Toxic air wreaks havoc in the capital, respiratory illnesses rise, drug sales reach record levels.:diseases like asthma are more common in people over the age of 50. In childhood, the condition is manageable due to higher muscle strength, but muscle strength decreases with age.

News Topical, Digital Desk : Increasing pollution and cold weather in many cities, including Delhi-NCR, have severely impacted people's health. The number of patients suffering from diseases like asthma, bronchitis, and COPD is rapidly increasing, and this is directly impacting pharmaceutical sales. According to a recently published report, respiratory medicine sales surpassed ₹1,950 crore in December 2025, the highest in three years.

Pollution and cold have increased the pharmaceutical business.

According to media reports, sales of respiratory medicines in December 2025 were 10 percent higher than in December 2024 and 18 percent higher than in December 2023. During the peak pollution period between October and December, sales increased by 14 percent compared to 2024 and 8 percent compared to 2023. Anti-asthma and COPD medicines accounted for a large portion of this increase.

The risk increases with age

Speaking to the ABP Live team, Dr. Arun, Senior Consultant in Respiratory Diseases at Artemis Hospitals, explained that asthma is more common in people over the age of 50. In childhood, the condition is manageable due to strong muscle strength, but as age progresses, muscle strength decreases, leading to increased complications. Weakening immunity can worsen the problem due to changing weather, cold, and pollution.

The younger generation is also affected

According to Dr. Arun, a problem previously limited to the elderly is now becoming visible among the younger generation. Smoking habits are increasing among both males and females. This year, pollution levels are high and the cold is also intense, resulting in a 10 to 15 percent increase in respiratory illnesses.

Delhi's air and cigarettes are a dangerous combination

Numerous research and articles have shown that if a person smokes a pack of cigarettes a day, breathing Delhi's air is equivalent to smoking 7 to 8 cigarettes. This means that if the same person smokes a pack of cigarettes and then breathes polluted air, the impact is equivalent to smoking 70 cigarettes, not 17. Lung function declines after age 50, and smoking damages it at twice the rate.

Children, pregnant women and the elderly are the most affected

As with every year, children, pregnant women, and senior citizens have been most affected. A new finding this year is the rapid increase in the number of young people presenting to hospitals with respiratory problems.

Doctors' advice for asthma patients

According to doctors, people with asthma should avoid cold and polluted areas for 3 to 4 months during the winter. Moving to relatively clean and warm areas like Goa, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad is beneficial. Those who cannot go outside for long periods of time are advised to wear a mask regularly, exercise at home, and engage in light physical activity in a park between 4 and 5 pm.

Negligence in diet and medication can be costly.

According to doctors, it's crucial to eat antioxidants like dried fruits, salads, and drink plenty of water. One should avoid gaps in medication, as medical stores close early in the winter, and a sudden deterioration in health at night or in the morning could create an emergency.

There is also a risk of bronchitis, heart attack and stroke

Pollution and cold have led to a sharp increase in cases of bronchitis, which causes inflammation of the airways and increased mucus production. Increased humidity in the air accelerates the spread of viruses, increasing the risk of infection from one person to the entire family. Skin problems, strokes, and heart attacks are also on the rise during this season, as physical activity decreases and blood clots increase.

What do chemists say?

Robin Sharma, owner of the well-known Empire Chemist Shop in Dwarka, says that sales at his 25-year-old shop have increased by nearly 30 percent in 2025 compared to the previous two years. This includes children, young adults, and the elderly. This year, there have been more cases of fever and respiratory problems, and many patients are having to take medication for 15 to 20 days.

These medicines are most in demand

According to Robin Sharma, Actolin, Seroflo, and Aerocot inhalers have seen the highest sales. Demand for Budecort and Dualin Respules, Montek LC, and Acebrohyline has also increased sharply. Not only respiratory medications, but consumption of antibiotics and children's syrups has also seen a significant increase.

Self-medication is dangerous

Both chemists and doctors emphasize that medicines are not candy or chocolate. Taking medication without a doctor's advice can be harmful. Even if the same illness is present, each family member requires different tests and medications. Taking medication for a long time can lead to side effects, so it's important to adhere to the timing and dosage prescribed by your doctor.

Responsibility of both the government and the citizens

Experts say that controlling pollution is not just the government's responsibility, but every citizen's. Planting trees at home, carpooling, reducing the use of non-essential electrical appliances, and encouraging children to plant trees can be small but effective steps. No-combustion zones around schools and hospitals and promoting electric vehicles are the need of the hour.

If your health is not maintained then your earnings are useless.

Doctors' warning is clear: if action isn't taken now, the money we're rushing to earn will be used for treatment. Staying hydrated during winter, visiting parks at appropriate times, and wearing a mask regularly are the best defenses. Ultimately, it's your own precautions and vigilance, more than any medication, that will keep you safe.