• Respiratory morbidities are escalating in LMICs like India due to compromised air quality, despite national initiatives such as the National Clean Air Programme and Ujjwala Yojana.

• A study in Bhubaneswar's urban primary healthcare centers examined respiratory illnesses and their seasonal variations, considering climate and pollution contributors.

• Health data from over 10,900 patients was categorized into three seasons using the International Classification of Primary Care‑2 (ICPC‑2) system, while air quality data on PM2.5 concentrations were obtained from six pollution monitoring stations.

• The results of the study are as follows:

1. The study reveals a significant burden of respiratory diseases in Bhubaneswar, with an incidence of 183.31 per 1000 person-years, mainly adults, leading to potential economic loss.

2. Respiratory conditions exhibit seasonal patterns, peaking during the winter season when PM2.5 levels are highest, suggesting a direct correlation between air pollution and respiratory health outcomes.

3. Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) emerged as the most common respiratory condition encountered, followed by cough and acute tonsillitis, based.

• The study underscores the urgent need for measures to address air pollution through a multipronged approach including clean fuel promotion, vehicle emission control, and improved public transportation to mitigate the burden of respiratory diseases.

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