Physician Warns Kathmandu Residents Against Morning Walks Amid Hazardous Air Pollution Levels

Kathmandu. The level of air pollution in the Kathmandu Valley has reached a dangerous point. Due to a prolonged lack of rain and low wind speed during the winter, the valley's sky is covered in smog. As Kathmandu continues to rank high on global pollution lists, its direct impact on public health is becoming evident.

In this context, Dr. Raksha Gautam, a physician at Alka Hospital, Pulchowk, has urged caution regarding the serious effects of air pollution on human health, especially concerning 'morning walks'.

Kathmandu's Deteriorating Air Quality and Health Crisis

Lately, the sky over Kathmandu has stopped looking clear. The lack of proper sunlight and the surrounding haze is not just bad weather but a frightening manifestation of air pollution. According to Dr. Raksha Gautam, an Air Quality Index (AQI) between 50 and 100 is generally considered good for health. However, in Kathmandu during winter, this index often rises above 150 and sometimes reaches 200.

Dr. Gautam says, 'Even when we look at the sky, it appears somewhat dirty. This is actually due to air pollution. Unhealthy air disproportionately affects children, the elderly, and people with respiratory illnesses.' Symptoms seen in patients due to increased pollution include difficulty breathing, coughing, burning eyes and throat, and excessive fatigue even after minor activities.

Winter 'Morning Walk': For Health or For Sickness?

Many people go for morning walks to improve their health. However, Dr. Gautam has warned that walking in the current polluted weather could be fatal. According to her, during winter, blood vessels naturally constrict. Furthermore, in the morning, pollution particles accumulate close to the ground surface.

'In the morning, dirt and pollution settle on the ground. Since the air we breathe contains that pollution, we should not go outside in the morning,' Dr. Gautam advises.

For patients with pressure, sugar, and heart conditions, stepping out in the cold and polluted morning air risks further narrowing of the arteries and obstruction of blood circulation. This significantly increases the risk of stroke and heart attack. She stated, 'We hear more reports during this season of people collapsing on the road while walking outside or going for a morning walk.'

Dr. Gautam suggested, 'If you must continue your morning walk, I urge you to stay indoors for these two months. We believe this will have a positive effect on your health.'

Alarming Symptoms Seen in OPDs

The direct impact of pollution is now visible in hospital Outpatient Departments (OPDs). Dr. Gautam's experience shows that patient load increases when the AQI starts exceeding 175. Patients complain of persistent coughing with no identifiable cause, headaches, nausea, and never feeling 'fresh'. The most concerning aspect is the change observed in cough and sputum.

Dr. Gautam said, 'Symptoms such as black particles appearing in the sputum when coughing in the morning, and many people getting scared thinking they might be coughing up blood, are being observed.' Patients with asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) find it extremely difficult to breathe during this season. In the long term, this also increases the risk of lung cancer, stroke, diabetes, and brain-related diseases.

At-Risk Groups and Preventive Measures

Although air pollution affects everyone, the 'sensitive group'—children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses—are at high risk. Dr. Gautam advises this group to take special care during the two winter months and stay indoors as much as possible.

To Avoid Pollution:

Stay Indoors: Do not take children and the elderly outside during peak pollution times in the morning and evening.

Use Masks: If you must go out for essential work, use a mask mandatorily.

Air Purifier: If financially feasible, use an air purification machine at home.

Consult a Doctor: If problems arise in children or chronically ill patients, seek specialist advice immediately.

Environmental Responsibility and State Obligation

Air pollution is not just a health problem but also an environmental one. Dr. Gautam emphasized the need to control pollution through both individual and governmental efforts. Actions such as keeping the surroundings clean, planting trees, and avoiding indiscriminate burning should be undertaken at the citizen level. She also urged caution regarding vehicle use.

'If you have two or three vehicles at home, avoid using them during this time; use electric vehicles if possible, and phase out old vehicles that emit a lot of smoke,' she said. Dr. Gautam also urged the government to take strict measures to control pollution. She argued that this problem will not be solved until crowds are managed and vehicles emitting excessive smoke are strictly controlled. The possibility of Kathmandu's pollution decreasing is low until it rains or the wind blows. Therefore, in this adverse situation, Dr. Raksha Gautam made a special appeal to protect oneself and one's family from the serious effects of pollution, even if it means stopping 'morning walks.'