India, New Delhi: Post Diwali, Delhi has turned into a gas chamber. Residents of Delhi and people, who have had the misfortune to have visited it in the past couple of days, have woken up to a thick shroud of smog. Almost everyone complained of itchy and watering eyes, cough and a dry, burning sensation in the nasal tract.  

Children and elderly people above the age of 60 are considered to be most vulnerable to this pollution. There are at least 15-20 complaints from children under 5 years, who are suffering from cough and cold, as well as a lack of sleep causing irritability,

Doctors have prescribed some steps to reduce possibilities of falling sick due to the pollution. However these steps are only a short-term measure to alleviate the symptoms but a long term solution can be only done from some government initiative.

Rule1: Exercise indoor more, rather than outdoor

it is better to work out at the gym or do yoga indoors instead of cycling, jogging or playing outdoor games. If anyone is having respiratory trouble or cough and cold due to pollution, any physical activity can worsen their symptoms, visit a doctor in that case.

Rule2: Avoid spending time outdoor in the morning and evening

Pollution levels are at their highest early morning and at night especially after 8 pm, when the air is thicker and heavier. It is safer to head outside between 12 and 5 pm, when the sun is at its brightest. This is especially important for young kids, who should be kept indoors as much as possible until the smog lifts. And avoid autos. A closed bus or metro is better than travelling in an open auto which exposes you to more pollutants. If you travel by car, use the air conditioner rather than rolling down your windows

Rule3: Use air conditioners and exhaust fans instead of opening doors and windows

Doctors advise against leaving doors and windows open. Instead, use an air-conditioner or exhaust fan for ventilation as this helps with continuous circulation of air while filtering it to some extent. However, make sure that your AC filters have been recently cleaned.

Rule4: Keep yourself hydrated

It is important to keep yourself hydrated by drinking at least 2-3 litres of water a day, especially if you are suffering from respiratory ailments. "When your nose is blocked and respiratory track is irritated, you tend to breathe much faster and through your mouth, drying out your tract,"