Vikas Khanna wants airport carpets to be removed (Source: Instagram/@vikaskhannagroup)
Wall-to-wall carpets at busy city airports have been posing serious respiratory risks due to the presence of dust and allergens getting trapped inside the material for want of timely cleaning. Mumbai airport, which experiences millions of visitors daily, has a particularly hazardous carpet condition. Celebrity chef Vikas Khanna highlighted this issue after a recent visit to the airport and took to social media, urging authorities to take an urgent step to address the safety of individuals with asthma and bronchitis.
“Though I love & respect the efficiency of Mumbai airport a lot. But having this carpet is absolutely unnecessary & unacceptable. It is beyond cleaning now. On behalf of every asthmatic & people with bronchitis issues I request the authorities to please look into removing this at the airports. It can lead to serious breathing issues and also be fatal. ❤️🩹,” he mentioned in the caption of his Instagram post.
According to Dr Pavan Yadav M V, Associate Director – Lung Transplantation, KIMS Hospitals, Bengaluru, dirty carpets in public places like airports is a dormant reservoir of dust and micro allergens that can trigger respiratory issues. “Individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma and bronchitis have airways that are hypersensitive to the dry air environment. This can cause immediate discomfort, and the dry air pressure in the cabin can make it more challenging,” he said.
Air travel in the new normal (Source: Freepik)
Dr. Yadav shared several tips to make air travel less stressful for those with respiratory conditions: • Keep rescue inhaler or nebulizer handy while travelling as a “untimely cough” can escalate quickly • Consult your pulmonologist for preventive medicine that you can use before travel or while traveling to avoid flares. • Wear an N95 or KF94 mask • Stay hydrated, as it will keep mucous membranes moist and this will keep the protective lining of your lungs hydrated. • Consume magnesium and omega-3 rich foods • Consume warm fluids • Practice breathing exercises like pranayama.
Dr Prashant Chhajed, senior consultant in Respiratory Medicine and Sleep Medicine Specialist at Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi, said that carpets can harbour dust mites, which are a significant triggers for asthma and allergic rhinitis symptoms.
1. Take their prescribed medications regularly, as advised by their treating doctor.
- Use a good-quality disposable mask while travelling.
- Carry all medicines that may be required on an as-needed basis, as recommended by their doctor.
- It is advisable to discuss a travel medicine kit with your physician in case symptoms worsen. Patients with asthma should always carry their rescue inhalers.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
Curated by James Chen
