New Delhi: Out of a total of 1,044 students between the age group of 18 to 24 in Delhi colleges, 53 per cent had visible respiratory symptoms like cough, sputum production, 51 per cent said they experienced aggravation in their symptoms with pollution and 42 per cent showed lung function impairment.

The findings were a part of a survey conducted between November 6 and 11 by a Delhi hospital to assess the adverse effects of air pollution. The survey was held at five different colleges in Delhi University, Dwarka, Rohini, and Greater Noida.

Out of the 1,044 students that were enrolled in the study, 72 per cent were males and 28 per cent were females. They were asked to fill a questionnaire that consisted of respiratory symptoms, pollution, allergies and use of inhalers. The lung function was tested by peak expiratory flow meter and those who tested positive for airflow impairment were further tested by spirometry (measures volume and speed (flow) of air that can be inhaled and exhaled).

While 53 per cent had visible respiratory symptoms like cough, sputum production, and complained of chest tightness and breathlessness, 52 per cent said they were allergic to dust, smoke, and pollens.

Out of these, 51 per cent of students said they experienced aggravation in their symptoms with pollution and 42 per cent showed lung function impairment after their lung function was tested conducted. Around 11 per cent students were already on inhalers for their symptoms.

Dr Vikas Maurya, senior consultant and head of respiratory medicine & interventional pulmonology department, Fortis Hospital Shalimar Bagh, said that the objective was to have greater insight to the after-effects of air pollution and dangers that it posed.

“There was a need to involve the youth in such a study because it makes them aware of how pollution can deter their gro-wth. It makes them more involved in the fight agai-nst air pollution,” he said.