Bengaluru: The rising air pollution in the city is taking a heavy toll on children and the growing number of vehicles is only making matters worse.
Doctors say that more and more children are falling prey to asthma because of vehicular pollution.
“Air pollution is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in children in Bengaluru. Over 1 in every 4 deaths of children under five years of age is directly or indirectly related to environmental risks. Children are at a greater risk than adults, as they are uniquely vulnerable and susceptible to air pollution,” said Dr Mayuri Yeole, Consultant Pediatrician, Apollo Hospitals Seshadripuram.
She also pointed out that on a daily basis about 25% of OPD patients turn out to be young children aged two and six years. Unlike adults, children’s lungs aren’t fully developed and their immune system is not strong enough. Hence they are more likely to develop respiratory issues related to air pollution.
A study published by Lancet Planetary Health also says that vehicular pollution causes asthma among 3,50,000 children in India.
“Some of the associated conditions which we see and are on the rise are chronic bronchitis, development of asthma, atopy, uncontrolled cough, wheezing, and pneumonia,” doctors said.
Dr Sandeep H.S., Consultant, Transplant Pulmonologist, BGS Gleneagles Global Hospital also said that children who are exposed to higher levels of air pollution are more likely to develop lung diseases like bronchial asthma and may be predisposed to infections as well.
“Early onset of bronchial asthma might decrease the overall lung health in adulthood,” he said.
Regarding safety measures Dr Sandeep said, “In house, plants have shown to be very beneficial in improving the air quality. In addition, give children a healthy diet that includes Vitamin A, C, Magnesium and Omega Fatty acids and plenty of water to create a healthy immune system. As children, spend far more time outside, it would be wise to invest in a mask.”
