Rise in respiratory ailments as pollution rises, temp drops

As Mumbai experiences a dip in temperatures, hospitals across the city are witnessing a surge in respiratory ailments, exacerbated by high levels of air pollution.

Doctors report an increase in patients suffering from dry cough, runny noses, low-grade fever, and breathlessness — symptoms that cut across all age groups.

Dr Swapnil Mehta, a pulmonologist at Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital, highlighted the concerning role of the city's deteriorating Air Quality Index (AQI). "Mumbai has been experiencing spikes in AQI, frequently crossing the 200 mark, which is considered unhealthy, and sometimes breaching 300, classified as severe. Factors like vehicular emissions, construction dust, industrial pollutants, and weather conditions trapping pollutants closer to the ground are major contributors," he said.