Hina Khan expresses concern over Mumbai’s deteriorating air quality, says ‘can’t even breathe’

Actor Hina Khan, who is recovering from breast cancer, joined many celebrities in voicing her concern about Mumbai’s deteriorating air quality, expressing how it has started affecting her daily life. “What is happeningggggg…can’t even breathe yaaa…makes me reduce my outdoor activities…constant coughing, it’s so bad in the morning as well…” she said in a post on Instagram Stories. Previously, actors Saiyami Kher, Dia Mirza, and comedian Vir Das also echoed the same.

Taking a cue from this, we reached out to experts to understand how cancer survivors can stay safe.

Air pollution in Indian cities is no longer just a seasonal concern; it is a daily health challenge, according to Dr Sulaiman Ladhani, consultant pulmonologist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central. “Persistent cough and breathlessness are warning signs, not something to just ‘get used to’,” he warned.

In many Indian cities, doctors are seeing a sharp rise in individuals reporting persistent coughs, chest heaviness, and breathlessness, even among those with no prior lung issues. “A significant factor is the decline in urban air quality. City air contains fine pollutants from vehicle exhaust, road dust, construction, industrial emissions, garbage burning, and smoke from festivals. These fine particles (PM2.5 and PM10) can travel deep into the lungs and irritate the airways. With daily exposure, this irritation leads to constant coughing, tightness in the chest, and a feeling of breathlessness,” said Dr Ladhani.

Calling poor air quality a “definite reason” for ongoing cough and breathing difficulties, Dr Samir Garde, director, Dept of Pulmonology and Lung Transplant, Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, said polluted air causes airway inflammation, increases mucus production, and reduces lung function over time. “Even healthy individuals may develop a dry cough, throat irritation, wheezing, or shortness of breath after prolonged exposure,” said Dr Garde.

In the early morning hours, especially in winter, cooler temperatures trap pollution near the ground, a common phenomenon in many Indian cities. Dr Ladhani elucidated that low wind movement prevents the pollutants from dispersing. “As a result, people out for morning walks, visiting temples, or doing household chores unknowingly inhale highly concentrated polluted air. This is why coughing, throat irritation, burning eyes, and breathlessness are often at their worst between 5 am and 9 am, particularly on days with high AQI,” said Dr Ladhani.

Hina Khan’s post about its quality in Mumbai (Photo: Hina Khan/Instagram Stories)

Dr Ladhani said that cancer survivors, especially those who have had chemotherapy or radiation to the chest, have more sensitive lungs. “Poor air quality can worsen breathlessness, cause inflammation, and slow down recovery. For these individuals, staying away from polluted environments is essential for long-term health.”

– Avoid outdoor activities during hours of high AQI, especially in the early morning – Wear a properly fitted N95 mask when going out in heavy traffic or smog

– Keep windows closed during peak traffic times – Consider using air purifiers indoors, especially in bedrooms – Stay well-hydrated to keep airways moist – Steam inhalation may provide short-term relief after exposure, but is not a treatment – Shift morning walks to midday or do them indoors on high pollution days.

If coughing or breathlessness persists, it is essential to consult a pulmonologist for lung function tests and timely treatment, said Dr Garde. Taking air quality seriously and protecting your lungs can prevent long-term damage and improve daily breathing comfort.

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.