Experts of the Multispecialty Hospital warn of the Consequences for Children and Elderly
New Delhi: Pollution woes in Delhi are piling up and showing in hospitals. Swell of footfalls in Aakash Healthcare underscores how pollution menace is wreaking havoc on people. Surge in respiratory and cardiac emergencies frighten.
Delhi’s worsening air quality is having a severe impact on public health, triggering a sharp rise in respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses, doctors have warned. Hospitals across the city are witnessing an increase in patients with breathing difficulties, chest infections, and heart-related complications as pollution levels remain high.
Dr Vikram Jeet Singh, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Aakash Healthcare says “Air pollution causes widespread inflammation, oxidative stress and organ damage. It leads to respiratory problems such as new-onset asthma, bronchitis and frequent chest infections, and significantly increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Pollution not only causes new illnesses but also worsens existing medical conditions.
“In patients who already have asthma, COPD or heart disease, polluted air aggravates symptoms, increases infection risk such as acute upper and lower respiratory tract infections, and triggers acute symptoms like persistent coughing, wheezing and chest pain,” Dr Vikram Jeet added.
Highlighting the current pollution profile in Delhi, he added:
“We are seeing high levels of harmful pollutants such as PM2.5, nitrogen oxides and currently PM10 being predominant. As a result, OPD footfall has increased, with many patients coming in with chronic cough, and even people with no prior history of asthma presenting with wheezing.”
Dr Vikram Jeet stressed that the situation is particularly dangerous for vulnerable groups.“Children, the elderly, patients with pre-existing heart and lung diseases, and onco-patients are disproportionately affected. They face higher risks of severe outcomes, which is why hospital admissions have also gone up significantly,” he said. Dr Jeet advises people to take precautions and seek medical attention early as Delhi continues to grapple with hazardous air pollution levels.
Taking a heavy toll on Children
Dr. Sameer Punia, Senior Consultant – Paediatrics Intensivist, Aakash Healthcare says “We are seeing a significant increase in children coming with persistent cold, cough, chest congestion, breathing difficulty and frequent infections. Many of these illnesses are lasting longer than usual because pollution weakens the respiratory system,” He added that children with allergic tendencies and childhood asthma are especially vulnerable during this period.
“Parents should not ignore early symptoms. Children who fall sick frequently or have asthma or allergies should consult their paediatrician early so that preventive therapies can be started in time,” Dr Punia said.
Highlighting preventive care, he said, “Flu vaccination can play an important role in protecting children from recurrent respiratory infections. While there is no medically proven way to completely avoid pollution exposure, using air purifiers indoors can help reduce the pollutant load and offer some relief.”
Dr Punia emphasised that early medical attention and preventive measures are key to safeguarding children’s health as Delhi continues to battle hazardous air pollution.
