Morning walkers, beware of nip in the air

Mercury is dropping and colder weather will prevail in the city. With the city getting colder and pollution levels high, morning walkers are prone to the ill effects of smog-filled air.

The combination of pollution and fog has made it difficult for the morning walkers to stick to their routine. Doctors say if one is allergic to smoke, he/she should refrain from morning walks this season.

Dr Dwijendra Prasad, consultant, internal medicine, BGS Global Hospital, said runny nose, bronchitis, allergic rhinitis, asthma and common cold are some of the common diseases that affect people in this weather.

He cautioned that the elderly and those with weak lungs must avoid morning walks as they may cause allergic reactions.
While most walkers are covering their nose and ears, doctors say it does not help.

“The smog, which is a mix of smoke and fog, in the city has minute particulate matter. Face masks do not help in filtering them. Those conditions require special masks that will filter out particulate matter,” Dr Prasad said.

However, these precautions are applicable only to those who have allergies. Others can enjoy their morning walks without the fear of any medical complication so long as they wear warm clothes.
Colder days Meteorological department says that the temperature has gone down to 13°C in the city in the morning hours. The officials of the department said temperature is expected to drop further in January.

Nights have also extended by an hour. Fog in the early hours has decreased visibility to less than a kilometre, they said. However, no flights to and from Bangalore are being delayed because of fog.

The state is experiencing dry weather with cold-wave conditions. The meteorological department officials said this weather would fade by January end.