Cold & poor air leading to a surge in respiratory illness: Docs

New Delhi: Cases of respiratory illnesses such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, and pneumonia are increasing amid poor air quality and severe cold conditions in many parts of the country.

Even after patients recover from the acute phase, the cough seems to persist for days and weeks in many cases, doctors said.

Sandeep Budhiraja, group medical director at Max Healthcare, said the Delhi-headquartered chain's hospitals are seeing an increase in the number of patients coming with various types of respiratory illnesses, viral illnesses, and flu-like symptoms. "This year it has been more because of harsh conditions which are persistent for a longer period of time and a persistent poor air quality."


People facing respiratory problems this season mostly include people who are asthmatic, those having chronic bronchitis, COPD, diabetics, heart diseases and liver and kidney diseases, cancer patients, smokers, and elderly, Budhiraja said.

"People with pneumonias requiring admissions are also there, but that's the normal usual trend we see every winter," he said.

According to market research firm Pharmarack, the respiratory segment of medicines is currently valued at Rs 16,115 crore, growing at a compounded annual rate of 11% in the past five years.

The anti-asthma and COPD products have grown to ₹9,538 crore MAT (moving annual total, or in the previous 12 months) value in December 2023 from ₹5,842 crore in December 2019, it said. Likewise, the cough and cold market has grown to ₹4,466 crore MAT value from ₹3,073 crore during the same period. "The respiratory segment usually sees an upward trend in the second half," said Sheetal Sapale, vice president, commercial, at Pharmarack.

Fortis Hospital in Mulund suburb in Mumbai has seen an increase in respiratory illness since October. “Typically, this is the time when the climate is conducive to viral infections. Adding to this, poor air quality makes the situation apt for illnesses,” said Anita Mathew, director- internal medicine at Fortis Hospital Mulund. “The brunt is borne mostly by those with chronic respiratory conditions such as COPD, asthma, ILD, and chronic smokers,” she added.

Doctors advise wearing masks as many patients are suffering from prolonged cough, lasting 15-20 days.

“Despite lacking complete febrile symptoms and being non-infectious, the cough appears to have an allergic component, potentially linked to poor air quality,” said Paritosh Baghel, senior consultant – internal medicine at SL Raheja Hospital Mahim. “To prevent this, it would be advisable to avoid dusty environments. Wearing a mask or cloth mask is recommended in such conditions.”