At present, Delhi looks no less than a gas chamber. After Diwali, the air quality index of the national capital has become very poor, making breathing difficult. The current AQI in Delhi is more than 300 which falls in the ‘very poor’ category and has led to increased health problems across all age groups, including respiratory ailments, skin problems, heart problems, compromised immunity and eye irritation. . However, there is a certain age group that is more at risk than any other – children.

Air pollution affects children the most. This is for several reasons including:

– They breathe faster than adults and thus ingest pollutants in greater quantities than their body weight.

– Secondly, toxins cause infections and diseases that interfere with normal lung development in children, leading to various health problems.

Children growing up in areas with polluted ambient air are at risk of developing respiratory diseases such as asthma and bronchitis and may have damaged lungs due to frequent infections. Studies have shown that poor air quality has caused irreversible damage to the lungs of more than 2.2 million school children in Delhi.

We contacted Dr. Shreya Dubey, Consultant – Neonatology and Pediatrics, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, who explained that air pollution significantly affects lung development in children, leading to long-term respiratory health issues. “Children are particularly vulnerable because their respiratory system is still in the developing stage and they breathe at a faster rate, which inhales more pollutants than adults,” he said.

Chronic exposure to pollutants such as particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide can enter the lungs resulting in reduced lung function. Studies have also shown that exposure to high levels of air pollution can impair lung function. Long-term exposure reduces respiratory problems like asthma and COPD in later life. Air pollution is linked to increased hospitalizations and mortality from asthma and COPD.

due to breathing problems air pollution in children

asthma

Pollution triggers asthma, a condition that causes inflammation in the airways and makes breathing difficult. Pollutants like ozone and particulate matter can aggravate asthma symptoms, causing coughing and wheezing in children.

Prolonged exposure to polluted air can lead to chronic bronchitis, a condition where the bronchial tubes become inflamed. This causes persistent cough, mucus formation and difficulty in breathing in children.

Although COPD is most commonly seen in adults, research shows that chronic exposure to air pollution in childhood can lead to the early development of COPD-like symptoms, such as a persistent cough, shortness of breath, and narrowing of the lungs over time. Decrease in efficiency.

Air pollution can hinder lung growth and development in children, leading to reduced lung function. Children who grow up in areas with high pollution often have smaller and less efficient lungs, which can increase the risk of respiratory problems later in life.

Polluted air weakens the immune response of children, making them more prone to respiratory infections like pneumonia and bronchitis. Fine particles in polluted air can carry pathogens deep into the lungs, causing infections that can become frequent and severe.

Airborne pollutants, including dust, pollen and smoke, can trigger allergic rhinitis, causing sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes. This often gets worse in polluted environments, and can be uncomfortable and disruptive to the child’s life.

Get the latest news live on Times Now with breaking news and top headlines from around the world.