Delhi's Toxic Winter: How Air Pollution Exacerbates Arthritis Symptoms
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As Delhi enters its harsh winter phase, doctors are sounding the alarm on a dual threat to joint health. Over the past two months, consultations for joint pain among patients with chronic arthritis have increased, with physicians attributing this surge to the hazardous combination of cold weather and poor air quality. A recent study published in the European Medical Journal found that long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can increase the risk of developing arthritis by 12 to 18 per cent. Orthopaedic specialists in the Delhi-NCR region warn that the winter chill can worsen joint pain and inflammation, while poor air quality may be playing a key role in aggravating these conditions. According to Dr. Arvind Mehra, "The cold temperatures reduce blood supply around the joints, making them stiffer, while inhaled pollutants stimulate inflammatory pathways that can worsen pain and swelling." Dr. Simon Thomas adds, "Tiny air particles such as PM2.5 don't just affect our lungs, they also get into our blood, which can cause body-wide swelling and speed up joint problems.
