Doctors advised to escape from smog in Moscow with seasonal fruits

Heat and drought and do not think to leave the central part of Russia. However, in addition to high temperatures today, the smell of burning, which hung in the air of the capital, is of particular concern. Smog, formed as a result of fires in the Ryazan region, reached out to Moscow. Because of this, even healthy people experience discomfort, and even chronic patients risk exacerbations of their diseases.

Smog poses the greatest danger for people with diseases of the respiratory system: bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pharyngitis. Even the slightest cold at such a time can exacerbate their underlying disease. In addition, we can expect a complicated course of COVID-19: the heat itself is an aggravating factor in the course of the disease, and in combination with smog, it can make the course of the disease unpredictable.

Soot particles and carbon dioxide primarily irritate the respiratory tract. As a result, the mucous membranes of the larynx, trachea and bronchi become more susceptible to pollen in the air, which can lead to allergic reactions and exacerbation of bronchial asthma, which affects about 5 million people in Russia. It is better for such patients to “live through” the most dangerous periods behind closed windows and doors.

“If you suffer from bronchial asthma or other broncho-pulmonary disease, visit your doctor to adjust the therapy regimen. To be ready for an attack, be sure to carry an effective, fast-acting bronchodilator with you. The skills of breathing techniques will also come in handy – they will help normalize breathing during an attack of bronchial asthma.

Hang the windows with wet gauze, often carry out wet cleaning. In hot, dry weather, the air contains a lot of pollen, which is dispersed by flowering plants and can provoke an exacerbation. When aggravated on the street, try to wear a moistened mask. Use solutions based on sea water to wash the mucous membrane of the nose and throat several times a day, ”says allergist Irina Ovsova.

Pulmonologist at the Clinical Center of Sechenov University Alexander Palman reassures that so far there is no terrible smog in Moscow, only the smell of smoke: “And the smell of smoke and the concentration of harmful substances are not synonymous. Although harmful substances are now present in the air, they are still not in dangerous concentrations, and if fires can be quickly localized, this period can pass painlessly.

In general, while there is a feeling of discomfort, but there is no feeling of an impending cataclysm. Of course, there is a risk that the concentration of harmful substances will increase, but no matter what miracles happen to the weather, in the second half of August it should get colder in central Russia and it should start to rain. Therefore, the situation of past years, I think, will not happen again.

For healthy people today there is no big threat, however, they can feel tired, weak and reduced efficiency, but rather from the heat. If you suffer from broncho-pulmonary diseases, spend less time in “fresh” air, spend time at home under an air conditioner, ideally if it has a filtration and ventilation system. If there is an opportunity to go to nature, then do it – only in the opposite direction from the smoky clouds. Even the young and healthy are now better off avoiding vigorous outdoor sports.

Adhere to reasonable behavior, observe an adequate drinking regimen. And yes — walking down the street now in a medical mask in the hope that it will help from smog is not worth it – it will only create problems. A medical mask does not prevent harmful substances that cause smoke from entering the respiratory tract, it has other tasks. There are respirators from smoke products, but they are not medical.”

In addition, at risk today — people with chronic diseases of the heart and blood vessels, diabetes, the elderly and children, especially newborns and infants; people who abuse alcohol. Doctors note that during such periods, middle-aged people (35-40 years old) may debut for the first time chronic diseases that they were not aware of.

— Prolonged exposure to high temperatures combined with air smoke can provoke not only dehydration, shortness of breath and heat stroke, but also metabolic disorders, as well as lead to a general decrease in immunity in general, which will make the body vulnerable to viruses, including SARS- CoV-2, the wave of which has already covered us headlong, — says therapist Irina Alikhanova. — To reduce the risk of adverse effects of weather on the body, take precautions: limit physical activity, try not to go outside during the daytime, wear a hat and light-colored loose-fitting clothing made from natural fabrics, take a shower more often, drink more fluids at room temperature, cool air-conditioned rooms not lower than 22-23 degrees.

Avoid junk food, smoking and alcohol. Vitamin C will help strengthen the body’s defenses (eat seasonal berries, fruits and vegetables). Do not get carried away with salt-free diets – the body, even without them, excessively loses salts and trace elements with sweat. To maintain the water-salt balance, drink mineral water. In the heat, the likelihood of developing asthenia increases, which is characterized by weakness, physical and mental fatigue, and a decrease in energy potential – it has become the leading symptom of post-COVID. Therefore, this group of patients in such weather also has a hard time.

Inhalation of smog can even hit the liver: toxic combustion products through the bronchi enter the liver, where they are decontaminated. The higher the concentration of chemicals, the greater the load on the liver. Such overloads can lead to damage to liver cells, and subsequently to serious damage to this organ. — steatosis and fibrosis. To help the body cope with toxins without damaging the liver, you should eat foods rich in antioxidant vitamins A, C, E: fresh herbs, green, red and yellow vegetables and fruits. Drink at least 2 liters of fluid per day. The diet should also include unrefined oil, nuts, fatty fish.