Asthma attacks kids as pollution in Mumbai rises

Over a 100 paediatricians from across the country gathered in the city on Wednesday to discuss the alarming number of Mumbai children falling prey to asthma, and their subsequent absenteeism from school and hospitalisation.

Dr Mukesh Sanklecha, consulting paediatrician pulmonologist, Bombay Hospital, said, “More and more children are getting asthma. Like in other metro cities in the world, this problem is also acute in Mumbai. The reasons could be urbanisation, increased pollution levels. Mostly it affects affluent families, so we assume hygiene hypothesis could be a problem.”

Doctors at the meet spoke about the need to create awareness in parents. It was decided that the doctors would meet other paediatricians from their areas and sensitise them on the issue.

A finding by city doctors associated with the Asthma and Bronchitis Association of India shows that 10-12% of the city children have asthma, bronchitis or other respiratory disorders and the number is on the rise.

Dr Vijay Yewale, convenor of immunisation committee, Indian Academy of Paediatrics, said, “Due to the fluctuating temperatures and high pollution levels, almost 20-25% of the patients treated earlier are now back with the same symptoms.”

“Children who catch colds and coughs easily should be promptly treated. Asthma can be minimised by vaccinating children against influenza every year,” said Dr Jaising Phadtare, professor of pulmonary disease, Grant Medical College.