AQI may look safe but fluctuating air is quietly harming health, warn doctors

While Mumbairsquos air quality index AQI has on average remained in the satisfactory category over the past two weeks mdash with three days recording lsquogoodrsquo air quality mdash experts warn that constant fluctuations since the beginning of the year are quietly impacting public healthMedical experts say this variability is reshaping how the body responds to the environment No longer limited to respiratory allergies erratic AQI is now being linked to a broader range of conditions that often go unnoticed or are misdiagnosedFrom inflamed skin and irritated eyes to sudden breathing difficulties the bodyrsquos defence system is increasingly under stress Experts attribute this to the constant shift between lsquomoderatersquo lsquosatisfactoryrsquo and lsquogoodrsquo air days exposing people to varying pollutant levels and making the immune system more reactive and unpredictableRespiratory impact Where it beginsDr Sajid Shaikh consultant ENT specialist at Saifee HospitallsquoThe very first mechanism of the body that gets affected with environmental change is the respiratory tract While asthma and bronchitis are commonly discussed people often overlook allergic rhinitis That is where it begins If not treated in time it can lead to more serious conditions like asthmarsquoDr Ankit Jain ENT specialist at Apollo SpectralsquoLike the mind the body adapts to a routine When it is forced to adjust to changing AQI levels daily it becomes exhausted One day the lungs function easily the next day they struggle This constant uneven expansion and contraction puts pressure on the lungsrsquoEye impact Why symptoms are confusingldquoEyes are highly reactive to environmental changesrdquo said Dr Sunil Morekar ophthalmologist at Lilavati HospitalldquoWhen AQI fluctuates dryness of mucus and changes in blood flow cause the eyes to become dry Ironically this leads to excessive watering which confuses patientsrdquoHe added that reduced nasal mucus affects the eyersquos ability to retain moisture making them more vulnerable to allergens Frequent touching or rubbing further increases the risk of infectionSkin impact The invisible damageldquoOver the years I have seen more patients with skin problems such as sensitivity rashes and itching Many also experience flareups of eczema despite no change in skincare routinerdquo said Dr Sonali Kohli senior consultant dermatology Sir HN Reliance Foundation HospitalldquoThe common factor is fluctuating AQI The skin acts as a protective barrier but frequent changes do not allow it to adjust Pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide remain on the skin longer triggering allergiesrdquoExplained How pollution affects the skingtgt Oxidative stress Free radicals damage skin cells and collagengtgt Inflammation Causes redness itching and irritationgtgt Barrier dysfunction Leads to moisture loss dryness and sensitivityWhen the skin barrier weakens allergens can penetrate more easily This often results in reactions to products that were previously well toleratedCommon symptomsgtgt Sudden itching or burning sensationsgtgt Red patches on the skingtgt Increased sensitivitygtgt Breakouts or congestionEye careDos and donrsquotsgtgt Wear protective glasses outdoorsgtgt Avoid rubbing eyes rinse with clean water insteadgtgt Do not ignore persistent watering beyond a daygtgt Avoid touching eyes unnecessarilySkin careWhat to dogtgt Use a gentle cleanser to remove pollutantsgtgt Apply a moisturiser with ceramides and fatty acidsgtgt Use antioxidants such as vitamin Cgtgt Avoid overexfoliationgtgt Apply sunscreen dailyMumbai AQI trend Jan 1 to April 8 2026 CPCB49 days Moderate45 days Satisfactory3 days GoodKnow your AQIGood 050 Dark greenSatisfactory 51100 Light greenModerate 101200 YellowPoor 201300 OrangeVery poor 301400 RedSevere 400 Dark red