In the coming days, there is a risk of deteriorating air quality in many regions of the country, including Delhi and NCR. Under such conditions, the population often complains of coughs, throat irritation, and difficulty breathing. In some cases, the cough becomes very severe and worsens during sleep at night. Specialists explain the reasons for this condition and offer advice on prevention.
Dr. Vivek Nangia, head of the pulmonology department at Max Hospital in Saket, told Aajtak.in that the problem of coughing significantly worsens during pollution. This happens because fine pollutant particles present in the air enter the body along with inhaled air and reach the lungs. This leads to inflammation and pain in the respiratory tract. The body reacts to these pollutants by trying to expel them, which causes coughing; however, if there is a large number of particles, the cough persists.
According to Dr. Vivek, the cough intensifies at night during sleep. When lying down, mucus from the nose and throat can drip backward, triggering a cough. Furthermore, some people suffer from acid reflux during sleep, when acid rises into the esophagus, causing coughing. Thus, the cause of nighttime coughing is not only pollution but also a possible exacerbation of previously existing respiratory problems due to poor air quality.
People suffering from asthma, allergies, COPD, or having other respiratory diseases should be extra vigilant during pollution. Children and the elderly should also exercise special caution when the air quality is poor. If the cough in these groups lasts for a long time, it can be dangerous. They need to take special precautions during changing seasons, not neglect treatment when symptoms appear, and strictly adhere to the prescribed medication schedule.
During periods of high pollution levels, it is recommended to reduce outdoor activities. It is also important to minimize dust and smoke inside the home. If you need to go outside, you should wear a mask. Finally, it is necessary to take all prescribed medications on time.