London Ambulance Service has seen a rise in the number of people calling 999 for help with breathing difficulties, asthma and heart problems, it said.
The capital is experiencing “very high” levels of pollution along with the rest of the South East – the highest level recorded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
LAS said it saw a 14% increase in emergency calls for patients with breathing problems yesterday, from an average of 200 normally to 227 calls.
Deputy medical director Fenella Wrigley said: “More people are calling us with breathing difficulties, asthma and heart problems.”
She said people who are young and healthy are unlikely to suffer serious short-term effects from the pollution but anyone with sore eyes, a tickly cough or a dry throat should see their pharmacist or GP if symptoms persist.
“People with asthma may also find that they need to use their inhaler more frequently and I would advise them to have their inhaler with them,” she added.
“This is a busy time for us and I would urge Londoners to use us only in an emergency, and anyone with a minor condition should call NHS 111 or seek advice from their pharmacist or GP.”