Polluted air: City hospitals report 30-40% spike in respiratory cases

THE deteriorating air quality in the national capital has triggered a 30-40 per cent surge in respiratory cases, with children and the elderly found to be the most vulnerable.

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Health experts have advised people to avoid stepping outside and minimise exposure to dust.

Dr Arunesh Kumar, senior consultant in respiratory medicine at Paras Health in Gurugram, said, "We are seeing a sharp increase in respiratory cases, with hospitals reporting a 30-40 per cent rise. This surge is largely driven by worsening air pollution, with pollutants such as PM2.5, PM10, and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) getting trapped due to colder weather and stagnant air."