New Delhi: With air pollution levels rising sharply during October and November, doctors in Delhi warn that poor air quality is severely affecting vital organs, particularly in vulnerable groups.
Speaking to about the surge in respiratory cases, Dr. Rajesh Chawla, Pulmonology & Critical Care Specialist, Apollo Hospital, on Monday, said, “During October and November, when the AQI often exceeds 300, there is a severe impact on health, particularly for patients with chronic lung and heart conditions, as well as children and the elderly. Symptoms include throat irritation, fatigue and headaches, caused by high levels of carbon monoxide and volatile compounds.”
He further cautioned that pollutants can lead to long-term health complications.
“These pollutants can lead to long-term health issues such as cancer and reduced cardiac function. Respiratory physicians report a 15% increase in patient numbers during these months, with longer recovery times,” Dr. Chawla added.
On preventive measures, he recommended avoiding outdoor activity during high pollution periods, wearing N95 masks, keeping car windows shut and avoiding crowded places.
“For children, outdoor school activities should be reduced, and bus windows should remain closed. These steps can help mitigate the severe health impacts of prolonged exposure to pollution,” he said.
Doctors are also recommending HEPA-13 filtration air purifiers for people with comorbidities and children.
“With the continued spike in pollution, it’s crucial for people to take proactive measures to protect their family members from the harmful effects of smog and pollutants. Many restrict movement and prefer to stay indoors, but it is equally important to ensure you are breathing clean air inside your four walls,” explained Alex Hudson, Dyson Engineer.
“Air purifiers are a potential solution to help combat the effects of air pollution indoors. Dyson air purifiers are designed to sense and capture harmful pollutants and project purified air throughout the room. They are equipped with a HEPA+Carbon filter, capturing 99.95% of particles as small as 0.1 microns and achieving fully-sealed HEPA-13 standard filtration. By incorporating purifiers into your routine, you can safeguard your home from the harmful effects of pollution,” he added.
Elaborating on the seasonal health hazards, Dr. Vikas Mittal, Director & Pulmonologist, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, said, “Every year, as winter approaches, we experience a sharp rise in air pollution levels. Cooler temperatures and stagnant air cause pollutants to become concentrated, leading to extremely high levels of particulate matter, with the AQI remaining in the ‘poor’ or ‘severe’ category on most winter days.”
Dr Mittal warned that the spike in air pollution is putting individuals with chronic health conditions at heightened risk, with hospitals recording a rise in patients reporting aggravated symptoms.
He said the pollution wave is especially dangerous for those with heart, lung, kidney, liver and other organ-related illnesses, and many are struggling to cope with regular medications.
“This situation poses serious health risks, especially for individuals with pre-existing conditions affecting the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, or other organs. Such patients often experience worsening of their symptoms and, in severe cases, may require hospitalisation,” the pulmonologist told ANI.
Explaining the growing pressure on out-patient departments, the doctor said,
“As a pulmonologist, I’ve observed a clear rise in patients visiting the OPD with aggravated symptoms during this season. Air pollution triggers inflammation in the airways, worsening their already compromised condition and making it difficult for them to manage with their regular medications.”
Conditions such as COPD and asthma tend to flare up more frequently in polluted weather, Dr Mittal noted, while those with weakened heart function may experience heart failure due to added physiological stress.>
