With Delhi grappling with the season’s worst air quality, there has been a surge in the number of patients with respiratory issues at city hospitals in the past two days, according to doctors. Resurgence of health issues has been noticed in patients whose conditions had stabilised, they added.

Doctors pointed out that persistent dry cough, fatigue, and difficulty inbreathing were common issues facing people ofall ages. Thesewere particularly severein the elderly, children, and those with comorbidities, they said.

There has been anincrease in patient footfall by 25% in the lastcouple of days, according to Dr. Neeraj Gupta, a pulmonologist at Safdarjung Hospital.

“Majority of the patients have existing respiratory issues. In the last two days, symptoms have resurfaced even in those who had been stabilised in the past few days,” Mr.Gupta said.

He said majority of patients are those with issues such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. Elderly patients and children have been frequenting the out-patient department, he added.