Mumbai’s ongoing battle with pollution has taken a troubling turn as falling temperatures exacerbate respiratory health issues across the city. Hospitals are witnessing an alarming increase in cases of dry cough, breathlessness, fever, and other respiratory ailments, affecting individuals of all age groups.
Pulmonologists highlight the critical role of deteriorating air quality. Mumbai’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has consistently breached the 200-mark, categorised as unhealthy, and occasionally soared above 300, indicating severe pollution. The surge is attributed to vehicular emissions, construction dust, industrial pollutants, and weather patterns trapping pollutants close to the ground. Dr Swapnil Mehta, a pulmonologist at Dr LH Hiranandani Hospital, noted a sharp rise in asthma, chronic cough, allergic rhinitis, and other respiratory conditions. “Air pollution weakens the respiratory system, making it vulnerable to infections such as bronchitis and influenza-like illnesses. Children, senior citizens, and those with pre-existing respiratory or cardiac conditions are particularly at risk,” he explained.
The fluctuating winter temperatures have created an environment conducive to the spread of viral and bacterial infections. Dr Pratit Samdani from Jaslok Hospital observed that “cold mornings combined with temperature fluctuations are ideal conditions for respiratory tract infections.” Similarly, Dr Lancelot Pinto of PD Hinduja Hospital linked the rise in respiratory issues to the dual impact of pollution and colder air, which constricts airways, triggering asthma and related conditions. Smog, a harmful mixture of fog and pollutants, further compounds the issue. The winter’s cooler nights lead to temperature inversions, trapping pollutants like particulate matter and carbon monoxide near the surface. This phenomenon worsens symptoms in individuals with asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Doctors urge immediate precautions, such as wearing masks outdoors, using air purifiers, and limiting exposure to pollutants, particularly for vulnerable groups. Without significant action to curb pollution, respiratory health challenges are likely to persist throughout the winter season.
