Respiratory Diseases from Delhi Air Pollution: Prevention and Treatment

Introduction - Delhi Air Pollution and How It Affects Health

Living in the capital city of India, the residents of Delhi are no strangers to heavy air pollution. The air you breathe in locations like Greater Kailash, Vasant Kunj, South Delhi is often laden with fine particulates, vehicular emissions, industrial pollutants and dust-creating a cocktail that strains the lungs. For anyone concerned about their respiratory health, understanding how pollution triggers or worsens respiratory disorders is essential.

Today’s data underscores the extent of the problem: the real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) for Delhi shows numbers in the “Severe” or even “Hazardous” category. For example, one monitoring source recorded an AQI of 219 (with PM2.5 at ~143 µg/m³ and PM10 at ~180 µg/m³) for Delhi. Another source showed an AQI reading of 442 just after a major pollution spike, underscoring how bad the situation can get.

When the air is this polluted, your lungs and airways face repeated assault—making you more vulnerable to respiratory disorders such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, COPD, or exacerbation of existing lung disease. If you live or work in Greater Kailash or nearby Delhi neighbourhoods, it’s wise to pay attention, take proactive steps and also know where to seek expert care—for instance, from a Doctor For Respiratory Disorders Treatment in Greater Kailash, Delhi such as Dr Dua.

What Are Respiratory Disorders? Causes, Symptoms & Why Pollution Matters

What counts as a respiratory disorder?

Respiratory disorders refer to any condition that affects the airways (trachea, bronchi), the lungs (alveoli, lung tissue) or the process of getting oxygen into and carbon­dioxide out of your body. They include:

• Asthma (allergic or adult onset)

• Chronic Bronchitis

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

• Allergic Rhinitis (which can trigger lower-airway issues)

• Recurrent lung infections or pneumonia

• Interstitial lung diseases (less common but serious)

How does air pollution cause or worsen these conditions?

The polluted air in Delhi contains high levels of PM2.5 (particles ≤2.5 µm) and PM10, both of which can penetrate deeply into your lungs. For example, real-time PM2.5 readings in Delhi have been over 140 µg/m³ when the WHO annual guideline is 5 µg/m³. This exposure causes:

• Irritation and inflammation of the airways → making them more reactive, wheezy or constricted.

• Reduced lung function over time, especially in children, elderly or those with prior lung disease.

• Increased frequency of respiratory infections.

• Triggering of asthma attacks or flare-ups of bronchitis/COPD.

• For healthy individuals, repeated exposure may lay the groundwork for lung function decline.

Who is especially at risk?

• Children (their lungs are still developing)

• Elderly people (with reduced lung reserve)

• People with existing lung/heart disease

• Smokers or former smokers

• People working or commuting outdoors in high-pollution zones

• Residents of Delhi/NCR including areas like Greater Kailash where local pollution adds to broader urban pollution burdens

Symptoms to Watch Out For – When to Consult a Specialist

If you live in Greater Kailash or nearby Delhi regions and notice any of the following, it’s time to get evaluated:

• Persistent cough, especially lasting more than 3–4 weeks

• Shortness of breath on exertion (walking, climbing stairs)

• Wheezing or a whistling sound when breathing

• Chest tightness or discomfort

• Frequent colds or lung infections, slow recovery

• New or worsening breathlessness, especially on days with poor air quality

If you experience these, consulting a specialist like Dr Sharwari Dabhade Dua-who focuses on respiratory disorders in Greater Kailash-can help you get proper diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan.

Treatment & Prevention – Role of a Doctor in Greater Kailash

Finding the right doctor

In places like Greater Kailash, you’ll want a physician experienced in treating lung/airway disorders—someone who understands the unique pollution-related triggers in Delhi. Dr Sharwari Dabhade Dua is positioned as one such consultant who offers evaluation, diagnostics, management and follow-up for respiratory disorders.

What happens during a specialist consultation?

• Detailed history: symptoms, triggers, exposure to pollution/smoke/allergens

• Physical exam + possibly lung function tests (spirometry)

• Imaging or referrals if needed

• Personalized treatment plan (medication + lifestyle changes)

• Follow-up reviews and monitoring

Prevention & lifestyle tweaks

• Monitor air quality (apps or websites) and limit outdoor activity when AQI is “Poor” or “Severe”.

• Use good quality masks (e.g., N95) when going out in high-pollution conditions.

• Indoor air quality: Use air purifiers, keep windows closed when outdoor air is bad, avoid indoor smoking or dusty environment.

• Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke.

• Stay current with lung-protective vaccinations (flu, pneumonia) especially if you have lung disease.

• Maintain a healthy weight, exercise in cleaner air or indoors on bad days, and stay hydrated.

• Recognize triggers (allergens, dust, cold air, pollution spikes) and minimise them.

Recent AQI Data of Delhi to Keep in Mind

• On 25 Oct 2025, Delhi’s AQI was reported as 219 (Severe) with PM2.5 around 143 µg/m³ and PM10 at ~180 µg/m³.

• On another recent reading, AQI reached 442, near “Hazardous” levels following pollution events.

• One source shows real-time readings where PM2.5 were 177 µg/m³ and PM10 224 µg/m³ in New Delhi.These numbers indicate that air quality in Delhi remains a serious threat to respiratory health-and underscores the need for preventive action and expert care.

Why Consulting Dr Sharwari Dabhade Dua Makes Sense

As you seek a Doctor For Respiratory Disorders Treatment in Greater Kailash, Delhi, here are reasons why Dr Dua is a strong choice:

• She understands the environmental context of Delhi-NCR and how air pollution triggers lung/airway issues.

• Her clinic offers the necessary diagnostics and follow-up care for chronic respiratory disorders.

• She emphasizes both treatment and prevention-addressing not only symptoms but lifestyle, exposure and long-term lung health.

• Being located in Greater Kailash, the clinic is accessible for residents in south/central Delhi.

Conclusion – Take Action for Your Respiratory Health Now

Respiratory disorders in a city like Delhi are not just a minor inconvenience—they can have serious implications for your quality of life and long-term lung health. With air pollution levels frequently in the “Severe” or “Hazardous” range, proactive prevention and timely expert intervention matter.

If you reside around Greater Kailash or Delhi NCR and experience breathing issues, don’t wait. Consult a specialist such as Dr Sharwari Dabhade Dua for diagnosis, treatment and guidance tailored to your situation. Breathe better, live better-with the right care and awareness.