Archive · 13 Dec 2025
Smog Season Worsens Woes of ILD Patients
In Delhi, many people have a lung disease called Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD).
During the smog season in winter, their symptoms get much worse.
Doctors at AIIMS see more patients with breathing problems, coughing, and fatigue.
Some patients' lung capacity is reduced to 50%.
Pollution makes their condition worse, and it's hard to treat.
Doctors are studying how pollution affects ILD.
They advise patients to stay indoors to avoid getting sick.
AIIMS in Delhi sees a surge in ILD patients during smog season, with up to 60 patients on some Fridays.
Common symptoms include persistent cough, breathing difficulties, and fatigue, with some patients' lung capacity reduced to 50%.
Pollution inflames airways, increases infection susceptibility, and exacerbates ILD conditions.
AIIMS is conducting a study to examine the link between ILD and air pollution.
ILD exacerbations have a high mortality rate of 50–60%, and treatment is difficult and often ineffective.
- Who
- Patients with Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) at AIIMS, Delhi
- What
- Worsening of symptoms due to smog season
- When
- Winter months, particularly from November to March
- Where
- AIIMS, Delhi, and other regions with high pollution
- Why
- Pollution inflames airways, increases susceptibility to infections, and exacerbates ILD conditions
- ILD Clinic
- AIIMS, Delhi
- Patients
- 60 (on a Friday in smog season)
- Common Symptoms
- Persistent cough, breathing difficulties, fatigue
- Lung Capacity
- Down to 50% in some patients
- Study
- AIIMS to examine ILD and air pollution link
- Mortality Rate
- 50–60% in ILD exacerbations
- Treatment
- Immunosuppressive drugs, oxygen support, ventilator support
- Advice
- Stay indoors to avoid infections