India’s worsening air pollution across major cities is increasingly reflecting in healthcare spending. Sales of respiratory medicines—including anti-allergics and anti-asthma therapies—crossed Rs 1,950 crore in December 2025, marking the highest monthly level ever. This sharp rise signals a troubling escalation in pollution-linked respiratory illnesses.
Consistent Year-on-Year Growth Highlights Worsening Trend
According to data from market research firm Pharmarack, December sales were 10 per cent higher than the same month in 2024 and over 18 per cent higher than in December 2023. Notably, this steady increase each year underscores a sustained and deepening public health challenge rather than a short-term spike.
Pollution Season Pushes Quarterly Sales Higher
Meanwhile, during the October–December quarter—when air pollution typically peaks—respiratory medicine sales rose sharply. The quarter recorded a 14 per cent year-on-year increase over 2024 and an 8 per cent rise compared with 2023. Overall, respiratory therapy sales crossed Rs 5,620 crore during the quarter, reflecting a 17 per cent jump over the previous quarter.
Anti-Asthma and COPD Drugs Lead the Market
A significant share of this growth came from anti-asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) medications, which together accounted for nearly Rs 3,500 crore in sales. These therapies continue to form the backbone of treatment as pollution-related respiratory conditions rise.
Top-Selling Drugs Reflect Seasonal Impact
In addition, Foracort—widely prescribed for asthma and respiratory disorders—emerged as one of the top-selling drugs during the winter months. In December, it ranked as the second-highest selling medicine with sales of Rs 90 crore, trailing only the weight-loss drug Mounjaro. Overall, India’s domestic pharmaceutical market is estimated at around Rs 2.4 lakh crore annually.
Medical Experts Link Pollution to Rising Respiratory Illnesses
As reported by TOI, medical experts warn that prolonged exposure to air pollution can worsen asthma, trigger respiratory infections, and even lead to chronic conditions such as COPD. “With the rise in suspended particles in the air, cases of allergic rhinitis and bronchitis increase by nearly 60 per cent in daily outpatient departments,” said Dr Amitabh Malik, Head of Department – ENT, Paras Health, Gurugram. He added that masks and air purifiers offer significant protection for vulnerable individuals, while steroid inhalers and anti-allergics remain central to treatment.
Broad Demand for Antibiotics and Fever Medications
Alongside respiratory therapies, other commonly used medicines during winter include antibiotics such as Augmentin, marketed by GSK Pharma, and paracetamol for pain and fever management.
Pharma Industry Confirms Seasonal Demand Spike
Echoing these observations, a GSK Pharma India executive said that the October to February period typically sees a seasonal rise in upper respiratory infections. Consequently, demand for related medications increases during these months. Poor air quality, the executive noted, likely contributes to the growing incidence of allergic rhinitis and respiratory symptoms such as cough and cold.
Pan-India Impact Signals Public Health Emergency
Importantly, the trend is not limited to one region. Pharmarack data shows similar sales patterns across northern and southern India, with multiple regions recording double-digit month-on-month growth. “Winter-triggered ailments are no longer a seasonal fluctuation,” Pharmarack noted in its November update. “Air pollution during winter months has become an escalating public health trigger.”