• 40% increase in nasal and respiratory-related issues when compared to pre-Diwali this year
• Approximately 90% increase vis a vis last year (2021) in post-Diwali ENT infections due to the adoption of online consultations

 Festive season in India starting from Diwali while bringing cheer into the lives of Indians also brings a fair share of respiratory and ENT-related diseases. Every year, many cities across north India become a living nightmare, especially for people vulnerable to respiratory diseases with the onset of festive celebrations and the winter season. As per Pristyn Care Data labs and Lybrate which is Pristyn Care’s primary consultation platform, there has been an increase of 40% in patients reporting ailments like cold, congestion, sore throat, etc., post-Diwali this year. In addition, the data has also revealed an approx 90% increase in ENT-related queries vis a vis last year post-Diwali. The primary reason for the rise in patient queries is due to the adoption of online primary consulting platforms during COVID-19. People across age groups are now comfortable in teleconsulting physicians, order medicines and book diagnostic tests with the ease of sitting at home.

This year Delhi, Gurgaon, and Noida recorded air quality in the ‘very poor’ category with an AQI of 312, 322 and 305, respectively. High pollution levels and smog triggered asthma attacks among patients and caused acute respiratory distress among children with underdeveloped lungs. Commenting on the findings, Dr. Neeraj Agarwal – MBBS, MS-ENT at Pristyn Care said, “A common side effect of short-term exposure to very high levels of smog and pollution (over the Diwali festive days) is chest burning, eye irritation, cough and wheezing. While everybody is at risk, the elderly and children are particularly vulnerable. The increasing number of patients complaining of ENT infections is alarming, and many institutes and hospitals are also conducting studies on long-COVID symptoms. Long COVID sufferers are stating issues such as sore throat, nasal congestion and problems related to their sense of smell which also tends to get worse due to smog and pollution caused during Diwali. Anyone suffering from ongoing ENT issues should see a specialist.”