India, Nov. 9 -- Doctors in Noida are reporting a rise in patients complaining of persistent cough, throat irritation, wheezing, breathlessness and allergic reactions, including among people with no previous history of respiratory ailments, as post-Diwali air pollution adds to the respiratory health burden in the city and the wider Delhi-NCR region.

Delhi and neighbouring Noida woke up to toxic air on Monday, a day after Diwali, as firecracker emissions added to the national capital's already poor air quality. Around 80% of operational monitoring stations recorded 'severe' air quality between 10pm on Diwali and 6am the following morning, HT had reported earlier. As of the latest 9pm update, Noida's air quality index (AQI) stood at 327, p...