Medical experts and practitioners have sounded the alarm at the rising levels of air pollution in Delhi as previously healthy children started developing asthma-like symptoms. 

Furthermore, hospitals in the NCR (National capital region) have reported an increase in the number of patient visits owing to COPD and Asthma issues following Delhi’s poor AQI. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) on Tuesday was 403, in the severe category. 

Dr Karan Madan, associate professor, department of pulmonary medicine, AIIMS, said that the high levels of pollution are prolonging symptoms of normal viral infections or the common cold.