Rising pollution and poor awareness worsening asthma burden in India: Experts

India’s worsening air quality, rising pollution levels and changing weather patterns are contributing to a growing asthma burden, with doctors warning that delayed treatment, poor awareness and fear around inhaler use are making the condition harder to manage.

Pulmonologists across the country say asthma cases are increasing among both adults and children, especially in urban centres where exposure to dust, smoke and environmental pollutants remains high. According to experts, many patients continue to ignore early symptoms or stop treatment once they feel better, leading to repeated flare-ups and long-term complications.

It has once again drawn attention to the urgent need for early diagnosis, regular treatment and improved access to anti-inflammatory inhalers. This year’s theme focuses on ensuring wider access to asthma medication and long-term care.

Dr Rajani Surendar Bhat, Consultant Pulmonologist at SPARSH Hospital (Bengaluru) said nearly 3.5 crore people in India are estimated to be living with asthma. She noted that worsening air quality over the years has significantly contributed to respiratory illnesses.

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“Asthma symptoms may appear differently in different people. Some experience wheezing and chest tightness, while others only develop persistent coughing, tiredness or breathlessness after exposure to triggers like smoke, cold weather or strong perfumes,” she said.

Doctors say seasonal changes remain one of the biggest yet often ignored asthma triggers. Dr Amir Nadeem, Consultant in Pulmonology at Regency Hospital in Gorakhpur, said winter smog, humidity, mould and sudden weather changes frequently worsen airway inflammation.

He added that smoking and second-hand smoke exposure remain major risk factors that make asthma more difficult to control. Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menstruation and menopause can also influence symptoms in women.

“Asthma is manageable when patients understand their triggers, follow treatment consistently and do not discontinue medicines once symptoms improve,” Dr Nadeem said.

Experts warned that many patients still rely on medication only during severe attacks instead of maintaining regular control therapy. Frequent use of rescue inhalers, repeated coughing and worsening symptoms during winter or monsoon seasons should prompt medical consultation, doctors said.

Respiratory specialists also highlighted the role of genetics in increasing susceptibility to asthma. Dr Animesh Arya, Director of Respiratory Medicine at Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute (Delhi) said a family history of asthma or allergies can raise the likelihood of developing the condition, though genes alone are not responsible.

“Environmental triggers such as air pollution, dust, pollen, smoke, mould and poor indoor air quality often determine when symptoms appear in genetically vulnerable individuals,” he said.

He urged families to watch for warning signs in children, including recurrent coughing, wheezing, breathlessness during play, disturbed sleep and frequent respiratory infections.

Doctors say childhood asthma is becoming increasingly common in Indian cities due to pollution exposure and delayed medical intervention. Dr Pritpal Kaur, Senior Consultant in Pulmonology at Apollo Spectra Hospital (Delhi) said myths surrounding inhalers continue to prevent timely treatment.

“Many parents wrongly believe inhalers are addictive, but they are among the safest and most effective methods to control asthma when used properly,” she said.

According to Dr Kaur, untreated asthma can affect children’s sleep, school performance and physical growth. She advised parents to seek medical evaluation if children tire easily, develop repeated chest congestion or struggle to explain breathing discomfort.

Experts stressed that asthma should not prevent children from participating in sports or regular activities if managed correctly through diagnosis, medication and follow-up care.

Doctors also pointed to newer treatment options for severe asthma, including biologic injections that can help reduce repeated attacks in patients who do not respond well to standard inhalers.

Despite advances in treatment, pulmonologists say stigma around asthma still persists, with many patients avoiding diagnosis or referring to the condition using alternative terms such as “allergic bronchitis” or “wheezing problem”.

Health experts recommend preventive steps such as avoiding smoke exposure, using masks in crowded or polluted areas, staying physically active, taking flu and pneumonia vaccinations and following prescribed inhaler routines consistently.

They emphasised that asthma is not just an emergency condition requiring treatment during attacks, but a chronic disease that needs continuous monitoring, awareness and long-term management.