On Wednesday, several health experts stated that the number of respiratory illnesses has increased by 30% in the new year. They pointed out that many patients are being admitted to the ICU because of low oxygen levels in the blood and respiratory distress due to excessive pollution.

They stated that the rising air pollution and worsening of the Air Quality Index, which further deteriorated after Diwali, along with this cold weather, have badly affected the conditions of people suffering from old respiratory illnesses. Dr. Manoj Goel, Director of Pulmonology at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, stated that they are observing a significant increase in several respiratory diseases like bronchitis, chest infections, pneumonia, asthma, and COPD exacerbations. He stated that the majority of patients reported coughing, breathing difficulties, chest pain, and blood in their sputum to hospitals.

On the other hand, Dr. Mayank Saxena, Senior Consultant and Unit Head of Pulmonology at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali, stated that in most cases, patients require ICU admission. He explained that respiratory illnesses increase during the winter season due to air pollutants settling down in the atmosphere. This is also associated with the increased number of bacteria and viruses in the environment. 

(Source: https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=1036305 )