Pune air pollution, construction dust and changing October weather conditions are being linked by doctors to a rise in allergy-related cough, seasonal asthma, throat irritation and other breathing complaints across the city, according to a report by Civic Mirror. The concern is particularly significant for children, senior citizens and people with existing respiratory illnesses.
The report said Pune’s citywide air quality index was recorded at 79 on October 30, placing it in the satisfactory category. However, readings from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology’s air-quality monitoring system crossed 100 in some locations on October 31. Shivajinagar recorded an AQI of 103, while Thergaon recorded 102.
Doctors cited in the report said airborne dust, traffic-related pollution, dry weather and fluctuations in temperature and humidity can aggravate respiratory symptoms. Dr Rahul Thakur, an ear, nose and throat specialist at Sassoon General Hospital, said October’s dry conditions, temperature changes and dust particles can irritate the respiratory tract. He said prolonged exposure to dust and other pollutants may contribute to persistent coughing, throat irritation, sneezing and breathing difficulty.
Dr Swapnil Barwakar, a pulmonologist at a Pune hospital, said respiratory complaints were not limited to people with diagnosed lung conditions. According to him, exposure to polluted air can also cause repeated sneezing, watery or itchy eyes, a runny or blocked nose, headaches, chest heaviness, wheezing and dry coughs in otherwise healthy people. He added that dust from construction sites and pollution near busy roads could worsen symptoms, particularly after extended outdoor exposure.
The report also noted that residents in areas with ongoing construction have begun changing their routines to limit dust exposure inside their homes. Families have reported keeping windows and balcony doors closed, cleaning floors and furniture more frequently, using vacuum cleaners and air purifiers, and replacing air filters. Residents from Kharadi and Hadapsar described persistent dust near their homes and respiratory difficulties affecting family members.
Doctors advised residents to avoid jogging, outdoor exercise and strenuous physical activity near construction sites and heavily trafficked roads when air quality deteriorates. They recommended using a properly fitted mask in dusty or polluted areas, keeping windows closed during periods of higher pollution, cleaning household surfaces with a damp cloth, maintaining hand hygiene and drinking sufficient water.
Dr Samrat Shah, an internal medicine specialist cited in the report, cautioned that every cough or sore throat should not automatically be attributed to pollution. Seasonal viral infections, including cold and influenza, may also increase during weather changes. He advised people with persistent fever, worsening cough, repeated wheezing or breathing difficulty to consult a doctor, and said antibiotics are not necessary for every respiratory infection because many infections are viral.
The doctors also highlighted preventive care for higher-risk residents. They advised senior citizens, children and people with chronic respiratory or other medical conditions to consult doctors about influenza and pneumococcal vaccination. Patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were advised not to stop prescribed inhalers without medical guidance. Immediate medical help was recommended for sudden breathlessness, chest pain, severe weakness or difficulty speaking because of breathing problems.
