Ludhiana, Nov. 4 -- A district health officer has reported an increase in respiratory complaints and cardiac complications as air quality in the city deteriorates. Civil hospital pulmonologist Dr Ashish Chawla said that patients with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and existing heart conditions are particularly vulnerable to prolonged exposure to polluted air. Specialists have also reported more complaints of breathlessness, persistent cough, throat irritation and worsening cardiac symptoms during this period.

The decline in air quality has been particularly sharp over the past few weeks, coinciding with the paddy harvesting and stubble burning season.

According to Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) data, the Air...