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Health
Cold Wave and Pollution Drive Up Respiratory Cases in Mohali, 70 Patients Daily at OPD
✍️ Amar Ujala · Mohali
🗓 14 Nov 2026, 02:38 AM
👁 21
A surge in respiratory ailments linked to cold weather and air pollution has led Mohali’s outpatient department to treat about 70 patients each day.
Mohali, Punjab, is witnessing a noticeable rise in patients suffering from respiratory problems as a cold spell coincides with high levels of air pollution. Local health officials report that the city’s outpatient department (OPD) is seeing roughly 70 individuals daily who seek treatment for conditions such as asthma, bronchitis and other breathing difficulties.
The increase follows a recent drop in temperature that has intensified the impact of particulate matter and other pollutants in the atmosphere. Medical staff attribute the surge to the combined stress of cold air, which narrows airways, and poor air quality that irritates the respiratory tract.
Authorities have urged residents to adopt protective measures, including wearing masks, limiting outdoor exposure during peak pollution hours, and staying hydrated. The health department continues to monitor air‑quality indices and will issue advisories if conditions worsen.
The OPD’s heightened patient load underscores the broader public‑health challenge of managing seasonal respiratory illnesses in urban centres where pollution remains a persistent concern.
The increase follows a recent drop in temperature that has intensified the impact of particulate matter and other pollutants in the atmosphere. Medical staff attribute the surge to the combined stress of cold air, which narrows airways, and poor air quality that irritates the respiratory tract.
Authorities have urged residents to adopt protective measures, including wearing masks, limiting outdoor exposure during peak pollution hours, and staying hydrated. The health department continues to monitor air‑quality indices and will issue advisories if conditions worsen.
The OPD’s heightened patient load underscores the broader public‑health challenge of managing seasonal respiratory illnesses in urban centres where pollution remains a persistent concern.