Delhi-NCR News: A sudden change in weather, accompanied by rain and cold winds, has raised concerns over seasonal illnesses across Delhi-NCR. Hospitals in East Delhi are seeing more patients with coughs,
colds, viral fever, and respiratory complaints, while dengue remains a concern after rainfall and the possibility of stagnant water.
Doctors are urging residents to take extra precautions, particularly children, older people and those with existing health conditions. The warning comes as severe air pollution is placing additional strain on the respiratory system, with medical experts cautioning that even otherwise healthy people can experience breathing difficulties when air quality deteriorates.
East Delhi Hospitals See More Patients With Seasonal Illnesses
According to a report in Amar Ujala, hospitals in East Delhi, including Guru Teg Bahadur (GTB) Hospital, Swami Dayanand Hospital, Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital and Jag Pravesh Chandra Hospital, are reporting an increase in patients with seasonal health complaints. These include coughs, colds, viral fever, bronchitis and asthma-related problems. Dengue infection is also a concern, particularly after rain, which can leave stagnant water in and around residential areas and create conditions for mosquito breeding.
According to Dr Praveen Kumar, Additional Medical Superintendent at GTB Hospital, a sudden fall in temperature can make it difficult for the body to adjust to changing weather conditions. Children, older people and those with pre-existing medical conditions are particularly vulnerable.
People living with diabetes, high blood pressure and respiratory illnesses have been advised to remain cautious. Cold and humid conditions can aggravate allergies, asthma and bronchitis. Patients with these conditions should continue taking prescribed medicines and seek medical advice if their symptoms become worse.
Dengue Prevention: Remove Stagnant Water After Rain
Alongside respiratory infections, residents have been advised not to overlook dengue prevention. Rainwater collected in containers and other places around homes can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Coolers, flower pots, water tanks and other areas where water can collect should be checked and cleaned regularly. Residents should avoid allowing water to stagnate around their homes. Wearing full-sleeved clothing and using mosquito nets can also help reduce exposure to mosquito bites.
Severe Air Pollution Adds To Respiratory Health Concerns
The seasonal health warning coincides with poor air quality across the region. Dr Randeep Guleria, Chairman of the Institute of Internal Medicine, Respiratory and Sleep Medicine at Medanta, Gurugram, has warned that air quality in the severe and very severe categories poses a significant health challenge.
He said hospitals typically see more emergency visits during periods of severe pollution, particularly from people experiencing breathing difficulties and persistent coughs. Some patients require admission to hospital wards or intensive care units.
The impact is not limited to people with existing illnesses. Dr Guleria said even otherwise healthy individuals can experience chest tightness, breathlessness, watery eyes and coughing when pollution levels are high.
#WATCH | Delhi: On air pollution, Chairman, Institute of Internal Medicine, Respiratory & Sleep Medicine, Medanta Gurugram, Dr Randeep Guleria, says, “The AQI has now reached the severe or very severe range, which is very troublesome and poses a major challenge, especially for people with chronic respiratory problems, chronic heart disease, young children, and the elderly. Every year, when the AQI hits the severe range, we see an increase in the number of patients coming to the emergency with breathing difficulties and coughs, many of whom have to be admitted to the ward or ICU…with the AQI being so bad, it affects not only those with chronic problems, but even normal people start experiencing chest tightness, breathlessness, watering of their eyes, and coughing. For individuals with COPD, asthma, and heart problems, their primary condition worsens because air pollution causes increased inflammation in the lungs and vessels, leading to a worsening of the underlying disease, a drop in oxygen saturation, and increased breathlessness.
He adds, “We look at both emissions and weather factors. The Indo-Gangetic Plain is a landlocked area where, in winter, cold air causes pollution to settle at ground level with low wind velocity, preventing it from moving away, unlike what might happen in coastal areas. Secondly, emissions increase due to factors like stubble burning, increased use of diesel, more vehicles on the road, and crackers…crop burning, crackers, diesel use in generators or other equipment, and construction all need to be looked at, and a multi-pronged approach is required to address all factors leading to high emission rates. Stopping crackers and decreasing crop burning would help in a big way.”
He further adds, “…air pollution is a silent killer—it kills by worsening underlying diseases and other health problems…it decreases your lifespan and leads to stunted lung growth in children, with studies showing that children’s lung functions get impaired if they are exposed to such high levels of poor quality air. To prevent and manage health risks in this situation, I suggest the following measures: take medications regularly: If you are on medication or inhalers, do not miss them, and consult your doctor if your breathlessness increases. Avoid going out: Stay indoors when the AQI is very bad. If you must go out, wear a mask—an N95 mask is the best. Go out only when the sun is out, and it is warm. Keep windows and doors closed. Use air purifiers. Avoid outdoor exercise.”
— ANI (@ANI) November 3, 2026
People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma and heart conditions face additional risks. Exposure to polluted air can increase inflammation in the lungs and blood vessels, worsening existing conditions. It can also contribute to falling oxygen saturation levels and increased breathlessness.
Young children and older people are also among those at greater risk of pollution-related health complications.
Why Does Air Pollution Worsen During Winter?
Explaining the seasonal pattern, Dr Guleria said weather conditions across the Indo-Gangetic Plain contribute to the accumulation of pollutants during winter. The region’s landlocked geography, combined with colder air and low wind speeds, can prevent pollutants from dispersing. As a result, pollution remains concentrated closer to the ground, increasing people’s exposure. Coastal areas may experience better dispersion under different weather conditions.
Weather is only one part of the problem. Emissions from stubble burning, vehicle exhaust, diesel-powered generators and equipment, construction activity and firecrackers also contribute to deteriorating air quality.
Dr Guleria called for a multi-pronged response that addresses the different sources of pollution. He said reducing crop burning and the use of firecrackers could help bring down emissions, but action is also needed on vehicles, diesel use and construction-related pollution.
Air Pollution Is A Long-Term Health Threat, Doctors Warn
Dr Guleria described air pollution as a silent killer because it can worsen existing diseases and contribute to other health problems over time. He also highlighted the potential impact on children’s lung development. He referred to studies indicating that exposure to high levels of air pollution can impair children’s lung function. The effects, therefore, may extend beyond immediate symptoms such as coughing and breathlessness.
People with respiratory and heart conditions should be particularly careful during periods of severe air quality, while families with young children and older members should take steps to reduce exposure.
View of smog / pollution layer over Delhi – NCR
Video from Ashay Srivastava Ji (Delhi – Varanasi flight) https://t.co/pJyNOI8W0v
— Weatherman Shubham (@shubhamtorres09) November 4, 2026
Health Precautions: What Residents Should Do
Doctors have advised residents to follow precautions against both seasonal infections and pollution-related illnesses.
- Continue prescribed medication: People using inhalers or other regular medicines should not skip doses. Those experiencing increased breathlessness should consult their doctor.
- Limit outdoor exposure: Stay indoors when air quality is very poor. If going outside is unavoidable, choose a time when conditions are warmer and wear a well-fitted N95 mask.
- Keep indoor air protected: Keep windows and doors closed during periods of severe pollution. An air purifier may help improve indoor air quality.
- Avoid outdoor exercise: Do not exercise outdoors when pollution levels are high, as physical activity can increase the amount of polluted air inhaled.
- Protect vulnerable family members: Take extra care of children and older people, particularly during cold mornings and evenings.
- Maintain hydration and a nutritious diet: Drink lukewarm water and eat balanced meals to support general health.
- Watch for warning signs: Seek medical attention for a persistent cough, high fever, worsening asthma symptoms or difficulty breathing. Do not self-medicate without medical advice.
- Prevent mosquito breeding: Remove stagnant water and regularly clean coolers, flower pots and water tanks. Use mosquito nets and protective clothing.
Residents have been advised to seek medical assessment promptly if their health deteriorates. Those with chronic respiratory or heart conditions should follow their doctor’s advice and keep their prescribed medicines readily available.
With changing weather, seasonal infections and severe air pollution posing overlapping healthrisks, doctors are urging people across Delhi-NCR to remain alert and avoid delaying treatment when symptoms worsen.
