Spike In Respiratory Illnesses As AQI Declines

Post-Diwali trouble

- Indu Bhagat

Pune's Air Quality Index (AQI) has suffered a notable decline post-Diwali celebrations. As AQI dips, hospitals are seeing a rise in respiratory illnesses.

The Sassoon General Hospital (SGH) has seen an increase in patients coming in with respiratory complaints. "There is a slight increase in cases of cold and cough along with respiratory illnesses, especially those with pre-existing asthma. Symptoms like persistent coughing, sore throat and nasal congestion are lingering well beyond the usual recovery period, with some patients experiencing these effects for up to three weeks due to the weather change and the increase in air pollution levels," said Dr Eknath Pawar, Dean, SGH.