Respiratory drug sales spike as air pollution worsens
India saw a noticeable jump in respiratory drug sales this November, with an 8% increase compared to last year.
The main reason? Air quality took a hit, leading to more people—especially in the north—struggling with breathing issues as winter set in.
Anti-asthma and COPD meds see biggest rise
Medications for asthma and COPD grew faster than any time in the past three years.
States like Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand topped the charts with a 22% surge, while Punjab, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Haryana also saw big increases.
Kids hit hardest by poor air
The drop in air quality led to more children facing breathing problems and ending up in hospitals.
PharmaTrac's Sheetal Sapale pointed out that several regions had double-digit growth in medicine sales last month—a clear sign that pollution is making respiratory health worse for many.