'Pollution can have long-term effects on children'

 'Pollution can have long-term effects on children'

Lately, air pollution has been seen high in the major cities of the country including Kathmandu. Even Kathmandu has been included in the list of the most polluted cities in the world. Based on the method of measuring pollution, Kathmandu's air is four times more polluted than normal conditions. This is said based on the amount of 'particulate matter' mixed in the air.

The condition of air pollution is determined based on the amount of dust particles i.e. PM 2.5 in the atmosphere. PM 2.5 is fine dust particles in the air with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers, it is a mixed form of solids and chemicals.

Since PM 2.5 is very fine, this harmful particle can enter the body and seriously affect the lungs and it may affect health.

In this way, what kind of problems can the children's health be caused by the increasing air pollution? What effect does it have on the children of faith? Focusing on these issues, respiratory, pediatric and intensive care specialist Dr. Edited excerpt of Online Khabar's Sumitra Luitel's conversation with Jagatjeevan Ghimire:

What is the reason for the increase in pollution in major cities including Kathmandu?

There is more traffic in major cities including Kathmandu. The smoke coming out from it, the roads are not good, the dust coming from there and recently the pollution from the fires near the valley have increased a lot.

What are the effects of increased air pollution on children?

Pollution has affected children in two ways. One is the immediate effect and the other is the effect over time.

Due to pollution, breathing problems are appearing in children. Children who did not have respiratory problems, after this pollution increased, problems such as respiratory problems, coughing, hoarseness and wheezing appeared.

In children who are already in the faith, symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and wheezing will increase as the pollution increases. In addition, pneumonia and viral infections have also increased.

Children living in a polluted environment for a long time have long-term effects. When staying in contact with pollution for a long time, problems such as narrowing of the respiratory tubes and weakening of the lung capacity appear.

At which age is this problem seen more in children?

The effect of air pollution starts from the time the child is in the mother's womb. If a pregnant woman is exposed to a lot of pollution, the child will have problems such as weakened lungs, lung and respiratory problems and asthma at a young age.

If the child is exposed to pollution since birth, heart related problems also appear. In addition, pollution also affects the development of the child.

Due to increasing air pollution, the problem of religion among children has increased very much in recent times. If the pollution continues to increase in this way, the pollution will reach the lungs and the capacity of the lungs will become very weak. In this way, it is found that air pollution affects from newborns to adults.

The problem of burning eyes appears in adults due to pollution, is this problem also seen in children?

If the eyes are burning, red, and the nose is burning due to pollution, then it is an allergy. Such a problem is not only seen in adults, but also in children. Recently, due to pollution, the number of children coming to the hospital with allergy problems has increased.

What can be done to reduce the risk of air pollution?

Air pollution has a serious negative impact on the health of all animals including humans. Therefore, the government should pay attention to find out the cause of air pollution and reduce and control it.

In order to keep the air clean from the level of policies and regulations, we should find ways to reduce vehicle pollution, find ways to control fires, prohibit burning of waste, and promote improved stoves and electric stoves to reduce indoor air pollution.

When pollution increases, it is also important to discuss how to avoid the effects on health. When there is a lot of pollution, children should be informed not to go out of the house unnecessarily to protect them from its effects.

How to protect children from health problems caused by pollution?

When the pollution is high, children should be kept inside the house and not sent outside to play in the dust. If you have to go out, you must wear a mask and glasses.

If there is a lot of dust flying around the house, sprinkle water to reduce it, and to reduce the dust inside the house, you should wipe it instead of brushing it. Also, do not use carpets where dust sticks as much as possible.

Pollution and children's beliefs are related to each other. When the pollution increases, the children who are in faith will become sicker and even need to be admitted to the hospital. Therefore, special care should be taken of children who are religious.

A child who is using an inhaler should not stop taking the medicine when the pollution increases, if any problems appear, the advice of a specialist doctor should be sought.