Generally seen during Diwali, the rise in particulate matter in the air is leading to many citizens suffering from respiratory troubles that are difficult to cure

This winter, pollution levels have seen a high increase due to rise in particulate matter. These observations, which were shared by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), were also seconded by doctors who have noticed a spike in the number of patients suffering from respiratory troubles.

"The air quality has reached the 'poor' category this winter from the usual 'moderate' category, which is reached generally during Diwali. This was not the situation in the past four to five winters," said Dr Gufran Beig, programme director of System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) at IITM.

The monthly average shows the level of Particulate Matter 10 (PM 10) in October, November and December, 2014, at 89.14 ug/m3, 105.84ug/m3 and 122.95 ug/m3 respectively, as against 54.43ug/m3, 97.83ug/m3 and 114.06 ug/m3 in 2013 — which is recorded generally every winter season.

Particulate Matter is a mixture of solids and liquid droplets suspended in the air which can be harmful for the body. Lower the size of these PM, the more harmful they are to the body.

"The 'poor' category indicates that a sensitive group may experience health effects. Children and adults who are active outdoors and people with respiratory diseases are at a greater risk and everyone may begin to experience some level of discomfort," said Neha Parkhi, senior program officer in SAFAR.

The reason behind rise in pollution, along with an increase in number of vehicles and low temperatures is a calmer wind. When the temperature is low and the winds are flowing with lower speed, the pollution gets trapped close to the ground. In case the wind is blowing hard, the pollutants get dispersed from the air. Adding to this, pollutants from burning of leaves, wood and, at times, even tires at the outskirts, get carried by the air.

Doctors, too, have observed a spike in case of respiratory diseases. "We must have observed a rise in patients by almost 30 per cent. The response to the medication is also poor and we have to switch to steroids more often," said Dr Mahavir Modi, consultant pulmonologist at Ruby Hall Clinic.

Dr Monica Barne, from Chest research foundation, echoed his sentiments. "Even controlled asthmatic patients are going out of control. This is affecting adults and children alike. We have to even step up the treatment and give higher dose to patients."