Doctors Warn Winter Smog Is Driving Pneumonia Risk Across Indian Cities

Overview

• Delhi recently hit “severe” air quality with AQI above 400, while Mumbai locations such as Vile Parle topped 230 and Bengaluru and Pune recorded PM2.5 around seven times the WHO guideline.
• Clinicians say pollutants damage airway defenses and inflame lungs, and even small PM2.5 increases have been linked to more than a 6% rise in pneumonia hospital admissions.
• WHO and US CDC guidance highlights pneumococcal and influenza vaccination for adults 50 and older, children under five, people with chronic illnesses, and residents of high‑pollution areas.
• Doctors report that pollution‑related cough and breathlessness can mask or mimic infection, delaying pneumonia diagnosis and pushing the need for earlier evaluation and confirmatory tests.
• Pulmonologists warn against unnecessary antibiotics that fuel antimicrobial resistance and recommend N95 masks, staying indoors during peak pollution hours, air purifiers, and adherence to chronic care plans.