If you’ve spent the last few weeks sneezing, coughing, rubbing your itchy eyes, or constantly reaching for your inhaler, you’re not alone. The summer months, once simply hot and dry, have now become peak allergy season in most Indian cities. The discomfort is no longer limited to people with diagnosed asthma or allergic rhinitis—it’s affecting the average city dweller who has never struggled with respiratory issues before.
What’s happening? The air outside may look clear, but it’s loaded with a cocktail of pollen, dust, diesel soot, construction debris and microscopic irritants that our lungs are simply not equipped to handle anymore. If you feel like you’re wheezing through summer, it’s not just in your head—it’s in the air.
The Invisible Summer Storm
Summer was traditionally considered a relatively “safe” time for respiratory conditions, with winter being the infamous smog season. But over the past few years, something has shifted. Rising temperatures have led to longer pollen seasons. Plants, especially trees and weeds, release more pollen as a stress response to heat and carbon dioxide. The hotter it gets, the more pollen gets into the air—and the longer it stays.
Now combine that with the ongoing construction in urban areas, rising vehicular pollution, and the relentless pace of urbanisation. The result? A spike in airborne allergens and pollutants that trigger asthma attacks, sinus flare-ups and allergy symptoms in even healthy individuals. You might have noticed how your morning walks feel different lately. That slight burning in your throat, or the sniffles that start just as you step outside—it’s not a coincidence. Even people who’ve never had allergies before are feeling the pinch. City air has turned hostile and our lungs are paying the price.
Why More People Are Suddenly Affected
People often ask, “Why am I getting allergies now? I never had them before.” The answer lies in sensitization. Constant, low-level exposure to airborne irritants can cause your immune system to become reactive over time. What was once a harmless whiff of pollen or dust now sets off a chain reaction—sneezing, coughing, runny nose, watery eyes, or in worse cases, a full-blown asthma attack. Children are especially vulnerable. Their lungs are still developing, and they breathe faster than adults, taking in more air—and pollutants—with each breath. Many school-going kids now carry inhalers and it’s not unusual for parents to consult doctors multiple times a season just to manage persistent allergy-like symptoms.
There’s also a mental health angle. Poor air quality and constant respiratory irritation can impact sleep, energy levels and overall wellbeing. Many people describe it as “always feeling mildly sick” during these months—enough to interfere with their routine, but not severe enough to call in sick. That in-between space is where many urban allergies now live, quietly chipping away at quality of life.
The Urban Allergy Cocktail
Unlike rural areas where pollen is a standalone irritant, city dwellers face what experts call a “pollution-pollen synergy.”Pollutants such as ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter not only irritate the lungs but also alter the structure of pollen grains, making them more allergenic. In other words, pollen becomes more aggressive when it mixes with city air. Then there’s indoor air—a silent contributor. Urban homes and offices often trap pollutants from incense sticks, mosquito coils, cleaning chemicals, cooking fumes and pet dander. Add in poor ventilation, and you have a year-round recipe for respiratory distress.
The Role of Air Purifiers:
Hype or Help?
Air purifiers have found a permanent place in urban homes, especially post-pandemic. But do they really help? The answer is yes—but with conditions. A good purifier equipped with a HEPA filter can significantly reduce indoor allergens like dust mites, pollen, pet hair, and mold spores. However, they must be placed strategically and used consistently. Think of them as part of a broader strategy, not a silver bullet. And while you’re at it, don’t forget the basics: vacuum carpets regularly, wash bed linen in hot water and avoid clutter that collects dust. Small steps go a long way in keeping indoor air easier on your lungs.
Managing Urban Allergies Without Losing Your Mind
Living in a city shouldn’t mean resigning yourself to a life of tissues and antihistamines. If you’re experiencing persistent symptoms, don’t self-medicate endlessly. What may seem like “just allergies” could be uncontrolled asthma or even undiagnosed allergic rhinitis, which can worsen without proper treatment.
A consultation with a specialist can help identify specific triggers, assess lung function, and build a personalized management plan. This might include inhalers, antihistamines, nasal sprays, or immunotherapy, depending on the severity. It’s also important to listen to your body. If you find yourself wheezing after a walk, struggling to sleep due to a blocked nose, or unable to focus at work because of constant sneezing, those are signs you shouldn’t ignore. Allergies may seem minor, but they can significantly affect your productivity, sleep and emotional wellbeing over time.
The Bigger Picture
What we’re seeing now isn’t just a seasonal phenomenon—it’s a glimpse into how our changing environment is affecting human health in real time. The intersection of climate change, air quality and respiratory illness is no longer theoretical. It’s showing up in clinic waiting rooms every day. Until systemic changes are made—greener cities, cleaner fuel, stricter emission controls—individual awareness and lifestyle adaptation are our best lines of defence.
So, the next time your nose starts running or your chest feels tight as summer rolls in, know this: your body is responding to an environment that’s fundamentally changed. And it’s okay to take that seriously.
Breathe well, live better. When in doubt, don’t wait it out—consult a pulmonologist.
(The author, Dr. A Jayachandra, is the Clinical Director and Senior Interventional Pulmonologist, at CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad.)
