An AIIMS neurologist provides crucial air pollution protection tips, stressing that air purifiers are useless without regular filter maintenance. Learn the correct frequency for cleaning filters, essential diet changes, and why your N95 mask is mandatory during the Delhi AQI emergency.
AIIMS Neurologist Tips to Protect Lungs Air Pollution
As the capital region of Delhi and surrounding areas like Gurugram plunge into another season of hazardous air quality, characterized by a soaring Delhi AQI, the focus on personal protection has never been sharper. Yet, according to a stark warning issued by Dr. Priyanka Sehrawat, an AIIMS neurologist, many residents relying on home safety measures are making a critical mistake: neglecting their indoor defense systems. Her recent advice stresses that simply owning an air purifier is insufficient; proper Air Purifier Maintenance is the non-negotiable step to truly safeguarding Lung Health from the relentless assault of fine particulate matter, or PM2.5.
The neurologist’s core message is pragmatic and urgent: our home filtration units are essentially functioning as our lungs’ external filter, and just like any filter exposed to severely toxic conditions, they clog rapidly. Dr. Sehrawat warned that in the current “Very Poor” to “Severe” categories of the AQI, individuals should be prepared to change or clean their air purifier filters every 2 to 3 weeks.
The counsel extends far beyond filter maintenance, forming a comprehensive guide of Air Pollution Protection Tips designed to minimize exposure and mitigate internal damage. For those forced to step out, the neurologist unequivocally stressed the necessity of wearing a properly fitted N95 mask.
Furthermore, the AIIMS doctor highlighted the systemic internal damage caused by chronic exposure to airborne toxins. Pollutants generate free radicals in the body, inducing Oxidative Stress and inflammation that impacts the lungs, heart, and even the brain, potentially leading to long-term health complications like memory decline and increased risk of cardiovascular issues. To combat this internal siege, she strongly advocated for a targeted, Antioxidant-Rich Diet.
To strengthen the body’s natural defenses, the AIIMS neurologist tips to protect lungs specifically included a focus on hydration and nutrition. Consuming foods high in Vitamin C, along with a protein-rich diet, is crucial for improving immunity and bolstering the body’s resilience against pollutant-triggered inflammation. Simple yet overlooked habits like drinking adequate water help keep mucous membranes healthy and assist the body in expelling inhaled particles. She urged residents to view this situation as a collective Public Health Emergency that demands immediate, actionable behavioral changes.
