Once a week, a quiet transformation occurs at the Outpatient Department (OPD) block of Delhi's Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital. This space becomes the nation's only dedicated clinic confronting the multi-faceted health emergency caused by air pollution, a crisis now proven to extend far beyond the lungs.
From Lungs to Mind: The Expanding Health Crisis
Doctors from various specialties report that what originated as a pulmonology issue has now infiltrated cardiology, ophthalmology, ENT, dermatology, and, alarmingly, psychiatry. Over recent years, clinicians have documented a steady increase in patients suffering from heightened anxiety, sleep disorders, cognitive fog, irritability, and depression—all triggered or exacerbated by prolonged exposure to Delhi's toxic air. Many patients remain unaware that pollution is the invisible root cause of their distress.
Pulmonologist Dr Vijay Singh observes that the clinic attracts patients from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. However, he emphasizes that the lower-income group is the most severely impacted, often unable to afford protective measures like N95 masks despite working in harsh outdoor environments. Most of these patients have pre-existing conditions like COPD or asthma, presenting with straightforward complaints of breathing difficulty.
Adding to the concern, pulmonologist Dr Ishita Kumar notes a growing influx of non-smokers with respiratory problems. Children are increasingly affected, she states, due to a combination of risk factors where pollution plays a major role. Doctors like her anticipate a potential surge in lung cancer cases if pollution levels remain unchecked.
Psychological Distress and Skin Damage Emerge as Key Concerns
One of the most striking patterns at the clinic is the rise in psychological distress. Psychiatrist Dr Lokesh Singh Shekhawat explains that many patients arrive deeply anxious, fearing pollution is damaging their or their children's brains. This preoccupation leads to stress and depression, sometimes requiring psychiatric intervention through counselling, meditation, lifestyle changes, or medication.
He references studies, including a meta-analysis titled "Air Pollution and Mental Health: Associations, Mechanisms and Methods" by researchers from Imperial College London, which suggest pollutants may contribute 30-40% of the burden in neuro-developmental disorders like ADHD and autism. While more research is needed, the trend is worrying, with pollution also linked to increased anger, mood swings, and irritability, especially in children. Pollutants damage the blood-brain barrier, allowing harmful particles to enter and affect cognitive function.
On the dermatology front, Dr Kabir Sardana, head of the department, points to global trend data connecting pollution to acne, sensitive skin, atopic eczema, and premature ageing. Long-term studies from China indicate that skin ageing is driven not just by particulate matter but also by volatile chemicals present in polluted air.
A Call for Integrated Care and Systemic Change
According to Dr Amit Jindal, a consultant in respiratory medicine, the clinic was established to fill a critical gap. It serves as a single point of consultation for respiratory problems accompanied by cardiac, ocular, and psychiatric concerns, often involving patient counselling as part of holistic care. While routine OPDs operate throughout the week, this specialized clinic aims to raise awareness about pollution's ill-effects and protective measures.
Ultimately, the clinic underscores the limitations of Delhi's current healthcare system in tackling a multi-organ, multidisciplinary problem with largely siloed treatments. Experts unanimously stress that Delhi urgently needs multiple centres capable of providing integrated, interdisciplinary pollution care. They also highlight the critical need for long-term, local studies to fully understand and combat the health impacts of India's air quality crisis.
