 "Severe air pollution fuels rise in respiratory illnesses, worsens chronic conditions")
The alarming surge in air pollution across Delhi-NCR is triggering a public health crisis with hospitals witnessing a steep rise in respiratory and pollution-related illnesses. Experts highlight that the toxic air, laden with harmful pollutants such as ozone, carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide is impacting not just the lungs but multiple organs, causing severe health issues among adults, children and even unborn babies.
Dr. Neetu Jain, Senior Consultant Pulmonology, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine at PSRI Hospital that air pollution is causing widespread respiratory illnesses even among healthy individuals. “We have been treating patients visiting the hospital with symptoms such as cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath. For those with pre-existing respiratory issues, the situation is worse, leading to acute exacerbations, increased medication use and ICU admissions,” she added.
Dr Jain emphasised that pollution is not only affecting lungs but also other organs, contributing to high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes and cognitive impairments.
“Not only adults are getting affected; even unborn children are getting affected. As mothers inhale toxins, they can pass them into the blood, and this can reach the fetus through the placenta and cause growth retardation and affect their mental health. So Delhi’s air contains high amounts of ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur and nitrogen dioxide which are very unsafe for anybody living in Delhi.,” she added.
Dr Sandeep Nayar, Principal Director & HOD (Chest & Respiratory Diseases) at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital has reported a significant increase in respiratory ailments due to worsening air pollution.
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More Shorts“There has been a steady rise in cases over the last month, with OPD visits up by 25% to 30%,” Dr Nayar said. He emphasised that despite regular medication, many patients are experiencing a deterioration of symptoms, especially respiratory issues. Some have suffered acute exacerbations requiring hospitalisation, with a few even admitted to the ICU.
Discussing the health impacts of pollution, he highlighted that the respiratory tract is the primary point of exposure. Pollution leads to oxidative stress, inflammation, immunosuppression, and cellular damage, affecting multiple organs, including the lungs, heart and brain, he added.
“Short-term exposure can cause breathlessness, chronic cough, and respiratory distress while prolonged exposure increases risks of chronic illnesses, disability and even death,” he said.
Dr. Nayar also pointed to a rise in COPD and asthma cases and outlined non-respiratory effects such as headaches, strokes, confusion and lack of concentration, especially in children due to severe pollution.
Dr. Kuldeep Kumar Grover, Consultant Pulmonologist at CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, highlighted a noticeable rise in pollution-related illnesses with around 15–20 patients daily visiting the hospital with symptoms like persistent cough and chest heaviness.
He linked these issues to prolonged exposure to smog and alarmingly high Air Quality Index (AQI) levels, stating, “When AQI crosses 600–700, it becomes a medical emergency, and people should avoid stepping outdoors unnecessarily.”
Dr Manoj Kumar Goel, Director & Unit Head of Pulmonology & Sleep Medicine at Fortis Memorial Research Institute (Gurugram) said that at least a 20% surge in the number of patients reported in outpatient visits for respiratory illnesses due to poor air quality.
Dr Goel said that patients commonly present with conditions such as acute bronchitis, asthma, obstructive airway disease, chest infections, pneumonia, and sinusitis. Symptoms include persistent severe coughing, phlegm, fever, chest pain, nasal congestion, headache and breathing difficulties.
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