Residents in Delhi-NCR and Mumbai are at risk of respiratory issues due to deteriorating air quality. Vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing conditions like asthma or COPD, may experience aggravated symptoms such as breathlessness, chest pain, and prolonged coughing. The combination of pollution and viral infections can lead to airway hyperreactivity, prolonging recovery times. High pollution levels may also increase susceptibility to secondary bacterial infections, further complicating health outcomes.