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Globally, around 30–35% of children are suffering from allergic disorders, and the prevalence of these kinds of illnesses has been increasing in recent years. Atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, asthma, and food allergies are some of the most common childhood allergic disorders. Asthma is a chronic allergic condition among children. The prevalence of asthma among children in India has been reported as 2 - 18.2%. When compared to other body organs, the lungs are much more exposed to the environment, and children’s lungs are highly susceptible to air pollution. The changing weather patterns have several effects on the body, and the effects are much more severe in children.
Synopsis
Asthma in childhood
Childhood asthma can severely limit one’s ability to engage in normal daily activities, including sports, poor sleep, fatigue, and finally result in a permanent decline of lung function. Additionally, it accounts for around 10 million missed school days every year and is the third main cause of hospitalisation in children. Asthma symptoms in kids include severe coughing, less energy during play, rapid breathing or shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Diagnosis of asthma in children is done by using a pulmonary function test, an allergy skin test, and a chest x-ray. Management includes the development of an asthma action plan with the child’s care provider. Medications for childhood asthma treatment are short- and long-acting beta-2 agonists, anticholinergics, and corticosteroids in the form of asthma inhalers.
Impact of climatic change on childhood asthma
Recently, several studies have shown that climate change has a significant impact on children with asthma. Children with chronic breathing difficulties may face more severe symptoms of asthma due to the rapid climatic changes.
Ground-level ozone:
Children with asthma are more susceptible to adverse impacts from ground-level ozone. It describes a climate change that has occurred due to an increase in temperature on the ground. Rather than the changes in the atmosphere, it is the changes occurring in the air we breathe and walk in. Ground-level ozone is most dangerous to children with severe asthma attacks. When fossil fuels are used, they emit a chemical that has a bad reaction with the ozone in the air, hence making it unhealthy for people to breathe.
The dangers of spring:
In most places across the world, the spring season is starting to last longer as the temperatures on Earth continue to rise. Therefore, plants grow for longer periods, adding more pollen and allergens to the air. For children with severe asthma attacks who cough, it is a very dangerous situation that could make it nearly impossible to go outside.
Impact of air pollution on childhood asthma
Increased exposure to air pollutants has been highly linked with poor asthma control in children. Additionally, numerous studies prove that air pollution not only reduces lung function but also increases rates of rescue medication use, emergency department visits, and hospitalisations for severe asthma attacks.
Tobacco smoke:
Tobacco smoke is one of the most prevalent air pollutants affecting children with asthma. Around 40% of the world’s children were exposed to secondhand smoke (SHS) from their parents smoking at home. SHS exposure is associated with an increased frequency of asthma symptoms in childhood, reduced responsiveness to inhaled corticosteroids, an increased risk for asthma-related hospitalisation, and longer hospital stays.
Traffic-related air pollution:
Children who were exposed to traffic-related air pollution are linked to an increase in the prevalence of asthma and allergic diseases. Traffic-related air pollution consists of a collection of gases such as nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, benzene, and particulate matter associated with fossil fuel combustion. Nitrogen dioxide is recognised as a critical indoor and outdoor pollutant associated with the development of atopy, wheezing, and a lower forced expiratory volume. It is generated by automobiles, gas heaters, and cooking ranges. There is a link between nitrogen dioxide exposure and reduced lung function, increased need for rescue medications, and elevated risk and severity of asthma.
Book an appointment with our expert Internal Medicine Doctor in Bhubaneswar to learn more about the impacts of air pollution on asthma in children.
Conclusion
The children’s lungs are especially susceptible to air pollution and changing weather patterns. In a rapidly changing climate, children with chronic breathing conditions may face more severe symptoms of asthma. Air pollution exacerbates childhood asthma by increasing rates of Emergency Department visits and hospitalisations for severe asthma attacks. Therefore, take control of your child’s respiratory health today. If you or your loved ones are suffering from asthma, don’t wait. At Manipal Hospitals, we understand the necessity of empowering patients with knowledge about such chronic disorders. Schedule a consultation at our Internal Medicine Hospital in Bhubaneswar. Check our blog page for the latest medical updates.
FAQ's
Many irritating particles or chemicals in the air can trigger an asthma attack, including:
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Cigarette smoke
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Diesel exhaust
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Perfume or other strong scents
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Household sprays
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Sulphur dioxide
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Grain or flour dust
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Sawdust
The signs and symptoms of a severe asthma attack include the following:
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Symptoms that are becoming more severe and do not get better even after you take your medication
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Symptoms that will not improve or rapidly return after you have taken your medication
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It is difficult to speak because of shortness of breath
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A peak flow reading below 50% of your normal value, which is not improved by the airway opener medication
Asthma is a chronic, long-term disease, and the tendency to develop asthma symptoms is probably life-long. In some children, symptoms only appear intermittently. However, a few children with mild asthma will not have symptoms by the time they reach their mid-teens. Appropriate diagnosis and treatment should be initiated at the right time.
If you have allergic asthma, it is especially important to avoid or at least reduce your exposure to the relevant allergens. If you are allergic to pets, such as cats and dogs, you should not keep them indoors. You should also reduce your contact with other people's pets, especially indoors.
To schedule an appointment with Manipal Hospitals, Bhubaneswar, contact our Allergy and Immunology Department or visit our website.
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