With the onset of the monsoon, the changing weather in the city has altered the air quality. Due to this transition, difficulties for asthma and allergy patients in the capital have escalated severely, resulting in a doubling of such patient footfalls across public hospitals. City doctors have advised respiratory patients to remain extra vigilant due to heavy moisture, fungus, and active pollen grains in the air this season. High moisture and pollen grains are main causes: When ‘The Hitavada’ team spoke to Dr Lalit Kumar, Head of the Department (HoD) of Pulmonary Medicine at BMHRC, he shared that before the arrival of the monsoon, the hospital’s OPD was receiving around 50 to 60 patients daily. However, with the onset of the rains, there has been a massive surge in patients suffering from respiratory issues, asthma, and allergies, and the OPD numbers have now doubled to 100 to 110 patients every day. Dr Lalit Kumar further explained that during this season, the moisture level in the air increases excessively, and pollen grains and fungus become highly active. When this moisture and pollen reach the lungs through breathing, it causes sudden inflammation in the airways of allergic and asthmatic patients, leading to severe breathing difficulties. This is the primary reason why patient numbers have doubled. Dr Kumar specifically advised that individuals who are easily affected by allergies must strictly wear a mask when stepping out of their homes or going into dusty and humid environments to prevent these allergens from directly entering their lungs. Additionally, they should maintain personal hygiene and keep a safe distance from individuals suffering from cold, cough, or flu, as viral infections spread rapidly during this season and can instantly trigger asthma.

 

Changing weather enhances troubles for chronic patients: In this regard, Dr Ankit Tomar, Pulmonologist at J P Hospital, stated that as the monsoon progresses, a rapid rise in monsoon-related illnesses, especially asthma, allergies, and upper respiratory tract infections, is being observed in hospital OPDs. He noted that while the OPD earlier recorded around 40 to 50 patients daily, the footfall has now surged to 70 to 80 patients per day with the arrival of the rains. According to Dr Tomar, cases are slightly lower in April and May due to a drop in pollution and other factors. However, the transition from summer to monsoon in June triggers the initial rise in cases, which escalates further in July when the monsoon becomes fully active. Chronic patients with asthma and pre-existing respiratory diseases face the most trouble, as their complications worsen with the heavy air. Precaution and hygiene are extremely vital: Discussing preventive measures, Dr Ankit Tomar advised that since infections spread rapidly during this season, street food and outside dining should be strictly avoided. Stagnant rainwater at various spots makes it difficult for local hotels and vendors to maintain proper hygiene. Therefore, one should not consume outside food without washing or under unhygienic conditions. Apart from this, chronic respiratory patients must continue their medications and inhalers regularly, refill them timely by consulting their doctor, and seek immediate medical advice if their cough or breathing trouble worsens even slightly.

 

Risk of airway inflammation and viral infections: According to physicians, the air becomes heavy during the monsoon, which directly impacts the lungs and causes breathing difficulties. The humidity level shoots past 80% during this season. This excessive moisture leads to the growth of fungus, or ‘mold’, on walls, curtains, and beds. Along with this, cockroaches and microscopic dust particles turn into allergens that enter the lungs through breathing and trigger asthma. Furthermore, pollen grains from several plants mix into the air during this season, causing symptoms like continuous sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy eyes in allergy sufferers. Experts point out that ‘House Dust Mites’ are the biggest cause of year-round allergies. These are microscopic organisms living in bedding that are invisible to the naked eye. They cause the highest number of allergies globally and multiply rapidly during this season because people are unable to dry clothes and bedding in the sun. Additionally, influenza virus cases spike, while ‘RSV virus’ is highly common among children in this season, causing cough, fever, and inflammation of the airways. Negligence can be costly: Doctors have warned that if symptoms such as continuous sneezing upon waking up in the morning, a runny nose, dry cough, or wheezing in the chest appear, one should get checked by a doctor immediately. Neglecting these symptoms increases the risk of an asthma attack. Doctors clarified that there is absolutely no need to fear inhalers, as they are not habit-forming and remain the safest method to keep asthma under control.