Why are children more affected by air pollution in the district?

Children's developing lungs are more vulnerable, and they inhale proportionally more pollutants due to faster breathing rates, while their immune systems are still maturing.

What respiratory problems are children experiencing due to poor AQI?

Children are suffering from bronchial asthma, cold and cough, wheezing, lower respiratory tract infections, and pneumonia.

How is air pollution impacting children's lung development?

Pollutants cause long-term inflammation, slow alveolar growth, and reduce overall lung capacity, potentially leading to chronic respiratory issues later in life.

Home / Health / Pollution Chokes Kids: Hospitals See Respiratory Surge

Pollution Chokes Kids: Hospitals See Respiratory Surge

22 Nov

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Summary

Children's hospitals report significant rise in respiratory illnesses.
Air quality remains poor, averaging an AQI of 287.
Pollutants cause inflammation, impacting lung development in children.

Pollution Chokes Kids: Hospitals See Respiratory Surge

The district's children are facing a severe respiratory health crisis as air quality has plummeted to 'poor' levels, with an average AQI of 287. Both private and government hospitals are reporting a significant surge in conditions like bronchial asthma, severe coughs, wheezing, and lower respiratory tract infections, particularly affecting children under five. These young patients often present with symptoms of pneumonia and persistent coughs, leading to disturbed sleep and reduced appetite.

Doctors are observing a 25% to 50% rise in pediatric respiratory cases, with some facilities seeing up to 50% of their OPDs dedicated to these illnesses. The developing lungs of children are exceptionally vulnerable to toxic airborne particles. Their faster breathing rates lead to a higher intake of pollutants, while their still-maturing immune systems are less equipped to combat the resulting damage and inflammation.