Gurugram's Alarming Air Quality Triggers a Spike in Respiratory Illnesses

Gurugram's deteriorating air quality has sparked a significant health crisis, with city hospitals reporting a concerning surge in respiratory cases. As the Air Quality Index (AQI) plummets, doctors are witnessing a 12-23% increase in patients suffering from various lung-related ailments, raising serious alarms across the healthcare sector.

Healthcare providers across multiple prominent hospitals in Gurugram, including Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Artemis Hospital, and Medanta - The Medicity, confirm this unsettling trend.

The influx of patients includes individuals of all age groups, from young children to the elderly, presenting with symptoms ranging from persistent coughs and shortness of breath to severe exacerbations of chronic conditions.

Common conditions being diagnosed include acute bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma attacks, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) flare-ups, and severe allergic rhinitis.

Experts attribute this spike directly to the high concentration of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and other pollutants in the ambient air, a problem that intensifies during the winter months due to factors like stubble burning, vehicular emissions, construction dust, and industrial pollution. These microscopic particles penetrate deep into the lungs, causing inflammation, irritation, and aggravating pre-existing respiratory conditions.

Dr.

Rakesh Gupta, a pulmonologist at a leading Gurugram hospital, highlighted the severity: "We are seeing patients who have never had respiratory issues before developing persistent coughs and breathlessness. For those with chronic conditions like asthma or COPD, the current air quality is a grave threat, leading to frequent hospitalizations and a significant drop in their quality of life." Another physician noted a noticeable increase in Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTIs) and an alarming rise in paediatric respiratory complaints.

Medical professionals are urging residents to take proactive measures to protect themselves.

Recommendations include staying indoors as much as possible, especially during peak pollution hours, wearing N95 masks when venturing outside, using air purifiers at home, and ensuring adequate hydration. Individuals with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions are advised to strictly adhere to their medication regimens and consult a doctor immediately if symptoms worsen.

The current situation underscores the urgent need for long-term strategies to combat air pollution in Gurugram, protecting its citizens from this invisible health menace that threatens to overwhelm the healthcare infrastructure if left unchecked.