Written by Arushi Bidhuri | Updated : August 8, 2022 9:25 PM IST
Every day news tells us more about the worsening air quality. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 93 per cent of the world’s children under the age of 15 breathe unhealthy air that is increasing the risk of health problems. Tragically, a lot of these children die due to the complications of breathing filthy air. Here are some of the common health problems children suffer from due to air pollution.
Asthma is a respiratory health condition that causes inflammation of the airways and affects millions of children every year. It can be difficult to differentiate between symptoms of childhood asthma and other respiratory conditions such as chest and head cold. Some of the most common symptoms of asthma include coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Toddlers may experience trouble sleeping, breathing, and feel lethargic. Older children may have lack of energy, chest tightness and persistent cough.
The immune system of children is not fully developed, and the increasing air pollution can make it worse. Unhealthy air tampers with the health development of immunity and make matters worse for children. Inhaling contaminated air can cause inflammation as it might lead to the release of white blood cells into the bloodstream. The immune system becomes out of balance when PM, or fine particulate matter, is present.
Did you know vitamin D deficiency affects around 100 crores people around the world? Vitamin D deficiency can negatively affect the growth of the child, their immune system, mental health and more. Studies have shown that vitamin D is essential during infancy and childhood years because it helps in the proper growth and development of the skeletal system. Having low or deficient levels of vitamin D can have bad impact on your health. Some of the common signs of vitamin D include seizures, growth failure, irritability, lethargy, weakness in the muscles and frequent respiratory infections.
Pran mudra may enhance respiratory function. It can control breathing techniques that help keep the lungs healthy.
While there are not many studies that suggest that ambient air pollution can lead to birth defects, but it has been proved so by some studies. A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found a strong correlation between prenatal exposure to CO and heart ventricular septal abnormalities, whereas O3 was linked to a higher incidence of aortic and pulmonary artery and valve problems.
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