DTMT Network
Mumbaikars may encounter respiratory problems as Mumbai’s Air Quality Index (AQI), plummeted to ‘moderate’ in the last week, according to the System of Air Quality Weather Forecasting and Research.

The air quality of Malad was poor (244), followed by Borivali (228 poor), BKC (210 poor), Andheri (188 moderate), Colaba (104 moderate), Mazagaon (136 moderate), Worli (178 moderate), Bhandup (101 moderate), while Chembur is (181 moderate). City doctors recommend precautionary measures like covering the face to keep respiratory ailments at bay.

Dr Arvind Kate, Chest physician, Zen Multispecialty Hospital, says: “In the last two weeks, due to the poor air quality and changing weather, upper respiratory tract infections have gone up. I see around 20% rise in patients visiting me with complaints of cough, sneezing, fever, chest tightness, breathlessness, running nose, and body pain.”

“Also, whoever amongst them have gone for early morning walk, suffered more as there are more dust particles in the air in the early morning. Avoid early morning walks and take steam as the pollutants tend to enter through the nostrils. Bronchitis, lung fibrosis and asthma patients can opt for an air purifier,” added Dr Kate.