Four hospitals recorded a 26.8% increase in respiratory consultations in the third quarter of 2026 compared with the same period last year, as health authorities urged residents to take precautions amid worsening air quality in Metro Cebu.
Data obtained from the Department of Health Central Visayas (DOH 7) showed that the hospitals logged a combined 3,524 respiratory consultations from July to September, up from 2,778 during the same period in 2025.
The figures, however, do not establish a direct link between the increase in consultations and air pollution. Respiratory illnesses have various causes, and further monitoring is needed to determine whether deteriorating air quality contributed to the rise.
The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Central Visayas reported on Oct. 16 that air quality in Metro Cebu had reached the “Very Unhealthy” category, prompting health authorities to remind the public to limit exposure to polluted air.
At the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC), respiratory consultations rose to 1,217 in the third quarter of 2026 from 996 during the same period last year, based on the supplied hospital summary.
Monthly figures showed the sharpest increase in July, when the hospital recorded 465 consultations, compared with 300 in July 2025. August consultations also increased to 405 from 285 a year earlier.
The trend reversed in September, when VSMMC logged 347 respiratory consultations, down from 411 in the same month last year.
Pneumonia was the leading specific diagnosis in the hospital’s third-quarter figures, accounting for 530 consultations. Of these, 221 were recorded in July, 157 in August and 152 in September.
Other recorded conditions included bronchitis, with 106 cases; nasopharyngitis and tracheitis, with 101 combined cases; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, with 89; and asthma, with 47.
While the VSMMC figures provide a breakdown of respiratory consultations at one facility, they do not show whether the illnesses were caused or aggravated by air pollution.
EMB Central Visayas has warned that fine particulate matter known as PM2.5 can penetrate deep into the lungs and contribute to health problems, including coughing, breathing difficulties and irritation of the eyes and throat.
DOH 7 advised residents to limit outdoor activities, particularly prolonged exposure to polluted air, and keep indoor spaces clean and well-ventilated.
People who need to go outdoors, especially those belonging to vulnerable groups, were also advised to wear properly fitted N95 or KN95 masks when necessary.
The health department urged those experiencing severe coughing or difficulty breathing to seek medical attention.
It also said health facilities across the region were prepared and had measures in place in case the haze triggered an influx of patients experiencing respiratory difficulties.
Photo courtesy of Gian Vergara
Comments