Kathmandu, Jan. 15 -- Of the total patients visiting pulmonary and medicine units of Dhumbarahi-based HAMS Hospital of late, two-thirds are those suffering from respiratory illnesses, including cold, dry cough, bronchitis, and pneumonia.

Some reached the hospital after their condition worsened, with some experiencing shortness of breath, lack of energy, chest tightness, and constant wheezing.

"The number of patients suffering from respiratory illness has risen sharply in recent days," said Dr Raju Pangeni, a pulmonary and critical care physician at the hospital. "The rise in patient numbers can be linked to the growing air pollution, as every year respiratory cases surge with a rise in pollution levels."

Other hospitals are also report...