Post by : Saif Rahman

The annual pollution crisis in Delhi-NCR poses significant dangers, extending beyond mere respiratory issues. Medical experts caution that hazardous air conditions can severely impact children with congenital heart defects or those recovering from cardiac surgeries. Given their already compromised heart function, exposure to polluted air exacerbates their health challenges.

Every winter, as the smog intensifies and the Air Quality Index (AQI) plummets, healthcare professionals observe a surge in young patients presenting symptoms such as breathlessness, weakness, and prolonged recovery from illnesses. Dr. Vikas Kohli, a Pediatric Cardiologist and Founder of the Child Heart Foundation, notes that harmful particulates like PM2.5, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone can penetrate the bloodstream, leading to inflammation. While healthy children might manage this stress, those with heart defects gradually suffer significant harm.

Such fine particles thicken the blood, irritate blood vessels, and potentially hinder oxygen delivery. For a child already facing a heart issue, this added strain complicates their daily lives.

Dr. Kohli points out that numerous parents are unaware of the extent to which pollution impacts their children's cardiac health. He emphasizes actionable steps families can take to mitigate risks and safeguard their children from the detrimental impacts of poor air quality.

Checking the Air Quality Index daily is crucial. Various apps can provide timely updates. When the AQI enters a hazardous range, Doctor Kohli recommends that kids with heart conditions remain indoors. Pollution levels typically peak during the early morning and evening, coinciding with traffic jams. Parents might consider adjusting school schedules, limiting outdoor activities, and planning indoor entertainment during high-pollution times.

While staying indoors is beneficial, home environments can still harbor pollutants. Dust, cooking smoke, incense, and insufficient ventilation can tarnish indoor air quality. Enhancing ventilation during low-pollution times, utilizing exhaust fans while cooking, and maintaining dust-free homes are essential. HEPA air purifiers are advisable in consistently polluted areas, ensuring children sleep in cleaner environments which can enhance their oxygen levels and relieve breathlessness symptoms.

Regular health check-ups are vital too. During smoggy periods, even minor drops in oxygen saturation can burden a child’s heart. Parents are encouraged to monitor oxygen levels at home with pulse oximeters and to be alert for signs of fatigue or rapid breathing. Increased frequency of cardiology visits is advisable during polluted months, allowing early adjustments to treatment plans.

Dr. Kohli underscores that strong immune systems offer better protection during pollution spikes. During poor air conditions, even minor colds can escalate into serious respiratory infections in children with heart defects. Maintaining hydration, a balanced diet, sufficient sleep, vitamin-rich nutrition, and ample rest can lower these risks. Since cardiac and pulmonary health are interlinked, avoiding infections remains critical.

Lastly, Dr. Kohli invites families to partake in community actions to enhance air quality. Simple efforts—such as participating in carpools, refraining from waste burning, planting trees, and endorsing clean-air initiatives—can yield long-term benefits. Schools too can contribute by modifying outdoor activities, educating students on pollution issues, and fostering safer environments on days of poor air quality.

As pollution levels escalate every winter, cultivating awareness and implementing small daily initiatives can yield substantial improvements. For children grappling with heart defects, these practices are not merely suggestions but vital steps in ensuring their well-being and nurturing a safer living environment.

#Health #Health & Fitness #Health Benefits