Delhi’s smog season is not just a “bad-air week.” It’s a predictable early-winter pattern driven by a mix of emissions (traffic, industry, household sources), seasonal smoke events, and weather conditions that trap pollutants close to the ground. Between October and February, Delhi frequently sees “poor” to “severe” air quality on the AQI scale, with winter meteorology (low winds and temperature inversions) making dispersion difficult.
Within this broader window, stubble burning (crop-residue fires) can add short, intense spikes—often for ~2–3 weeks from the last week of October into mid-November—sometimes compounded by festival-related smoke. But it’s important to be accurate: stubble burning is not the only driver of Delhi’s air crisis. Recent analyses show that even when fire counts drop, average pollution can remain “very poor” because local and regional year-round sources continue to dominate.
This guide explains what’s happening, how to recognize typical pollution allergy symptoms, what to do on high-risk days, when to seek medical advice, and how AllerAid can help you track patterns so you stop guessing.
Why Delhi smog feels worse in Oct–Feb (and why it lingers)
Two things combine:
- High particulate pollution (PM2.5) becomes the main driver of AQI during early winter in Delhi-NCR.
- Winter meteorology traps pollution (low winds + inversions), so the same emissions lead to higher concentrations and longer “hang time.”
What this means for you: even “normal” daily exposures (commute, outdoor time, cooking smoke, construction dust) can trigger symptoms more easily during these months.
Where stubble burning fits in (without oversimplifying)
During late October to mid-November, smoke from agricultural fires upwind can contribute meaningfully to Delhi’s pollution, especially on peak burning days. One modelling study estimated a maximum daily mean contribution of ~30–35% from stubble-burning fires to Delhi air pollution in Oct–Nov 2021.
But the contribution varies year to year and day to day, and it does not explain the full season. Even when fire activity reduces, Delhi can remain in “very poor” to “severe” ranges because local and regional sources continue.
Practical takeaway: treat Oct–Feb as the full risk window, and late Oct–mid Nov as a potential “spike period.”
Common pollution allergy symptoms during smog season
Short-term exposure to particulate pollution can increase respiratory symptoms such as airway irritation, coughing, and difficulty breathing, and it can aggravate asthma and reduce lung function.
Many people describe smog-season symptoms as:
- Burning or watering eyes
- Scratchy throat, hoarseness, dry cough
- Nasal congestion, post-nasal drip
- Headache, fatigue, “heavy chest” (especially in sensitive individuals)
Important nuance: Pollution irritation can mimic allergies—and it can also worsen allergies by inflaming airways. The goal is to reduce exposure and track what specifically triggers your flare-ups.
A day-by-day survival plan for smog season
Step 1: Decide your “risk mode” for the day
Use local AQI information (and your own symptoms) to pick one of these modes:
Green mode (low-to-moderate AQI): normal day, but still protect commutes.
Amber mode (poor): reduce outdoor time; avoid heavy exertion outdoors.
Red mode (very poor to severe): treat it as a “high-risk day”—minimize exposure and prioritize indoor air.
(Delhi often hits “poor → severe” repeatedly in Oct–Feb. )
Step 2: Protect the two biggest exposure windows
A) Commute protection (highest payoff)
- Prefer routes with less traffic congestion if possible (idling vehicles = concentrated exposure).
- Keep car windows up in heavy traffic; use recirculation where feasible.
- If you’re walking/two-wheeling: a well-fitting mask can reduce particulate exposure on high-risk days.
B) Outdoor exertion (avoid the “deep inhale” problem)
- On “red mode” days, avoid outdoor workouts. Higher breathing rate increases pollutant intake.
- If you must exercise, shift indoors or to a time when air is relatively better.
Step 3: Create a “clean-air bedroom” (your recovery zone)
Because you spend ~6–8 hours there, improving bedroom air can reduce symptom persistence.
- Keep windows closed during severe pollution spells.
- Avoid indoor smoke sources (incense, candles, cigarettes).
- Clean dust with wet methods (wet cloth/wet mop) instead of dry sweeping (which re-suspends particles).
- If you use AC/air coolers, maintain filters regularly.
Even a single cleaner room can help you sleep better and reduce morning symptoms.
Step 4: Simple symptom-support routines (non-medication)
These won’t “cure” smog, but they can reduce discomfort:
- Rinse face/hair after coming home (particles can cling to skin/hair).
- Hydration and warm fluids can ease throat irritation.
- Saline nasal rinsing can help some people with congestion (use clean/sterile water practices).
- Reduce screen time late night and protect sleep—poor sleep amplifies symptom perception and fatigue.
“Is this allergy, infection, or pollution irritation?” A fast triage
- Fever + body aches + symptoms improving within ~7–10 days → viral illness is more likely.
- Itchy eyes/nose + sneezing bursts + repeated timing → allergy is more likely.
- Burning eyes/throat + dry cough that worsens with commute/outdoors → pollution irritation is more likely.
In Delhi smog season, overlap is common. That’s why tracking patterns is powerful.
When to see a doctor (safety section)
Seek medical advice promptly if you have:
- Wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, or trouble speaking full sentences
- Asthma symptoms that worsen or need rescue medication more often
- High fever, fever >3 days, or symptoms that worsen after initial improvement
- Severe sinus pain, facial swelling, or persistent worsening cough
- Any symptoms that significantly disrupt sleep/work for more than 1–2 weeks
Air pollution is associated with worsened respiratory outcomes, and people with existing heart/lung conditions are at higher risk—don’t “push through” severe symptoms.
“Track it for 7 days in AllerAid—and you’ll know your pattern”
Smog-season symptoms are repetitive, but the trigger can differ person to person. AllerAid helps you turn “I feel awful” into a measurable pattern.
The 7-day AllerAid method (takes ~60 seconds/day)
- Log symptoms: cough, sore throat, congestion, watery eyes, headache, fatigue (severity 1–5)
- Log timing: morning vs afternoon vs night
- Add exposure notes: commute length, outdoor time, dust exposure, smoky air, indoor smoke/fragrance, dampness
- Mark the day’s AQI “mode” (green/amber/red) so you can compare symptom spikes
What you’ll learn quickly
- If symptoms spike after commutes/outdoor exposure → pollution irritation dominates
- If symptoms spike at the same time daily indoors → indoor triggers (dust/irritants) may dominate
- If symptoms track a short 7–10 day arc with fever → infection is more likely
Once you see your pattern, you can set realistic prevention habits (mask on red-mode days, clean-air bedroom, commute adjustments) and discuss clearer information with your clinician if needed.
Quick checklist
On “very poor/severe” days:
✅ Reduce outdoor time + avoid outdoor workouts
✅ Protect commute exposure
✅ Keep one room (bedroom) as clean-air zone
✅ Avoid indoor smoke/fragrances
✅ Log symptoms + exposures in AllerAid