New Delhi — Delhi’s prolonged battle with toxic air has begun to take a serious toll on public health, with hospitals across the national capital reporting a 20–30 per cent rise in patients suffering from respiratory problems, doctors said on Saturday. Alarmingly, a growing number of these cases involve young adults and people with no prior history of lung disease.
The spike comes as the city’s air quality deteriorated further, slipping from the “very poor” to the “severe” category. At 4 pm, the 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 431, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), placing Delhi firmly in the red zone where even healthy individuals are at risk.
Doctors stressed that the current pollution crisis is not a routine seasonal issue but a serious public health emergency. Outpatient departments and emergency rooms across the city have been witnessing a steady influx of patients complaining of breathlessness, chest tightness, persistent cough and wheezing over the past few weeks.
“There is a clear rise in patients presenting with cold, cough, breathlessness and chest tightness, which can be directly linked to poor air quality,” said Dr Avi Kumar, senior consultant pulmonologist at Fortis Hospital, Okhla. He noted that patient numbers have risen by nearly 15–20 per cent compared to earlier weeks, with symptoms often more severe and long-lasting.
What concerns doctors most is the changing profile of patients. Many are first-time sufferers with no previous respiratory illness, while others require higher doses of medication and prolonged treatment. “Young people who spend time outdoors, including those who exercise or play sports, are also reporting significant symptoms,” Dr Kumar said.
Health experts explained that Delhi’s polluted air contains a hazardous mix of PM2.5 and PM10 particles, nitrogen oxides, ozone, sulphur dioxide and other toxic chemicals from vehicle emissions, construction activity, industrial pollution and waste burning. These microscopic particles penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, triggering inflammation and worsening existing health conditions.
Over the past few weeks, doctors have also recorded a 25–30 per cent increase in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) flare-ups. “Even people without a prior diagnosis are showing reduced oxygen levels and heightened airway sensitivity,” Dr Kumar added.
Vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, diabetics and patients with heart or lung disease are being hit hardest. Physicians say diabetics, in particular, are reporting breathlessness, fatigue, prolonged respiratory infections and sudden fluctuations in blood sugar levels during high-pollution periods.
“Pollution weakens the respiratory muscles, making breathing more difficult, especially in diabetics who already have nerve damage,” said Dr Ritu Aggarwal, a consultant physician at a government hospital in east Delhi.
Pulmonologists have also observed that many patients are coming from pollution hotspots near major roads, construction sites and industrial areas. “Symptoms often worsen after morning walks or outdoor exercise in these zones,” said Dr Anil Goyal.
Doctors are urging residents to limit outdoor activity, especially during early morning and evening hours when pollution levels peak. Wearing a well-fitted N95 mask when stepping out and avoiding strenuous outdoor exercise are being strongly recommended.
Experts also cautioned against relying solely on home remedies. “Steam inhalation may offer temporary relief, but it does not protect the lungs from toxic pollutants. Persistent symptoms should not be ignored,” said Dr Neha Verma, an ENT specialist in west Delhi.
Maintaining hydration and eating simple, home-cooked food can help support immunity, doctors said, while excessive fried or spicy food may worsen inflammation during high-pollution days.
As Delhi continues to choke under hazardous air, medical professionals warn that without sustained and effective pollution control measures, the health burden on the city’s residents will only continue to grow.
