With the air quality in Delhi having plummeted significantly, hospitals are witnessing a surge in patients with respiratory and throat-related complaints. Children and the elderly are the worst affected, along with those suffering from pre-existing heart and lung conditions. Even otherwise healthy individuals are experiencing symptoms such as persistent cough, shortness of breath, throat irritation, nasal congestion, headaches, and burning eyes.
To understand how air pollution impacts health and what one can do to protect oneself from it, THE WEEK spoke to Dr Nikhil Modi, Senior Consultant, Respiratory, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals.
Edited excerpts:
Q: With the air quality in Delhi having plummeted significantly, is there a rise in patients with respiratory or related health issues? What are the most common complaints?
A: Yes, there has been a significant rise in patients with respiratory and throat-related complaints. Many are reporting symptoms such as persistent cough, shortness of breath, throat irritation, nasal congestion, headaches, and burning eyes.
At the same time, those with asthma or chronic bronchitis are finding it harder to manage their conditions despite medication. However, those without any prior respiratory issues are also experiencing discomfort and fatigue. Children and the elderly, in particular, seem more affected, as their lungs are more sensitive to poor air quality.
Overall, both emergency visits and outpatient consultations have gone up in the past few weeks due to the spike in pollution levels.
Q: What are the short- and long-term impacts of prolonged exposure to such poor air quality?
A: In the short term, it can lead to coughing, wheezing, sore throat, headaches, and tiredness. It can also worsen asthma and other breathing problems.
Long-term exposure, however, is far more dangerous. It can lead to chronic respiratory diseases, heart problems, reduced lung function, and even certain types of cancer. Continuous inhalation of fine particulate matter damages the airways and gradually affects the heart and blood vessels. Over time, this increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, and even premature death.
While not everyone will face severe illness, prolonged exposure can be life-threatening for vulnerable groups, such as children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing heart or lung issues.
Q: How are smokers affected?
A: Smokers tend to be more affected.
Both cigarette smoke and polluted air contain harmful chemicals and fine particles that irritate and damage the lungs. And together, they cause far greater damage.
The lung capacity of smokers is already reduced, so air pollution further limits oxygen intake and accelerates lung damage. It also increases their risk of chronic bronchitis, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), and heart disease.
For smokers, this is an especially dangerous period, and reducing or quitting smoking is strongly advised, particularly when pollution levels are high.
Q: We often hear that air pollution reduces the average lifespan of Delhi residents by over a decade. Medically, how does that actually happen?
A: Air pollution reduces lifespan primarily because it gradually damages multiple organs, especially the lungs and heart. Prolonged exposure allows fine particles to enter the bloodstream, triggering inflammation throughout the body. This can lead to hypertension, heart attacks, strokes, and reduced lung function. Over time, these effects significantly shorten life expectancy.
Q: What precautions or care do you recommend for those in high-risk groups?
A: Children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with asthma, COPD, or heart disease are most at risk.
It is best for them to limit outdoor exposure when air quality is poor, use air purifiers indoors, and wear masks if stepping out.
Apart from that, they should stay hydrated, eat antioxidant-rich foods, and avoid smoking and even second-hand smoke to reduce the harmful effects of pollution on the body.
Q: How can everyone stay protected against air pollution? How effective are air purifiers?
A: First and foremost, people should avoid going outdoors on high pollution days, especially during early mornings and late evenings when the smog levels are high. When stepping out, wear a good-quality N95 or N99 mask to block even fine particles. Avoiding outdoor exercise near roads or traffic signals.
When indoors, keep the windows closed and use an air purifier.
It is also important to keep the nose and throat moist by drinking plenty of water and doing saline gargles if irritation occurs.
Air purifiers can be effective indoors if used in well-sealed rooms and maintained regularly.
Q: What’s your advice on outdoor activity and fitness in such conditions?
A: When air quality is very poor, outdoor physical activity should be reduced or avoided, especially for children, elderly people, and those with asthma or heart disease. It is because while exercising, breathing rate increases, causing more pollutants to enter the lungs.
Instead, do light indoor workouts such as yoga, stretching, or other home exercises.
Regular exercise remains important for health, but it must be balanced with safety during severe pollution days.
