Doctors have warned that people with lung and heart diseases should be more careful as air quality worsens with the start of the harvest season and cases of paddy straw burning begin to surface. Ludhiana on Sunday recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 125, which is classified as “unhealthy for sensitive groups”.

The senior doctor of the civil hospital, Dr. “People with pre-existing lung or heart conditions are at risk of having their symptoms worsen due to increased pollution,” Amanpreet said.

“Pollution increases respiratory problems, and long-term exposure to polluted air for people with lung and heart conditions can worsen their condition,” he added. He asked people to consult their doctors to have their medications revised based on air quality.

“The drug, which gives good results under normal conditions, may not be sufficient if the air quality deteriorates. It is useful to see a doctor and have an evaluation,” he said.

Dr Amanpreet advised people with these problems and allergies to avoid going out, especially during peak hours of straw burning, and avoid prolonged exposure to polluted air in general, or at least wear a mask.

“Doors and windows should be kept closed, and air purifiers can be found in rooms where lung and heart patients are located to relax them,” he said. He emphasized that if symptoms worsen, they should not be ignored and a doctor should be consulted immediately.

According to figures on the Punjab Remote Sensing Center website, a total of 1,995 stubble burning cases have been seen in the state so far this season. Doctors are worried that the air quality around Diwali will worsen.