30% rise in ocular, respiratory complaints in Delhi

New Delhi, Nov 14: With arrival of winter and increase in smog, Delhi hospitals have witnessed a 30 per cent rise in respiratory and ocular complaints in the last two-three weeks. According to the hospitals, the major cases were of skin and eye allergies, followed by conjunctivitis lung and chest infection. “Certainly, there is sudden rush of patients with respiratory, ocular and skin problems. Though the exact figure can’t be given but there is a rise of at least 20-30 per cent patients in our respiratory and ophthalmology OPDs,” A.K. Rai, Medical Superintendent of Safdarjung Hospital, told IANS. According to Rai, the data will be more precise at the end of the month as it is being compiled. Rai said it’s not just lungs and heart that get affected by pollution but eyes too are sensitive and prone to irritation from allergies, chemicals and pollutants in the air. “In fact, high levels of pollutants and rise in PM 2.5 levels is leading to a number of eye conditions ranging from simple eye irritation to severe allergy,” said Rai, an Otorhinolaryngologist. (IANS)