Delhi’s air pollution has grabbed global headlines. Every year Delh’s air turns poisonous making it difficult for natives to reside in the national capital.
Residents from Anand Vihar, one of the most polluted areas currently, have serious health complaints. The air quality index (AQI) here is consistently in the ‘severe’ category. On Friday, the overall AQI of the national capital was 389 at 8.30 am, while Anand Vihar’s AQI stood at 419, making it the hub of the worst air pollution.
“My eyes are constantly irritated and often turn red, leading to blurred vision. It makes it really difficult to drive safely,” Zaved Ali, an auto-rickshaw driver at the Anand Nagar bus stand told PTI.
“My child has been suffering from stomach issues that sometimes get better but often get worse. I’ve consulted so many doctors, but the medicines don’t seem to make a difference,” Supriya Yadav, a mother of two, told the media, adding about the deteriorating water quality in the area.

For 70 year old Nirmal Singh, breathing difficulties have worsened his health. He is a heart patients. “I’ve lived here all my life, but the pollution has gotten so much worse in the last decade. The air is thick, and even in the early morning or late evening, it’s hard to breathe properly,” Singh said.

15-20 per cent increase in patients with worsening respiratory problems: AIIMS

Due to the worsening of air quality, the OPD of the Pulmonology Department in New Delhi’s All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) is witnessing an increase in patients with respiratory problems.

“We are seeing that patients are having a lot of problems. Patients who have respiratory diseases like asthma, and COPD patients. We are seeing a lot more patients in the OPD now. Many patients have complained their asthma is getting worse,” Dr Karan Madan, Associate Professor Department of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) told ANI.
“And many of our patients have come with severe exacerbation, what we call a severe worsening of symptoms. And many patients have required admission also. So I think it is a tough time for our patients who have respiratory problems…,” he added. “We have seen approximately a 15 to 20 per cent increase in the number of patients who have come with worsening respiratory problems, patients who have pre-existing asthma, we are seeing a lot more patients with asthma exacerbation…Patients who have respiratory problems must avoid exposure to outdoor activity,” he told the media.
(With inputs from agencies)

New Delhi: Even as air quality in the national capital fell to the ‘very poor’ category, city doctors on Tuesday reported a 30 per cent surge in respiratory diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 

A thick layer of smog enveloped Delhi on Tuesday morning as the city’s air quality deteriorated to the ‘very poor’ category. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), 27 monitoring stations in the national capital fell in the red zone, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 317 recorded around 9:00 a.m.

The health experts blamed changing weather and pollution levels for the rise in respiratory disease. Children, pregnant women, and the elderly are at the highest risk.

Dr. Vikas Maurya, Senior Director and HOD Pulmonology, Fortis Hospital told IANS that as winter is approaching and pollution is increasing with lower AQI, there has been an increase in cases of acute bronchitis and asthma attack.

“There has been a 30-40 per cent rise in these respiratory diseases. Pollutants with PM 2.5 and PM 10 along with dust particles and vehicular emissions in increased concentration are causing irritation and inflammation to the airways when inhaled,” Maurya said.

Children, the elderly, those with weak immunity, and those with pre-existing lung diseases like asthma, COPD, and cardiac issues are more at risk.

These people are more likely to present with symptoms like excessive cough, mucus production, sneezing, chest pain, and breathing problems.

“With the approaching winter season, stubble burning, vehicular exhaust, the pollutants in the air have crossed levels suitable for human health. These toxic gases irritate the lungs, especially of the elderly and asthmatic and COPD patients,” Bobby Bhalotra, Prof and senior consultant, Department of Chest Medicine, SGRH told IANS.

The experts advised people to take precautions, such as wearing masks, and using air purifiers indoors if they are immobile in bed and are in the high-risk category. They also called for avoiding outdoor activities when air quality is poor.

Dr Vikas Mittal, Pulmonologist, Department of Respiratory Medicine, C K Birla Hospital, told IANS that the asthma cases are also being driven by the seasonal transition and an increase in pollen counts. Allergic rhinitis is also seeing an uptick due to similar triggers, he said.

“The current seasonal transition has resulted in fluctuating temperatures, which, alongside high pollen levels, are exacerbating asthma and other respiratory diseases. The conditions are complicating air quality, making it harder for those with pre-existing respiratory conditions to breathe easily,” Mittal said. The hospital is witnessing 20-30 per cent cases of asthma and other respiratory diseases.

The experts called on people with lung diseases to take their preventive medication regularly and keep indoor plants air purifiers to keep indoors clean.

Bhalotra recommended immediate medical care in case of breathing trouble indicated by fast pulse rate and inability to complete sentences.