Ex AIIMS director Guleria warns against toxic Delhi air, says it can cause heart and lung disease: What to do

Delhi’s air has turned into a silent enemy. Former AIIMS Director 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 too

Polluted 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 enough

Despite 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 of stubble 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 elderly

Children 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 safer

Preventing exposure entirely isn’t possible, but reducing it helps.

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.