Doctors report surge in pollution-related illnesses as toxic smog grips Delhi

NEW DELHI: A sharp rise in air pollution-related ailments has been reported in India’s capital, with hospitals witnessing a surge in patients suffering from respiratory and eye problems due to toxic smog blanketing the city.

Medical practitioners in Delhi said there has been a significant increase in cases of bronchitis, asthma attacks, sinusitis, watery eyes, and skin irritation over the past few days.

“The Outpatient Department (OPD) is flooded with patients with respiratory diseases like bronchitis and acute asthma attacks,” said Dr. Pulin Kumar Gupta, Professor of Medicine at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital. “Patients are also reporting runny noses, sinusitis, nosebleeds, and even dermatitis.”

According to Gupta, there has been a 22–25 percent rise in pollution-related cases compared to normal days.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) in several parts of Delhi remained in the “poor” category on Thursday, with a visible layer of smog covering the city’s southern region. The Press Trust of India reported that doctors have seen a 60 percent rise in eye-related problems as pollution levels soared.

Dr. Bobby Bhalotra, Senior Consultant at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital’s Department of Chest Medicine, said, “There are a lot of new patients with throat irritation, rhinitis, itchy eyes, and chest congestion. Everybody is impacted, but children and the elderly are the most vulnerable.”

Health experts have urged residents to avoid outdoor activities like jogging and running. “Children and elderly people should remain indoors as much as possible,” advised Dr. Bhalotra.

Meanwhile, the Delhi government has begun implementing short-term control measures, including sprinkling water on roads and trees to settle dust and installing water mist sprayers on streetlight poles in the Shanti Path area.

Despite these efforts, environmental experts warn that such measures are merely temporary fixes. The toxic haze, fueled by vehicle emissions, industrial pollution, and stubble burning in neighboring states, continues to threaten public health and disrupt daily life across the capital.