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.

Experts highlight that prolonged exposure to pollutants such as PM2.5, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone can cause long-term airway inflammation, hinder alveolar growth, and decrease overall lung capacity. Early-life exposure to such pollution can slow physical growth, impair lung development, and increase the risk of chronic respiratory illnesses later in life, underscoring the urgent need for interventions.