Rajeev Choudhury

Doctors in Delhi admit that respiratory tract infections (RTI) have increased in 2021 compared to 2020, but the situation has not reached alarming proportions as yet, they felt.

The cases of RTIs have seen a spike post-Diwali this year, however when compared to the long term average, the numbers are not significant, they said.

Dr S K Basu, who runs a private clinic in East Delhi said, “There have been more patients of RTI this year, but they conform to long term average trend.”

The city hospitals have recently seen a spike in patients complaining of breathlessness mostly among those who have predisposing conditions like COPD, he admitted.

“The issue of dust pollution in the city is not getting proper attention, but it needs to be addressed urgently,” he added.

A study by IIT Kanpur in 2016 revealed that road dust alone contributes to 56% of the total pollution in the city.

“We need to think about innovative solutions to address the problem of air pollution in the city,” he said.

The habit of mask usage, made compulsory during the pandemic has indeed helped in reducing the risk of respiratory infection, he pointed out.

Though guidelines for reducing dust pollution are in place, the implementation at ground level remains poor the experts say.

While speaking to the media, Dr Suresh Kumar, Medical Director, Lok Nayak Hospital, Delhi, that after Delhi, around 10-15% patients were admitted at the hospital.

“Every day, four to five children are admitted with allergies, asthma and breathing problems,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court of India has suggested to the government to consider imposing a lockdown in the city for 2 days to curb pollution.