to crowded markets where exposure can be higher.
- Boost Indoor Air: Use air purifiers judiciously inside your home.
- Prioritize Elders: Ensure elderly family members receive pneumonia and flu vaccinations to provide an extra layer of defense against serious respiratory illness.
In short: Wear an N95 or KN99 mask, use air purifiers, and limit morning movement.
