Every winter, cities across India face a familiar haze — a dense, grey layer of smog that dims the skyline and fills the air with pollutants. This phenomenon, caused by pollution, stubble burning, and stagnant weather, pushes the Air Quality Index (AQI) into the “poor” and “severe” categories.
Recent research has made one thing very clear: air pollution is not just an environmental problem — it’s a serious public health issue. Long-term exposure to polluted air is now among the top risk factors for chronic diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart attacks, etc. Knowing what a rising AQI really means for your body can help you take preventive measures and make smarter health choices.
Understanding Air Quality Index (AQI)
A worsening AQI indicates that the level of harmful pollutants — including PM2.5, PM10, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), ozone (O3), and carbon monoxide (CO) — is rising in the air. Among these, PM2.5 (fine particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns) is the most dangerous because it can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream.
The AQI is a scale used to measure air pollution levels. The higher the AQI, the more polluted the air.
AQI Range | Air Quality Level | Health Impact |
0 – 50 | Good | Minimal impact |
51 – 100 | Satisfactory | Acceptable, but may affect sensitive groups |
101 – 200 | Moderate | May cause discomfort in children, the elderly, and heart/lung patients |
201 – 300 | Poor | Breathing discomfort and health effects for sensitive groups |
301 – 400 | Very Poor | Respiratory symptoms in most people, reduced exercise tolerance |
401 – 500 | Severe | Serious health effects even on healthy individuals |
How Poor AQI Affects Lung Health?
The lungs are the first organs to suffer from poor air quality. Each breath you take in polluted air introduces tiny toxins directly into your respiratory system.
1. Inflammation and Airway Damage
When you breathe in polluted air, tiny particles irritate the inner lining of your airways, causing inflammation. Over time, this ongoing irritation thickens the walls of your airways, making it harder to breathe. This is a key factor behind conditions like bronchitis and asthma.
2. Reduced Lung Capacity
Studies indicate that long-term exposure to air pollution can decrease lung function—especially in children, adolescents, and older adults. Those exposed to poor air quality for years may develop Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), which leads to a persistent cough, mucus buildup, and shortness of breath.
3. Increased Respiratory Infections
Polluted air weakens the natural defense system of the lungs, making them more susceptible to infections such as pneumonia and influenza. This is why respiratory infections spike during winter months when pollution peaks.
4. Aggravation of Asthma
Asthma patients experience worsened symptoms during high pollution days. Even a short exposure to high AQI can cause acute asthma attacks, leading to emergency visits and hospital admissions.
5. Risk of Lung Cancer
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), long-term exposure to PM2.5 and diesel exhaust is a known cause of lung cancer. Polluted air contains carcinogenic substances that damage DNA and cause abnormal cell growth.
Impact of Worsening AQI on Heart Health
It’s not just your lungs — air pollution also greatly impacts your heart and blood vessels. In fact, the cardiovascular system may be more affected than the respiratory system due to how pollutants travel through the bloodstream.
1. Fine Particles in the Bloodstream
When PM2.5 particles enter the lungs, they can cross the air-blood barrier and travel throughout the body. These tiny particles trigger inflammation, oxidative stress, and blood vessel damage — all key factors in the development of heart disease.
2. High Blood Pressure and Arterial Damage
Polluted air can cause vasoconstriction, or narrowing of blood vessels, leading to elevated blood pressure. Prolonged exposure increases the risk of atherosclerosis — the buildup of plaque inside arteries — which can eventually lead to heart attacks or strokes.
3. Irregular Heart Rhythms
Certain pollutants can disrupt the electrical activity of the heart, leading to arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat). This can be particularly dangerous for people with pre-existing cardiac conditions or implanted devices like pacemakers.
4. Trigger for Heart Attacks and Strokes
During severe pollution episodes, hospitals often report a spike in cardiac emergencies. Polluted air increases clotting tendency, which can block blood flow to the heart or brain, causing heart attacks or strokes, even in otherwise healthy individuals.
5. Worsening of Existing Heart Conditions
For patients already living with hypertension, coronary artery disease, or heart failure, poor AQI can worsen symptoms. Fatigue, chest pain, and breathlessness often intensify during smog-heavy days.
Who is at the Highest Risk Due to Bad AQI?
While everyone is affected by polluted air, some groups are more vulnerable:
- Children: Their lungs are still developing, and they breathe faster, inhaling more pollutants per body weight.
- Elderly adults: Age-related decline in lung and heart function makes them more susceptible.
- People with chronic diseases: Those with asthma, COPD, diabetes, or heart disease face higher health risks.
- Pregnant women: Exposure to air pollution can affect fetal development and increase the risk of preterm birth.
- Outdoor workers: Traffic police, construction workers, and delivery personnel are continuously exposed to polluted environments.
Common Symptoms Triggered by Poor Air Quality
Exposure to poor air quality is like smoking without a cigarette — it silently damages organs over time. Long-term exposure has been linked to:
- Premature aging of the lungs
- Chronic bronchitis and emphysema
- High blood pressure and coronary artery disease
- Stroke and heart failure
- Cognitive decline and memory problems
- Increased risk of diabetes and cancer
The Global Burden of Disease Study estimates that air pollution contributes to over 6.7 million premature deaths annually — a staggering reminder of its far-reaching impact.
What to Do When Air Quality is Unhealthy - Prevention Tips During High AQI
While you can’t control outdoor pollution, you can take several practical steps to protect yourself and your family when the AQI worsens.
1. Check AQI Levels Regularly
Use reliable apps or websites (like SAFAR or AQICN) to monitor daily air quality in your city. Avoid outdoor activities when AQI is above 200 (“poor” category).
2. Limit Outdoor Exposure
Try to stay indoors during early mornings and late evenings when smog is heaviest. Use indoor air purifiers, especially in bedrooms and living areas.
3. Wear a Mask Outdoors
Use N95 or N99 masks, which can filter fine particulate matter effectively. Regular cloth or surgical masks do not offer adequate protection.
4. Maintain Indoor Air Quality
Avoid smoking, burning candles, or using incense indoors. Use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms, and add indoor plants like snake plant or peace lily to purify air naturally.
5. Strengthen Lung Function
Practice deep breathing or yoga-based pranayama to enhance lung capacity. Regular exercise indoors helps maintain respiratory strength and cardiovascular fitness.
6. Eat a Heart-Healthy, Antioxidant-Rich Diet
Include foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C, and antioxidants — such as walnuts, berries, citrus fruits, spinach, and turmeric — to combat oxidative damage caused by pollution.
7. Stay Hydrated
Drinking enough water helps flush out toxins from the body and keeps mucous membranes moist, reducing irritation.
8. Manage Chronic Conditions
If you have asthma, hypertension, or heart disease, follow your doctor’s advice strictly. Keep emergency medications or inhalers handy during high AQI days.
When to Seek Medical Help and Consult a Doctor?
You should consult a doctor if you experience:
- Persistent cough or breathlessness
- Chest tightness or pain
- Fatigue or dizziness
- Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
- Swelling in the feet or sudden shortness of breath
These may indicate worsening lung or heart function due to pollution exposure. Early evaluation can help prevent serious complications.
How Do Artemis Hospitals Help in AQI-related Illnesses?
At Artemis Hospitals, expert teams of pulmonologists and cardiologists collaborate to effectively diagnose, treat, and manage conditions related to pollution affecting respiratory and cardiac health. The hospital offers comprehensive lung function testing, including spirometry, diffusion studies, and imaging, alongside advanced cardiac screening methods such as ECG, echocardiography, and stress testing. Patients benefit from specialized care tailored to asthma, COPD, and heart disease, as well as preventive health check-up packages designed specifically for individuals living in high-pollution areas. This multidisciplinary approach enables Artemis to assist patients in managing their symptoms. To book an appointment with us, call +91 98004 00498. You can WhatsApp on the same number to stay updated with your appointment details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What AQI level is harmful to the lungs?
An AQI value over 100 is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, like children, the elderly, and those with lung disease. Levels above 150 are harmful to the general population's lung health.
How does poor AQI affect lung health?
Poor AQI, especially from fine particulate matter PM2.5, causes airway inflammation, aggravates conditions like asthma and COPD, and increases the risk of respiratory infections and chronic lung damage.
What AQI level is safe for seniors?
An AQI below 50 (Good) is safest for seniors. Seniors are considered a sensitive group, and even an AQI between 51 and 100 (Moderate) can pose a health concern, requiring limited outdoor exposure.
Can poor air quality lead to heart problems?
Yes, poor air quality can lead to heart problems. Fine particles, PM2.5, enter the bloodstream, which is linked to impaired vascular function, atherosclerosis (plaque buildup), and increased cardiovascular disease risk.
Can bad AQI cause heart attacks or asthma attacks?
Yes, bad AQI can trigger heart attacks and severe asthma attacks. Short-term exposure to high pollution can cause irregular heart rhythms, blood clotting, and acute airway constriction in susceptible individuals.
What symptoms show lung damage from AQI?
Symptoms of lung damage from AQI exposure include persistent cough, wheezing, chest tightness, chronic shortness of breath (dyspnea), and frequent respiratory infections like bronchitis.
Does long-term pollution raise cancer risk?
Yes, long-term pollution raises the lung cancer risk. Prolonged exposure to air pollutants, particularly fine particulate matter, is a known carcinogen, contributing to a significant percentage of non-smoker lung cancer cases.
Which face mask do you recommend during high pollution?
During high pollution, experts recommend using an N95 or certified anti-pollution mask outdoors. These masks are designed to filter out the fine particulate matter, PM2.5, that is most harmful to lung tissue.
Can air purifiers help reduce indoor AQI exposure?
Yes, air purifiers with HEPA technology can significantly reduce indoor AQI exposure by removing up to 99.7% of airborne particulate matter, improving indoor air quality.
When should I see a pulmonologist nearby?
You should see a pulmonologist nearby if you have a persistent cough lasting more than 8 weeks, unexplained or chronic shortness of breath, frequent lung infections, or wheezing, especially after high pollution exposure.
Who is the best cardiologist near me for heart issues caused by bad AQI?
For heart issues caused by bad AQI, you should consult a specialist in the Cardiology department at a leading hospital like Artemis Hospitals, Gurgaon, who can diagnose and manage pollution-related cardiovascular effects.
Does Artemis Hospital treat pollution-related breathing problems?
Yes, Artemis Hospital treats pollution-related breathing problems. The Respiratory/Pulmonology & Sleep Medicine department specializes in diagnosing and managing all acute and chronic conditions like COPD and asthma aggravated by air pollution.
Does Artemis Hospital offer pediatric care for children affected by pollution?
Yes, Artemis Hospital offers pediatric care for children affected by pollution. The Paediatric department provides specialized management for children's health, including treatment for asthma symptoms, wheezing, and breathing difficulties worsened by poor air quality.
Can I get elderly respiratory care at Artemis Hospitals, Gurgaon?
Yes, you can get elderly respiratory care at Artemis Hospitals, Gurgaon. The AGE (Artemis Geriatric Excellence) Care Services and the Pulmonology department provide integrated, specialized care for seniors with age-related or pollution-exacerbated respiratory issues.
