Mumbai: Doctors have raised concerns about air pollution fuelling the alarming rise in childhood asthma cases due to air pollution. Medical practitioners have claimed that every month they are visited by around four children with symptoms like frequent coughing, breathlessness during play, disturbed sleep due to wheezing, and tightness in the chest.
Medical professionals have stated that there is an unsettling spike in childhood asthma cases, especially among children aged 6-10. Experts are observing a connection between increasing air pollution and asthma symptoms in children. They believe that an increasing number of children with asthma symptoms are linked to poor air quality, timely diagnosis and awareness.
The doctors have advised that as cities battle worsening air quality, parents and schools should recognise early warning signs and support affected children. It is necessary to ensure timely medical intervention to manage asthma through proper treatment, lifestyle changes. Prompt diagnosis and management of asthma will be beneficial for children, they added.
Asthma affects the lungs and airways, making it difficult to breathe. In children, it often presents through persistent coughing, especially at night, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. While asthma can be triggered by allergens, weather changes, respiratory infections, and physical activity, environmental factors like air pollution have emerged as major contributors.
Dr Abha Mahashur, a pulmonologist at Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital, said that every month she diagnoses three to four kids, aged between 6 to 10 years, reporting symptoms like frequent coughing, breathlessness during play, disturbed sleep due to wheezing, and tightness in the chest. She added that the rise can be seen in school-aged children living in urban areas with high pollution levels.
“Air pollution, especially fine particulate matter (PM2.5), vehicle exhaust, and industrial emissions, can irritate and inflame the airways, triggering or worsening asthma. Children are more vulnerable because their lungs are still developing, and they spend significant time outdoors. Early diagnosis, consistent medication use, masking, and avoiding triggers such as venturing out when the air quality is poor can help control asthma and allow children to lead active lives,” said Dr. Mahashur.
Dr Tanvi Bhatt, another pulmonologist with Zynova Shalby Hospital, reported diagnosing asthma in around one or two children, every month, who had no previous family history of the condition. “Air pollution doesn’t just trigger asthma, it can also cause it. Continuous exposure to polluted air increases inflammation in the lungs, leading to chronic symptoms. Along with medication, it’s important to manage exposure by using indoor air purifiers, avoiding outdoor activities during peak pollution hours, and encouraging the use of masks.”
Dr Rajesh Bendre, national technical head and chief pathologist at Mumbai’s Apollo Diagnostic, said, “Timely diagnosis is key to controlling pediatric asthma early on. A lung function test, like spirometry for children who show persistent symptoms, can help. Even a detailed symptom assessment, allergy testing can be done for children to detect asthma. Diagnosing asthma early allows us to begin the right treatment plan and prevent long-term lung damage.”
