For the Kapoors, Delhi’s worsening air quality has become more than a seasonal inconvenience. It has turned into a shared health concern. Fifty-year-old Rohan Kapoor, who has a history of asthma, returned to Delhi a few weeks ago after spending some time outside the city. “It is hardly November and the AQI (air quality index) has already hit 300-plus. His asthma symptoms worsened. He subsequently developed pneumonia, and his oxygen levels dropped, requiring medical attention,” says Dr Nikhil Modi, Senior Consultant, Respiratory Medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Delhi.

Then his wife and son, neither of whom had a history of asthma, also began experiencing respiratory problems. His wife complained of a sore throat and difficulty breathing, while both she and their son continued to suffer from throat irritation and congestion. The family is receiving outpatient treatment, but the symptoms have persisted for weeks.…