Mumbai’s air quality readings may not always trigger alarm bells, but clinics across the city are telling a different story. Even as the Air Quality Index (AQI) hovers in the “satisfactory” range on many days, a growing number of residents are reporting symptoms that point to a deeper, less visible impact of pollution.
Doctors say the issue is not just about extreme pollution spikes anymore; it is about constant fluctuation. These swings, often overlooked, are quietly conditioning the body to react unpredictably.
Respiratory distress is often the first sign. What starts as mild throat irritation or an occasional cough can escalate into breathlessness, chest tightness, or aggravated asthma.
Specialists explain that the body struggles to adapt when air quality shifts rapidly. On days when pollution levels dip, breathing may feel easier, but the relief is short-lived. As levels rise again, the lungs are forced to recalibrate, leading to inflammation and heightened sensitivity over time.
Rajesh Bhushan, Former Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India and Chairperson, Illness to Wellness Foundation, stressed that air pollution must be addressed as a core public health issue.
“The issue of air pollution must be understood from two perspectives: the technical causes that create polluted air, and the public health consequences of breathing it every day. Prolonged exposure does not just shorten life expectancy; it increases the number of years lived with disability. In highly polluted cities, people may survive longer but with chronic illness that reduces productivity, quality of life, and economic contribution. Addressing air pollution, therefore, requires coordinated action across healthcare systems, urban planning, and public awareness, with a much stronger focus on preventive and primary healthcare,” he said.
Highlighting the neurological impact, Dr Daljit Singh, vice chairman, HOD, neurosurgery, Max Smart Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, drew attention to the growing link between air pollution and stroke.
"Stroke is increasingly being linked to air pollution, with nearly 17 per cent of strokes globally attributable to polluted air. Pollution affects brain blood circulation and significantly increases the risk of both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. We are now observing clear seasonal spikes in stroke admissions during high-pollution months, indicating that pollution is emerging as an independent risk factor. Beyond stroke, air pollution is also associated with neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and Parkinson’s disease, making this a growing neurological challenge that society, scientists, and policymakers must urgently address,” he said.
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There is also concern that conditions like allergic rhinitis, often dismissed as seasonal discomfort, are being underdiagnosed and, in some cases, progressing into more serious respiratory disorders.
The eyes, constantly exposed to the environment, are among the earliest to show signs of distress. Doctors report a spike in patients complaining of dryness, irritation, and excessive watering.
Ironically, watery eyes are often a response to dryness, the body’s attempt to compensate for moisture loss caused by pollutants.
Repeated exposure can weaken the eye’s natural defence, making it more vulnerable to infections and chronic irritation.
Skin, the body’s largest organ, is also bearing the brunt. Dermatologists note an increase in sensitivity, unexplained rashes, acne flare-ups, and conditions like eczema, even among those with no prior history.
Pollutants linger on the skin, disrupting its protective barrier and making it more reactive to environmental triggers.
"We have been observing rising skin conditions linked to pollution exposure in the past few months,” family physician Dr Ramesh Shah informed THE WEEK.
What makes the situation more concerning is its subtlety. Unlike severe smog episodes that prompt immediate caution, these moderate yet fluctuating AQI levels rarely change daily behaviour.
People continue outdoor activities, often unaware that prolonged exposure even at “acceptable” levels can accumulate into significant health stress.
Doctors advise simple but consistent precautions such as limiting outdoor exposure during peak pollution hours, using protective eyewear, maintaining skin hygiene, and not ignoring persistent symptoms. More importantly, they stress the need to listen to the body rather than relying solely on AQI labels.
