Delhi’s AQI is at severe levels this winter. Learn practical ways to protect your lungs, skin, and immunity from pollution. Expert tips from an ENT specialist on masks, air purifiers, diet, and indoor protection.
Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) often touches severe levels between October and January, when smog, stubble burning, and cold air trap pollutants close to the ground. The result is a toxic mix of PM2.5, dust, and nitrogen oxides that affects breathing, immunity, and skin health.Persistent exposure can cause sinus congestion, cough, sore throat, asthma flare-ups, and long-term respiratory illness.
Whenever possible, limit outdoor exposure, especially early mornings and late evenings when pollution levels peak. Keep windows closed and use an air purifier with a HEPA + activated carbon filter to remove particulate matter and harmful gases.Indoor plants such as snake plant, areca palm, and peace lily can help marginally, but do not replace an air purifier.
If your home or clinic is in a high-traffic area, check your purifier’s AQI indicator regularly and clean or replace filters on schedule.
When stepping outside, use a certified N95 or N99 mask.Surgical or cloth masks cannot block PM2.5 or PM10 particles. A good pollution mask fits snugly over the nose and chin and provides multiple filtration layers, reducing exposure to dust and allergens.
If you have breathing difficulties, choose a valve-free, lightweight mask recommended for respiratory conditions.
Pollution damages the body through oxidative stress. Counter this with an antioxidant-rich diet and hydration.Drink plenty of water, herbal teas, and fresh juices. Include vitamin C and E foods such as citrus fruits, amla, kiwi, and almonds.Inhaling steam or using a saline nasal rinse once daily can clear airways and reduce sinus inflammation. Avoid outdoor exercise on high-pollution days; try indoor breathing exercises or yoga instead.
Polluted air weakens the skin barrier and causes dryness, acne, and dullness.Before heading out, apply a moisturizing barrier cream or light sunscreen to prevent particulate adhesion. Cleanse your face gently after returning home to remove fine dust.For irritation or redness in the eyes, use preservative-free lubricating eye drops and avoid rubbing.
Indoor air can be as polluted as outdoor air. Vacuum with a HEPA-filter vacuum cleaner instead of sweeping, which stirs up dust. Avoid burning incense sticks, candles, or smoking indoors. Place activated charcoal bags or bowls of baking soda around rooms to help absorb odors and volatile compounds.
Children, the elderly, and individuals with asthma or sinus allergies are more sensitive to polluted air. On days when Delhi’s AQI crosses 300, avoid outdoor activity and close car windows during travel. Use air purifiers in bedrooms and classrooms when possible.
Every year, post-Diwali smog lingers for weeks. Prepare early by servicing your air purifier, buying quality masks, and boosting your body’s natural defenses.
These preventive measures can reduce headaches, sinus pressure, and fatigue associated with poor air quality.
Fluid behind the eardrum. Constant ear infections. A child who keeps pulling at their ears or struggling to hear clearly. These aren’t problems you should simply “wait out.”
When the ear cannot drain properly and infections keep returning, a simple but effective procedure called Myringotomy with Grommet Insertion can make a significant difference.
Let’s understand this in a simple and practical way.
Myringotomy is a minor surgical procedure where a small opening is made in the eardrum to drain fluid trapped behind it.
A Grommet (Ear Tube) is a tiny tube inserted into that opening to keep it open, allowing fluid to drain continuously while maintaining proper airflow inside the middle ear.
Together, these procedures restore normal ear function and significantly reduce recurring ear infections.
Many parents and patients dismiss these symptoms as “just another ear infection,” but repeated episodes often signal an underlying issue.
Not sure if these symptoms apply to you or your child?
The middle ear is connected to the back of the throat through the Eustachian tube. This tube regulates pressure and helps drain fluid from the ear.
When the tube does not function properly, fluid becomes trapped behind the eardrum, creating the perfect environment for infections and hearing problems.
When fluid remains trapped for too long or infections continue recurring, hearing and ear health can both be affected.
Doctors usually begin with medications and monitoring. But surgery becomes the right option when symptoms continue or affect hearing and quality of life.
Myringotomy with Grommet Insertion is considered one of the safest ENT procedures, especially in children. However, like any procedure, certain risks may exist.
No. It is performed under anesthesia, and recovery is generally comfortable.
Most patients notice improvement within days after the fluid drains and airflow is restored.
Usually between 6–18 months before naturally falling out.
Swimming advice may vary depending on the patient. Your ENT specialist will guide you accordingly.
Your ENT specialist will assess whether reinsertion is necessary based on symptoms and fluid buildup.
No. Adults with chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction or recurring fluid buildup may also benefit.
Recurring ear infections and fluid buildup should not be ignored. Early treatment can improve hearing, comfort, and long-term ear health.
Breathing through your nose should feel effortless. But if you’re constantly dealing with blockage, sinus pressure, or difficulty sleeping because of poor airflow, it might not just be a temporary issue.
Conditions like a deviated septum or chronic sinus blockage can affect your daily comfort more than you realize. Procedures like Septoplasty and FESS (Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery) are designed to correct these problems and help you breathe better.
Let’s understand this in a simple and practical way.
Septoplasty is a procedure that corrects a deviated nasal septum — the thin wall inside your nose that separates both sides. When this wall is not straight, it can block airflow and make breathing difficult.
FESS (Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery) is used to open blocked sinuses and restore proper drainage using a small camera (endoscope).
In many patients, both problems exist together. That’s why these procedures are often done together for better, long-term results.
Many people get used to these symptoms and think they’re normal — but they’re not.
Not sure if these symptoms apply to you?
The septum may be off-center from birth or due to injury. When it shifts significantly, it can block airflow and make one nostril feel constantly congested.
Your sinuses need to drain properly. But due to:
…the drainage pathways get blocked, leading to pressure, discomfort, and repeated infections.
When both conditions exist together, symptoms tend to become more persistent.
Not every case needs surgery. Doctors usually start with medications. But if symptoms continue, surgery may be the next step.
Septoplasty and FESS are generally safe, but like any surgery, some risks exist:
No, it is done under anesthesia. Post-surgery discomfort is mild and manageable.
Improvement starts within 2–3 weeks as swelling reduces.
No, septoplasty focuses on breathing, not appearance.
Yes, though sinus care may still be needed.
Get expert evaluation and treatment guidance from an ENT specialist.
A perforated eardrum a hole or tear in the thin membrane separating your outer and middle ear is more common than many people realise. The good news: most perforations heal on their own, and when they don’t, effective treatments are available.
Consult Dr AashimaLearn More About Treatments
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Recovery timelines mentioned are typical estimates individual results vary. Always seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional.
Symptoms depend on the cause, size, and location of the perforation. Some people notice a dramatic onset (such as after a loud blast or ear infection), while others discover the condition gradually.
Not sure if your symptoms match a perforation? A specialist can confirm with a simple ear exam.
The majority of small perforations particularly those caused by infection or minor trauma heal spontaneously within 4 to 8 weeks without any intervention. However, surgery becomes the appropriate path when:
Your ENT surgeon will assess perforation size (often using an otoscope or microscope), hearing test results (audiogram), and overall middle ear health before recommending surgery.
Endoscopic ear surgery has grown significantly in adoption over the past decade. By working entirely through the natural ear canal opening, it avoids the traditional post- auricular (behind-the-ear) incision, which means no visible scar and typically less postoperative discomfort.
However, there are limitations to be aware of:
Important: The “best” technique depends on your individual anatomy, perforation characteristics, and surgeon expertise not one approach suits all patients. Discuss options thoroughly with your ENT.
Wondering if endoscopic surgery is right for you?
Recovery varies depending on whether the perforation healed naturally or required surgery. The timelines below are typical estimates individual experiences differ.
An ENT specialist can confirm your diagnosis, discuss your treatment options, and guide you through the recovery process.
