Delhi's air quality index (AQI) surpassing 400 is causing severe health issues in previously healthy children. Paediatricians report increased hospitalizations due to pollution-induced respiratory and skin problems. Experts emphasize the need for protective measures during smoggy periods.
Delhi's deteriorating air quality is hurting a generation of children the most. With toxic AQI over 400, children are being hospitalized needing oxygen support. Dr Vivek Jain, senior director and unit head, Paediatrics, Fortis Healthcare, says, "They seem to be dreading their hospital visits this time of the year because they need more than just a syrup."
A three-year-old boy from Noida, with no prior breathing or lung issues, reported to the OPD with worsening cough, rapid abnormal breathing, and low oxygen after a week of severe smog exposure. "The child required hospitalisation and oxygen support via a high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC). No microbial pathogen was found, suggesting pollution-triggered airway inflammation," Dr Jain says.
A seven-year-old girl from Ghaziabad experiences recurrent wheeze every winter. She develops persistent cough and nocturnal wheeze during high pollution, requiring frequent nebulisation, oral corticosteroids, and eventually intravenous steroids.
A five-year-old boy from Shalimar Bagh, Delhi, had his tonsils removed but experiences tonsil inflammation symptoms when AQI worsens. This is adenotonsillar hypertrophy relapse, causing nasal obstruction, mouth breathing, and snoring.
A six-month-old boy from Vaishali suffers eczema flares every winter, needing topical steroids. Pollution damages the skin barrier and increases inflammation.
An 11-year-old girl from Rohini, New Delhi, active and sports-inclined, reports reduced stamina and breathlessness after mild outdoor activity in smog. Her airways were inflamed with no infection found.
Dr Jain advises keeping children indoors, using high-potency air purifiers, N95 masks outdoors, staying hydrated, consuming Vitamin C-rich foods, and ensuring vaccinations are up to date. Delhi's AQI stands at 381, still in the 'very poor' category.