Pollution symptoms often mistaken for seasonal allergies, warns doctor

With North India's air worsening from October to February, pulmonologist Dr Amit Kumar Mandal says much of what passes for allergy is the body reacting to PM2.5 pollution. He urges medical checks for coughs lasting beyond two to three weeks, wheezing, breathlessness, fever or congestion beyond 10 days. Chest pain, bluish lips or palpitations need emergency care, he says.