Delhi hospitals see rise in respiratory patients as air quality worsens
The Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute in North Delhi is reporting an increase in daily patients with breathing difficulties.
The Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute in North Delhi's Vijay Nagar is seeing a rise in patients with respiratory illnesses as air quality in the city turns toxic, according to The Indian Express.
A senior resident doctor at the hospital said hundreds of patients are arriving daily with respiratory complaints and that the numbers are increasing every day.
The doctor noted that most patients are elderly people with pre-existing illnesses, with many requiring nebulisation or hospitalisation.
Pulmonologist Dr Nikhil Modi at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital said elderly people, children, pregnant women, and those with existing respiratory illnesses are particularly vulnerable to high pollution levels.
Dr Modi added that exposure to pollution can aggravate symptoms, leading to increased breathlessness, wheezing, and respiratory distress.
He advised those with pre-existing conditions to wear N95 masks and minimise outdoor exposure during periods of high pollution.
