Increasing Allergic Cough Among Children: How Can Parents Take Care

A recent report by IQAir 2023 ranked Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata as 4th, 7th and 10th most polluted cities of the world. As per World Health Organization (WHO), 5 micrograms per cubic meter of PM2.5 concentration is considered ideal air quality. However, around 60% of the Indian population resides in places where PM2.5 particle concentrations are at least seven times higher than WHO recommendation. Moreover, with the onset of winter, the air quality falls drastically.

As the Air Quality Index (AQI) drops, there has been a spike in number of children complaining of respiratory issues. Health experts are observing 30 to 40% increase in breathing issues among children, as compared to last year. With morning smog and high pollution levels during festive season, the numbers are expected to touch a higher side in coming weeks. Among the complaints, allergic rhinitis, chronic cough and shortness of breath are quite prevalent among children these days. Allergic rhinitis causes irritation in nose, thus leading to sneezing, itching, runny nose among kids. Similarly, chronic cough could be due to infections or allergies causing wheezing, shortness of breath etc.

Air pollution is detrimental to child’s overall health, since it not only affects their breathing and lungs, but also affects their immunity and growth. Long-term exposure to polluted air can also lead to bronchitis and long-term respiratory issues.

Factors:

Various factors contribute to the respiratory allergies among children. Genetics play an important role. Environmental factors like pollution, temperature, smog, eating habits and lifestyle etc. play a vital role.

We have also observed that nowadays children with such breathing issues and cough they do not get better even after 2-3 weeks of medication, which earlier was four to five days only. Pollution causes oxidative stress and triggers the inflammation in the lungs.

Hence, exposure to pollution should be avoided. Vulnerable age group like children, elderly, pregnant women should avoid indoor pollution like tobacco smoke, fumes, incense sticks, dhoop-sticks, mosquito coils and volatile organic compounds VOC's emanated from freshly painted homes and adhesives , glues, paints, varnishes, lacquers, and other finishes applied to new furniture  . Not many know that indoor pollutants can also have a negative impact on lung health and hence people should be cautious of both- outdoor and indoor pollutants.

New study says city children are more at risk of respiratory infections.

Precautions and treatment: For adults and children, it is important to identify the triggers that leads to allergies, cough and breathing issues. It is imperative to consult an allergy specialist, identify the allergens  by doing allergy testing and and treat the specific allergies after identifying the allergens.Allergen avoidance measures and specific allergen immunotherapy , the gold standard treatment for allergies can be instituted.  The nasal sprays and inhalers should be used as recommended by the doctor. These medications directly reach the lungs and do not have any major side effects, as usually thought. Their continuous use does not cause any dependence or addiction.

Parents should also encourage their kids to play outdoors in clean environment avoiding  polluted air as much as possible.

While going to schools, it is imperative that children  wear proper masks to decrease exposure to polluted air. Moreover, good nutritious food and physical activities are important to maintain overall good health and immunity.

Visit Us At : www.cochinallergy.com

Call us at 9744451796 | 0484 401 2222 to schedule an appointment.

Address: Dr. Molly's Allergy and Asthma Centre.

 Near Puthiya Road Junction, Irumpanam, Thrippunithura, Kochi, Kerala 682309.

We look forward to helping you get back to living your best life.