Delhi's Air Pollution Crisis: A Silent Enemy Threatens Health

Delhi’s air has turned into a silent enemy. FormerAIIMSDirector Dr Randeep Guleria has warned that the current levels of pollution are not just aggravating asthma and COPD but are also beginning to trouble people who have never faced breathing problems before.The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has dipped deep into the poor and very poor zones, making every breath a burden.Healthy people are reporting chest tightness, sore throat, nasal irritation, and coughing. Doctors explain that inhaling polluted air leads to inflammation and narrowing of the airways, which limits oxygen intake even in normal lungs. This means the body has to work harder to breathe, a strain that the lungs are not designed to handle daily.The heart feels it tooPolluted air doesn’t stop at the lungs. Fine particles, called PM2.5, are small enough to travel from the lungs into the bloodstream. Once there, they can trigger inflammation in blood vessels, raising the risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks, and irregular heartbeat.For people with pre-existing heart conditions, this can be dangerous. Even a few days of exposure to very poor AQI can cause increased heart rate, chest discomfort, and shortness of breath.Over time, chronic exposure can weaken the heart’s ability to pump efficiently.Why even ‘green crackers’ aren’t green enoughDespite restrictions, the use of firecrackers during festive days has worsened Delhi’s pollution. Dr Guleria told ANI that even so-called ‘green crackers’ release fine dust and toxic gases like sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide, which linger in the air. These gases mix with moisture to form smog, reducing visibility and further straining the lungs.Experts believe the combination ofstubble burning, vehicle emissions, and festival smoke turns Delhi’s air into a chemical cocktail that damages the respiratory lining with every breath.The toll on children and the elderlyChildren breathe faster than adults, which means they inhale more pollutants per minute. Their developing lungs are more sensitive, and long exposure can slow lung growth and increase the risk of asthma later in life.The elderly, especially those with heart disease, diabetes, or lung conditions, are also more likely to face breathing distress, fatigue, and coughing spells. Dr Guleria advised that outdoor activities for children should be limited to the afternoon, when pollution levels are relatively lower.How to breathe a little saferPreventing exposure entirely isn’t possible, but reducing it helps.Wearing N95 masks when stepping outside.Avoiding early morning and late evening walks, when pollution levels peak.Staying hydrated and eating foods rich in antioxidants like fresh fruits and vegetables.Usingair purifiersindoors and keeping windows shut during high-smog hours.Even these simple steps can cut daily exposure significantly and protect the lungs from long-term damage.Disclaimer: This article is based on statements made by Former AIIMS Director Dr Randeep Guleria, as reported by ANI. It is intended for informational purposes only and should not replace medical advice. Individuals experiencing breathing difficulty, chest pain, or persistent cough should seek professional medical evaluation.