Each time a grey blanket of Delhi smog descends over the city, the first instinct is to reach for a mask and blame it on “bad air for the lungs.” But specialists say that what hangs over the city every winter is not just an irritant, it is a slow, systemic assault on almost every major organ of the body.

A senior respiratory and critical care expert at a private hospital explains that the tiny particles suspended in the air are capable of travelling far beyond the chest. They can slip into the bloodstream, disrupt the brain, strain the heart, disturb the gut and even accelerate skin ageing, often without immediate, visible warning.

Fine particles that go deeper than your lungs

Delhi’s smog is rich in fine particulate matter, commonly referred to as PM2.5 and PM10. These particles are small enough to bypass the body’s usual defences in the nose and upper airways.

According to the specialist, when such particles are inhaled, they travel deep into the respiratory tract and irritate the airways. Over time, this persistent irritation can reduce lung function and raise the risk of chronic respiratory problems, including long-standing bronchitis and more frequent asthma attacks.

For those who already live with asthma, COPD or other lung diseases, this can mean more flare-ups, more hospital visits and a greater dependence on medication during smog-heavy months.

When polluted air reaches the heart

The story does not end with the lungs. Once the smallest particles enter the bloodstream, they can trigger low-grade inflammation throughout the body.

Experts point out that this inflammation and the oxidative stress it causes are closely linked to damage in blood vessels and the heart over the long term. Chronic exposure to polluted air has been associated with a higher risk of:

• Heart disease
• Raised blood pressure
• Stroke and other serious cardiovascular events

The concern, specialists say, is that people may not always connect their heart health with the air they breathe. The impact builds quietly over years of exposure, especially for those who live and work in high-pollution areas.

Brain function and children’s development at risk

Smog’s reach extends even to the brain. The senior doctor notes that research has begun to link long-term exposure to polluted air with cognitive decline, memory problems and a higher risk of neurodegenerative conditions, including forms of dementia.

Children are particularly vulnerable. Their lungs and brains are still developing, and they breathe more air per kilogram of body weight than adults. Experts suggest that growing up in heavily polluted environments can interfere with healthy lung growth and may affect brain development over time.

Pregnant women, too, stand in a high-risk group. According to the specialist, exposure to polluted air during pregnancy can affect fetal growth and may contribute to complications during pregnancy and childbirth.

Smog on your skin, in your eyes and in your gut

Smog does not only enter the body through the lungs. It also settles on exposed skin and irritates the surface of the eyes.

Doctors are seeing common complaints such as:

• Burning, dry or watery eyes
• Itching and allergic reactions
• Worsening of existing skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis

Over time, pollutants can speed up visible skin ageing by promoting inflammation and damaging the skin barrier.

What surprises many people is that smog can also disturb the gut. The expert points out that inhaled toxins can ultimately influence the gut microbiota – the community of “good bacteria” that supports digestion and immunity. When this balance is disturbed, it can contribute to digestive discomfort and weaken the body’s overall defence mechanisms.

Practical steps residents can take to reduce harm

While individuals cannot control the city’s air, they can take steps to reduce personal exposure, especially on the worst days. Specialists recommend a combination of behavioural and environmental measures:

• Wear a high-quality N95 mask outdoors during periods of severe pollution, particularly for longer commutes or outdoor work.
• Use air purifiers at home and in workplaces where possible, to improve indoor air quality.
• Avoid outdoor activities during peak pollution hours, especially early morning and late evening when the smog layer often sits heavier.
• Strengthen the body’s defences with antioxidant-rich foods such as berries, citrus fruits, nuts and green leafy vegetables, which can help counter oxidative stress.
• Opt for regular medical check-ups, particularly for people with asthma, heart disease or other chronic conditions who face higher risks during smog season.

These measures do not eliminate the danger, but they can reduce the intensity of exposure and the cumulative harm over time.

The real message: treat smog as a whole-body threat

Health experts stress that the first step is understanding the true nature of Delhi’s smog. It is not a seasonal inconvenience that ends with a bout of cough syrup; it is a toxic mix that can gradually damage multiple organs.

As the specialist puts it, smog should be seen as a whole-body threat, not just a lung problem.

The haze over the city may clear with changing winds and a shift in season, but the effects of breathing toxic air can linger much longer in the bloodstream, in the heart, in the brain and even in the gut. Awareness, timely precautions and regular monitoring of one’s health, experts say, are crucial to softening the long-term impact while broader policy solutions catch up with the scale of the crisis.

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