Actor Sayani Gupta raised an alarm about the increasing air pollution in Mumbai, as AQI levels remain in the unhealthy range. Sharing her ordeal, Gupta took to Instagram and said, “Ever since I got back from Goa, I have been unwell. First, it started with the throat. I lost my voice. And now it has gotten into my sinuses. So, it is only increasing by the day. It is affecting work obviously. I have literally not opened my windows because of the AQI and the pollution. The air purifier is on, which I hope helps, but it is pointless.”
The 40-year-old continued, “What I don’t understand is when will these morons understand that building more is making it worse by the day. We are not just covered in cement and dust from the outside, but our lungs are filled with dust. I don’t know what will have to happen and how many people need to die literally from this insane AQI for them to stop cutting trees. They are talking about clearing out the Aravallis. They are clearing out wherever they see a natural reserve. Trees, forests, the first idea is to cut and mine and build.”
The Delhi Crime actor said, “Every building is going under redevelopment. I live in a beautiful building…they are also going under redevelopment when they don’t need to. I don’t understand how so much greed. It’s understandable that builders will have greed; it’s probably part of their DNA, but people who live around them are sure…they can’t breathe. I don’t know if anybody is getting it, if anybody is paying heed, if there will be changes, we keep talking…nothing really happens. It is dire. When will it become important? This is our basic right. Right to breathe.”
Pollution in Mumbai has been a matter of concern (Express Photo by Amit Chakravarty)
Dr Manas Mengar, consultant pulmonologist at KIMS Hospitals, Thane, said that when air quality decreases, levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), dust, and pollutants rise sharply. “These tiny particles irritate the inner lining of the throat, vocal cords, and sinuses. Many people first notice it as a scratchy throat, loss of voice, persistent sinus congestion, a heavy feeling, and a blocked feeling in the head,” said Dr Mangar.
For those already prone to allergies, infections, or sinusitis, polluted air makes symptoms worse, he contended. “Even a short time outside can aggravate them,” said Dr Mengar.
High AQI means that the number of pollutants present in the air is extremely high. Naturally, when polluted air enters the lungs, it causes significant damage. These pollutants irritate and injure the airways, leading to swelling of the airway lining. “This can result in pharyngitis (throat inflammation), bronchitis (inflammation of the windpipe), and in some vulnerable individuals, even pneumonitis (inflammation of the lungs). This is how high AQI affects the lungs,” said pulmonologist Dr Vikas Mittal, director, pulmonology, CK Birla Hospital®, Delhi.
Why do symptoms get worse day by day, even if someone stays indoors with an air purifier?
Indoor air isn’t automatically clean. “Pollutants get into homes through windows, gaps, and even the clothes we wear. Construction dust, higher humidity, and viral infections in the city add extra irritation. Air purifiers help, but they can’t completely remove outside pollution during severe AQI spikes. If someone already has a throat or sinus infection, poor air quality slows down recovery by continuously irritating the airways,” said Dr Mengar.
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Can consistently poor AQI affect long-term lung health?
Yes, if exposure is frequent and prolonged. Breathing in highly polluted air regularly can lead to more frequent respiratory infections; worsening asthma or bronchitis; chronic cough; reduced lung capacity over time, and a higher risk of heart problems.
Children, elderly people, and those with lung diseases are especially at risk, said Dr Mengar.
What should people keep in mind during pollution peaks?
*Keep windows closed during high-AQI hours, but ventilate your home briefly when levels improve.
*Use certified N95 masks outdoors, especially while commuting or near construction areas.
*Stay hydrated — it thins mucus and reduces throat dryness.
*Steam inhalation and nasal saline rinses can help with sinus irritation.
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*Avoid intense outdoor exercises when AQI goes above unhealthy levels.
If symptoms such as persistent voice changes, breathlessness, or deep sinus pain persist despite precautions, a check-up is important. Pollution may be the cause, but infections or allergies often occur together and need prompt treatment, said Dr Mengar.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
