Air quality in many north Indian cities worsens in winter, when cool air, low wind and smoke from various sources can keep fine particles close to the ground. For people with asthma, COPD or a sensitive airway, these weeks can bring more cough, wheeze and breathlessness.

How polluted air affects the lungs

Fine particles and gases can irritate the airways, trigger asthma flare-ups, worsen COPD symptoms and increase the risk of respiratory infections. Long-term exposure is linked with chronic lung and heart disease. The World Health Organization identifies air pollution as a major risk to health worldwide.

Reducing exposure

  • Check local air-quality readings and limit strenuous outdoor activity when air is poor, especially early morning and late evening in winter.
  • Keep windows closed at the worst times of day and ventilate when air is cleaner.
  • Avoid burning waste, leaves or solid fuels near living areas, and cook with good ventilation.
  • Consider a well-fitting respirator-type mask for unavoidable exposure, and an indoor air purifier if practical.
  • Stay hydrated and keep up with prescribed preventer inhalers.

Have a plan if you have lung disease

  • Keep reliever inhalers accessible and carry them when travelling.
  • Ask your doctor for a written action plan: what to do when symptoms increase, and when to seek help.
  • Ask about vaccinations that reduce the risk of serious respiratory infection.
  • Do not stop or change medicines because of pollution without medical advice.

If cough, wheeze or breathlessness is worse than your usual pattern for more than a few days, or you need the reliever inhaler more often than usual, arrange a review.

Patient sources: WHO — Ambient (outdoor) air quality and health ↗ and WHO — Household air pollution and health ↗

Frequently asked questions

Who is most at risk from polluted air?

Children, older adults, pregnant women and people with asthma, COPD or heart disease are generally more vulnerable, though anyone can be affected.

Do air purifiers help?

A properly sized purifier with a suitable filter can reduce indoor particles in a closed room, but it is a supplement to treatment and trigger avoidance, not a replacement.

This article is general education and does not replace an examination, diagnosis or treatment plan.