Pollution-related diseases a headache for city residents

HYDERABAD: Headaches caused by sinusitis and respiratory diseases have become a common phenomenon in the city, thanks to the increasing levels of pollution.
The number of people suffering from upper respiratory infections has increased from around 30 per cent five years ago to about 70 per cent now. The lead present in toxic gases emitted from vehicles causes infections in the upper respiratory tract causes sinusitis leading to headaches, Medwin Hospitals senior consultant pulmonologist Dr B Shyam Sunder Raj told Sunday Times of India.
No study on pollution-related diseases has been conducted in the city, he said.The World Health Organisation projects that by 2020, pollution related Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease will stand third in causing deaths, he said. "There has been an increase in incidence of mild respiratory infections like sinusitis and allergic rhinitis. This causes partial headaches," he said.
People who are prone to mild allergies are the ones suffering the most, since mild infection might turn severe. Also, people suffering from mild asthma and allergic bronchitis have been complaining of chronic breathing problems, he added.
The maximum impact of vehicular pollution is on those riding two-wheelers, and even four-wheelers, says Global Hospitals pulmonologist Dr Mohammed Sameeuddin. Even those residing in houses which are just on the road are affected most, he added.
"Nowadays many are suffering from mild cold, blocked nose, running nose, itching and such upper respiratory infections," he said. Even grass pollen can cause these health problems, Shyam Sunder said.