20 Nov 2024 • The hospitals in Delhi-NCR indicate a three-fold increase in patients with respiratory ailments linked to severe air pollution.

-On November 19, 2024, the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 500, the maximum possible level, equating to smoking 20-25 cigarettes a day. -This spike in pollution is causing a surge in respiratory complaints such as cough, throat irritation, and viral fever-like symptoms. -Both elderly and children, as well as previously healthy young individuals, are visiting emergency rooms. -Many patients with pre-existing conditions like asthma and bronchitis have required hospitalization. -Doctors reported handling over 150 respiratory patients in a single day, a rare occurrence. -Air pollution is worsening chronic respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and those at higher risk include children, pregnant women, the elderly, and workers exposed to the outdoors.

The situation highlights the growing public health challenge posed by hazardous air quality. Source: Mint Read full story