Banglore & Asthma

Pollen Allergy, Sinus Asthma and other nasal allergies

The Bangalore and other cities are witnessing an increasing incidence of Asthma cases. Thanks to the growing pollution levels, lack of green cover, and unhealthy lifestyle prevalent in bangalore. It prevents the child from outdoor activities.

Introduction

1. If you are someone allergic to frequent weather changes over the day, your body can catch cold
2. Back pain - common across all cities not Bengaluru specific as such;
3. Pollution is less as compared to other northern cities in India, you could face some respiratory problems if asthma prone.

Bangalore & Asthma

Is Bangalore climate allergic?

Seasonal Allergies. 

Air and dust pollution only exacerbate the plight of the vulnerable

Bangalore considered Asthma capital of India due to the increased number of asthmatic patients being reported every year. About 10% adults in Bangalore are said to be suffering from Asthma, according to pulmonologists. And 25% Bangalore children have Asthma.

We can blame it on more greenery, which generates pollens, the main source of allergy. Also, people are more exposed to environmental pollution which increases respiratory disorders,

Ornithologists and urban planners term pigeons “pests” and admit that rising populations are a matter of concern for the city, which has lost its biodiversity and is also termed the 'asthma capital'. BENGALURU: With a growing pigeon population, health concerns associated with the birds are also on the rise.

Though there is no surefire cure, conditions such as rhinitis and bronchitis can be managed by limiting exposure to environmental allergens. Apart from seeking the right treatment- the humble face mask can come in handy at such time.

"As the weather gets warmer, plants start producing new flowers and pollen starts increasing, from plants trees and grass. It gets disbursed into environment. In people with sensitive airways pollen act like a trigger. The body recognize it as a threat and produces chemicals that results in itchy, runny nose, sneezing eye redness etc.

Pollen allergy can typically cause allergic rhinitis, which leaves children with a runny nose during the day and blocked nose at night, resulting in poor sleep. It can lead to severe asthma attacks and hospitalization. Pollen can cause Hay fever, which is charecterized by high temperature and runny nose.
It is important to know what you are allergic to and avoid it . Reduce the time spend outside in warm and dry weather . While there is no way to completely avoid air born pollen, wearing a surgical mask can significantly reduce the amount that enters the lung.

Dust

Dust and pollution increases due to pollution

Polluting Tree

Saptaparni or blackboard Tree/ Indian Devil Tree/Alstonia scloria  

      

Stop planting this tree as it seems to be harmful to Asthma patient.  Reason: the tree, due to its particular smell, can cause problems for asthma patients, “If asthma patients stand near the tree for a longer time, they could develop breathing problems. 

Congress Grass

Congress Grass / Gajar Ghas (Poisonous Weed)

However, it is not native to India, and yet it is everywhere in India, that is the curious part. This toxic invasive species named Parthenium hysterophorus. the dangerous weed spread in India. It is alleged that when the weed was first spotted, the government didn’t take any step to stop its spread. The poisonous and invasive parthenium, commonly known as ‘congress grass’ or ‘gajar ghas’ is known to have created nuisance in many parts of the world. The weed, which is known to cause skin and respiratory diseases owing to its poisonous property, has already created havoc in many Indian states, including Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka.

The congress grass grows extremely fast along the roads in many villages and kills many other flora species on its way. The weed has managed to thrive even at places where other species of weeds have not survived and cattle, too, stay away from them. According to experts, the weed needs to be removed manually with hands before it escalates and reaches the next phase. The species is harmful to humans as well as animals.

If left unchecked the grass could spread uncontrollably within a short span of time. The plant grows about 5-6 feet in height and can produce as many as 5,000-10,000 seeds. The seeds, which are lightweight can spread far and wide with help of wind, rain and human and cattle movement, leading to uninterrupted growth.

Vehicular Pollution

Vehicular traffic and emission and burning of waste are the major reason for pollution in Bangalore, contributing 25% each and rest by construction dust.

Burning

Several diseases, including asthma, heart attacks and emphysema, have been linked to improper waste management.

Even though open burning of garbage is illegal, cases of burning continue to be reported in the city. 

Garbage is a paradox in Bengaluru. Even though garbage dumping and burning in street corners is illegal, and in spite of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) outlining penalties for those who violate rules, the practice continues to be rampant in the city.

Garbage contractors, who are tasked with collecting waste from bulk generators like apartments, often dump the waste on the side of unused roads and set it on fire. “It is a cycle of collecting, dumping and burning waste. The contractors and pourakarmikas are under pressure to clear the waste they collect and often set fire to the waste instead of properly disposing it in landfills,” 

Dust Mite

lung 

Burning Leaf Litter

The most common forms of burning garbage is the burning of leaf litter. “Since those handling waste believe that burning leaf litter is harmless, this tends to be commonly burnt in the fall season. However, burning leaf litter is equally toxic and causes air pollution,”. 

Remedy

Natural air purifiers Trees - your best oxygen generators

Neem Tree

Lush Green Neem Tree

• Neem Tree does not need an introduction! It releases huge amount of oxygen due to its foliage. ...

Audumbara  Tree / Ficus Racemosa

Audumbar Tree

• Audumbara Tree is a is a 24-hour oxygen generator and also has a lot of medicinal properties.

Peepal Tree

Peepal Tree

• Peepal tree is a sacred tree for Hindus and has enormous benefits for all!

Garbage Everywhere

People throw garbage everywhere

Solutions

Avoid using main roads and all the roads that lead up to it. Started using a mask to cover the nose and mouth every time you get out of house. If you do not do this, then your throat starts to hurt and you can literally feel the amount of dust you would have inhaled. 

OTHER AILMENTS

Arthritis

Diabetes

BP

Stiffness in the body and tightness caused by colder weather  conditions are main reasons for rise in joint pain. Cold and cloudy weather is not just painful for the bones as far as senior citizens are concern but it is also impacting their blood sugar levels and BP are going up. ..