Air quality is poor, and respiratory illnesses are a looming threat.

In recent days, Hanoi has been under constant air pollution warnings, with levels steadily increasing, affecting health, especially that of the elderly and young children.

In recent days, Hanoi has been under a constant air pollution alert – Photo: NAM TRAN

For the past week, Ms. Hoa (35 years old) has been worried because her 3-year-old daughter has been constantly having a runny nose, coughing, and asthma attacks. She shared that her daughter has congenital asthma, so she often has asthma attacks whenever the weather changes.

"I've been monitoring the air quality in Hanoi lately and it's consistently been bad, so I'm very worried. I even kept my child home, not letting them go outside, but they still had asthma attacks, coughing, and runny noses. Living in the city, I fear this kind of weather the most," Ms. Hoa confided.

At the Central Lung Hospital, hospital leaders also reported an increase in the number of people seeking treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) recently. The main reasons are the changing seasons and increased air pollution.

Recently, the Ministry of Health issued recommendations on preventive measures to protect health when the air quality index (AQI) is at a poor level (151-200) and a very poor level (AQI 201-300). The Ministry of Health advises people to monitor daily air quality information to take appropriate health protection measures.

Accordingly, experts advise that with poor air quality, people should limit outdoor activities or strenuous exercise. If outdoor work or activities are necessary, they should schedule them for less polluted times of the day, take more breaks, and perform activities at a moderate intensity.

At the same time, it is advisable to limit opening windows and doors during periods of heavy air pollution, especially for families living near roads or areas with high levels of air pollution.

Clean your nose and gargle with saline solution morning and evening, especially after going outside. Rinse your eyes with saline solution in the evening before going to bed.

In addition, when the air quality index is very poor (AQI at 201-300), sensitive individuals should avoid all outdoor activities, switch to indoor activities, or postpone activities to another day when the air quality index is better. Limit opening windows and doors during times of heavy air pollution.

In addition, for those monitoring their health, if acute symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough, or fever appear, they should immediately go to medical facilities for examination, consultation, and treatment.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/chat-luong-khong-khi-o-muc-xau-benh-ho-hap-rinh-rap-20250110080131953.htm