Copyright news18
As a thick blanket of smog descends on Delhi every winter, the city’s skyline turns hazy and breathing itself becomes hazardous. Behind this familiar grey haze lies a growing public health crisis. Air pollution levels shoot past the ‘severe’ mark year after year, exposing millions to invisible toxins that slowly damage their lungs, heart, and even reproductive health. Doctors across specialities are warning that this ‘toxic winter’ is not just about coughing fits and watery eyes. It’s affecting every system of the body, from the respiratory tract to unborn babies in the womb. The Season Of Smog And Sickness “Every winter, pollutants get trapped closer to the ground due to stagnant air and cooler temperatures. This causes a sharp rise in particulate matter, keeping the AQI in the ‘poor’ or ‘severe’ range for most of the season,” explains Dr. Vikas Mittal, Director and Pulmonologist at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi. The result, he says, is a surge in respiratory and cardiac emergencies. “Patients with asthma, COPD, or heart conditions often experience flare-ups, sometimes requiring hospitalisation,” adds Dr. Mittal. Even healthy individuals are not spared when AQI levels cross 400, as they too can develop pneumonia, throat irritation, fatigue, and eye discomfort. Lungs And Heart Under Attack The deadly mix of smog, dust, and stubble-burning smoke fills Delhi’s air with microscopic particles known as PM2.5 and PM10, which are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs. “These particles don’t just irritate the lungs; they can enter the bloodstream, harden arteries, and disrupt blood circulation,” says Dr. Arun Chowdary Kotaru, Senior Consultant for Respiratory Diseases at Artemis Hospitals. Prolonged exposure significantly increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. He cautions that children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with low immunity are especially vulnerable. To reduce risk, Dr. Kotaru advises avoiding outdoor activity during peak pollution hours, using N95 masks, and maintaining clean indoor air through purifiers and hydration. Children And Pollution: A Dangerous Combination The youngest residents of the capital face the greatest danger. “Children breathe more rapidly and their lungs are still developing, so they inhale a higher dose of polluted air relative to their body weight,” notes Dr. Anjali Saxena, Paediatrician at Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Malviya Nagar. This leads to a worrying rise in respiratory illnesses among children – from recurrent coughs and wheezing to asthma attacks and pneumonia. “Long-term exposure can impair lung growth and even affect concentration and stamina,” says Dr. Saxena. She recommends keeping children indoors during early mornings and late evenings, ensuring mask use, and supporting immunity through a diet rich in antioxidants and proper hydration. When Pollution Affects Pregnancy And Fertility The impact of Delhi’s toxic air doesn’t stop at the lungs. Dr. Rekha Brar, Fertility Specialist at Birla Fertility & IVF, Dwarka, warns, “We are increasingly seeing the effects of pollution on pregnancy outcomes. Air pollutants like PM2.5 and nitrogen oxides can worsen asthma, trigger miscarriages, or lead to restricted fetal growth.” She adds that exposure to contaminated water and pesticides in food compounds the problem, causing nutrient deficiencies and hormonal imbalances. “While we can’t control the environment completely, using air purifiers, wearing masks, and eating clean, freshly prepared food can help protect both mother and baby,” Dr. Brar emphasises. Delhi’s pollution crisis is no longer a seasonal inconvenience. It’s a year-round health emergency. While air purifiers and masks offer short-term protection, experts agree that long-term solutions demand cleaner fuel, sustainable transport, and stricter emission control. Until then, the best defence lies in awareness, prevention, and consistent medical follow-up – because every breath, in Delhi’s toxic winter, now comes at a cost.
