Maternal Smoking Fuels Child Asthma Surge

Paediatricians in Jharkhand have noted a concerning increase in childhood asthma cases, attributing the surge to heightened exposure to tobacco smoke during pregnancy and a growing trend towards caesarean deliveries.

Expectant mothers who smoke or are exposed to secondhand smoke face increased risks for their children developing respiratory issues later in life. Doctors emphasize that while genetics play a role, environmental factors like maternal smoke exposure significantly impact fetal lung development, making children more susceptible to asthma.

The rise in C-section deliveries is also cited as a contributing factor. Normal births expose infants to various allergens, aiding in developing resistance, a process bypassed in the sterile conditions of C-sections, potentially leading to increased asthma susceptibility.

Experts highlight that pollution, dust in mining areas, and the use of firewood for cooking in rural settings also contribute to asthma cases. Furthermore, misconceptions and the social stigma associated with asthma and inhaler use lead to delayed diagnoses and reluctance in seeking proper treatment.