Delhi pulmonologist warns on heavy smog, lists who is most at risk and shares precautions

Speaking to ANI, Dr G C Khilnani, Chairman of the Pushpawati Singhania Research Institute of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, has warned that Delhi’s smog is triggering widespread airway inflammation. Even people without illness are reporting troubling symptoms during severe pollution days. Dr Khilnani told ANI he is seeing two groups. Young people with no past illness are developing persistent cough and throat irritation. Patients with existing heart or lung disease are facing sudden worsening, often needing urgent medical care.

Many otherwise healthy patients complain of cough, sore throat and running nose. Clinical examination appears normal. According to Dr Khilnani, the symptoms stem from irritated airways caused by polluted air, not from infections or seasonal viruses. Patients with asthma, chronic lung disease or heart disease are reaching emergency rooms. They require more nebulisation, higher oxygen support and closer monitoring as polluted air sharply increases breathing difficulty and cardiac stress.

Doctors measure airway inflammation using fractional exhaled nitric oxide testing. Dr Khilnani said ANI that these levels are unusually high during pollution episodes, confirming inflammation inside the airways even when scans and routine tests look normal.

Younger children and elderly people are the worst affected. Dr Khilnani explained to ANI that their lungs cope poorly with polluted air, leading to faster symptom escalation and longer recovery during prolonged smog conditions.

Dr Khilnani clearly stated to ANI that antibiotics have no benefit in pollution related cough or breathlessness. The illness is driven by toxic air causing inflammation, not bacteria, making antibiotic use ineffective and unnecessary.

Doctors advise staying indoors as much as possible during high pollution days. Reducing outdoor exposure lowers inhalation of fine particulate matter that irritates airways and worsens heart and lung conditions.

Dr Khilnani advised people with asthma, heart disease and the elderly to avoid early morning walks when smog is densest. If stepping out is unavoidable, wearing a well fitted N95 or N99 mask is essential.

Air purifiers can help if used correctly. Dr Khilnani told ANI they must run continuously, rooms should remain closed, and filters need regular replacement. Improper use reduces their effectiveness against indoor pollution.​
(With ANI inputs)​
(Disclaimer: This story is strictly for educational purposes only and does not substitute any professional medical advice.)​