Each winter, the capital sinks under a thick blanket of smog, but doctors say this year’s air has turned even more toxic. Former AIIMS Director and leading pulmonologist Dr. Randeep Guleria has warned that the city is facing a public health emergency, one that is steadily damaging the lungs, hearts, and even the minds of its residents.
According to Dr. Guleria, hospitals are witnessing a sharp surge in patients with respiratory distress—breathing difficulties, severe cough, and worsening of chronic lung diseases such as asthma and COPD.
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“We are seeing a 15 to 20 percent increase in respiratory cases every time the air quality index deteriorates,” he said. “The rise typically appears four to six days after pollution spikes.”
What is most worrying, he added, is that even young, otherwise healthy people are now showing symp
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