The demand for nebulisers, inhalers and other respiratory medicines for children in Delhi has risen sharply during the winter months, with chemists reporting up to a 60 % increase in sales during periods of severe air pollution, a recent survey has found. Nearly one-third of all nebuliser purchases were for children, highlighting rising respiratory distress among younger age groups amid declining air quality.
The survey, conducted by Warrior Moms in collaboration with chemists across south, east, north and central Delhi, was first carried out last year and then repeated this year with a larger group of pharmacists. Reports from pharmacies showed significant increases in sales of commonly prescribed asthma and respiratory medicines, including Asthalin, Levolin, Budecort and Seroflo, between November and January when pollution levels typically peak.
In north Delhi, some inhalers saw about a 40 % jump in sales, while central and south Delhi outlets recorded a 50 % to 60 % rise in demand for nebulisers. Parents brought children with symptoms such as persistent cough, wheezing, breathlessness and chest tightness, which many chemists linked to high-smog periods in early mornings and evenings.
The survey also flagged supply challenges, with several pharmacies struggling to maintain stocks of high-demand items such as Duolin Respules and Budecort nebulising solutions during peak pollution months. It recommended better advance stocking of respiratory aids, improved supply chain management and increased public awareness — particularly in schools — to help families manage pollution-related respiratory illnesses in children during Delhi’s winter season.
